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Big Data Analytics: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future

We produce more data than ever before. Find out how ‘big data analytics’ can help you make use of it.

42,591 enrolled on this course

Complex data threads graphic visualisation
  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

In the information age, we value the people who can understand the data

Big data analytics helps us to understand the huge volume of information our world now generates. We can use analytics to uncover hidden patterns, predict trends, gauge customer opinions and so much more.

On this course, developed by Professor Bela Stantic and Griffith University’s Big Data and Smart Analytics Lab, you’ll learn how to evaluate data from different sources, and how big data is being used in various industries to solve problems and shape our future.

You’ll also consider the challenges that arise from big data analytics, and, ultimately, how all this impacts your life.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds Every day, masses of data are being generated from shopping transactions, social media posts, GPS, medical monitoring devices, office documentation, and the list goes on. Companies, organisations, and governments are drawing connections between these massive amounts of data from a huge range of sources. This process is known as big data analytics. Hi, I’m Sebastian from Griffith University. Analysing big data helps to predict future trends, discover hidden patterns, and find out about customer opinions. From business to education to government and health services, many organisations can benefit from using big data analytics. In this course, you’ll gain insight into how big data analytics is employed in different industries to solve new problems that impact your daily life.

Skip to 0 minutes and 57 seconds Griffith University’s School of Information and Communication Technology is home to the Big Data and Smart Analytics Lab. The lab specialises in the areas of big data management, machine and deep learning, and data visualisation. Our educators are recognised as world industry leaders who have published extensively in these areas. Join us as we explore together the opportunities and challenges of big data analytics and what this means for your future.

What topics will you cover?

  • Introduction to big data and where it comes from
  • Overview of the data analytics cycle
  • Social media platforms and types of data
  • Applications of big data across different industries
  • Opportunities and challenges for big data analytics

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the key concepts of big data analytics
  • Evaluate data from different sources
  • Identify implications of big data analytics
  • Describe how big data analytics can solve problems across disciplines

Who is the course for?

This course would suit anyone interested in learning about the fast-growing field of big data, including those considering a career in the industry. It may be of particular use to social media users, or those interested in seeing how big data may affect their particular industry.

Who will you learn with?

I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University, with a passion for online teaching and technical interests in data mining and AI

Who developed the course?

Griffith University

Griffith University was created to be a different kind of university—challenging conventions, responding to trends and pioneering solutions through innovative teaching and research.

  • Established

    1971
  • Location

    Queensland, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 210Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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