• The University of Auckland

Data to Insight: An Introduction to Data Analysis and Visualisation

Get a hands-on introduction to data science, exploring principles of statistical analysis and data visualisation.

93,028 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    8 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Start thinking like a data analyst

With big data central to modern business decision-making processes, data science skills are increasingly essential.

On this course, you’ll be introduced to principles of data analysis and data visualisation.

You’ll begin learning how to use statistical analysis to guide business decisions. You’ll use specialised data analysis tools to generate insights and learn how to present data visually and numerically.

Download video: standard or HD

What topics will you cover?

  • Data and its organisation
  • Basic statistics
  • Making discoveries working with several variables simultaneously
  • Sources of error and misconception
  • Confidence intervals
  • Statistical tests via randomisation
  • Seasonal decomposition and forecasting

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...

  • Explore fundamental statistical data science concepts
  • Create visual and numerical representations of data
  • Interpret data analysis outputs
  • Discuss interpretations and limitations of data

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for those new to data analysis and data visualisation or those who want a reminder and fresh perspectives. You will need to be comfortable thinking in terms of percentages and have a level of comfort with using computers.

What software or tools do you need?

We use free software. Parallel threads enable you to choose between using online software that requires only an internet connection and browser, installed “point-and-click” software, or learning to code in R.

What do people say about this course?

"Thank you for this course, I have learned a lot. I found the blend of developing in depth understanding of theory and usable practical visualisation tools and methods really good. I'll certainly be using some of the techniques in my work, and the understanding that has been developed will be invaluable. Thanks again!"

"Thanks very much to the team for this course. It's taken me a while to get round to completing, but I've already been using the skills (and Insight!) in my job and this has inspired me to think about going on to study statistics further."

Who will you learn with?

Lead educator for “Data to Insight”, Chris Wild’s interests are data from complex sampling, statistical thinking and reasoning processes, and visualisation
See: https://www.stat.auckland.ac.nz/~wild

I helped design the Data to Insight Course and am passionate about accessibility to quality education for all.

I am a Professional Teaching Fellow in the Department of Statistics at The University of Auckland. My main areas of interest are Data Analysis and Applied Time Series Analysis.

Who developed the course?

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and the only one included in the Times Higher Education top 200.

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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