Have you decided to jump on the digital trend and take your statistics, mathematics and computer science skills to a new level? Then further training through online courses in the field of data science would be something for you. In the following article we will explain to you in more detail what data science actually is and what content is associated with it. We will also introduce you to 10 top online courses with which you can acquire the basic skills of a data scientist.
What is Data Science?
We leave our traces while surfing the Internet. We reveal information and data about ourselves unconsciously or consciously. This data is stored in large databases. But what happens to them then? The interdisciplinary field of data science deals with the extraction and evaluation of information from data. Various methods, algorithms and systems are used for this purpose.
What exact skills does a data scientist actually need?
The interdisciplinary field of work of a data scientist requires various skills and abilities from the fields of mathematics, statistics and computer science. A data scientist needs knowledge and skills in the area of machine learning and deep learning. Both areas deal with how computers react to commands that have not been previously programmed through learning processes. A further development of these areas is artificial intelligence. To program such algorithms, programming languages Python and Tensor Flow are required. Furthermore, knowledge of SQL is required for programming databases. Targeted commands can be used to filter out what you are looking for from the amount of data within a database. They are then evaluated using mathematical and statistical methods.
Top 10 Online Data Science Courses
1. Specialization in Machine Learning
In this specialization on Coursera (link to the LP) you will learn effective techniques in the area of machine learning. In this course you will not only be given theoretical knowledge, but will also be shown how you can apply the techniques and methods you have learned to various problems and in different fields of work. You practice implementing these techniques and get the process running independently. The Coursera Machine Learning specialization takes place 100% online. You will need around 55 hours to successfully complete the course. Coursera recommends that you plan around 7 hours per week. However, you are flexible in terms of time when planning and implementing courses and projects. The course takes place in English.
2. Deep learning specialization
Deep learning is one of the most important and in-demand skills in the areas of data science and artificial intelligence. In the 5 online courses you will learn the basics of deep learning and how to build neural networks. You will also train the skills you have acquired in various case studies, including in the context of healthcare and autonomous driving, whereby you will practice the programming languages Python and Tensor Flow.
3. Specialization Applied Data Science with Python
This Coursera specialization is an introduction to data science with a focus on the Python programming language. Some prior knowledge of programming, including Python, can only be an advantage in this course. In this course, your knowledge of statistics, machine learning, information visualization, text and social media analysis will be deepened and consolidated on real data sets using the popular Phyton tools.
4.Geometric Algorithms
In this online course, techniques and concepts for analyzing and designing geometric algorithms are examined using practical examples. At the end of the online course, you will be able to decide which algorithm or data structure you need to use to solve a geometric problem. You will also be able to analyze new problems and find efficient solutions taking into account the concepts and techniques you have learned.
5. The Data Scientist's Toolbox
This online course is the first of 10 parts of the Computing specialization at Coursera. You will be given an overview of the common data, questions and tools that data scientists deal with every day. On the one hand, in this course you will learn the idea behind the conversion of data into knowledge. On the other hand, you will receive an introduction to various tools such as Markdown, Git, GitHub, R and Rstudio.
Conclusion
Would you like to investigate the footprints of users on the World Wide Web as a digital detective? If you enjoy numbers, think analytically and have an appreciation for technical issues, you could become a data scientist. In this article, we have provided an insight into some valuable courses that get certified. There are also so-called boot camps in which you can acquire intensive basic knowledge in a short time.
