DATA SCIENCE MINOR:
Generating Answers From the Information Explosion
What is Data Science?
This new academic field emerged from the need to obtain faster and more efficient answers from the ever increasing flow of incoming data. Decision-makers in virtually all organizations increasingly rely on accurate and timely information from Data Scientists, a new breed of specialist that can “do it all” to generate electronic information that does not yet exist (through monitoring Internet traffic, customer responses, video recordings, machine behavior and other events), write code to transform raw information into structured data, and provide reliable analysis that answers questions.
The minor in Data Science is designed to teach functional data science skills that supplement virtually any major. Through "hands on" exercises, students will learn to write computer code, design multi-source data files, and analyze, visualize, and report data findings using popular software such as SAS (or R), Python, SQL, Excel and Tableau. In the customized capstone course, each student will analyze data that are relevant to a subject of interest, such as social science, health science, business, or engineering.
Questions?
- I don't have any programming experience. Will I be able to pass these courses?
Although challenging, data coursework is designed assuming no prior coding knowledge.
- Is Calculus required for any of the courses in this minor?
No courses in this minor require Calculus. Statistical Methods I and II no longer require Calculus as a prerequisite.
- Will these courses be relevant to my interests?
Data Science is inherently interdisciplinary. Students will be encouraged to analyze data from their area of study or interest. This minor seeks to reach out to students interested in a wide range of disciplines.
- Will a Data Science minor increase my job prospects?
Yes. In the modern era, data skills are in high demand in virtually every career field. Learning practical data skills can differentiate your resume from other candidates.
For more information, please contact the coordinator:
David R. Lilley, Ph.D.
Email: David.Lilley@utoledo.edu
Phone: 419.530.5352