Python for Social Data Science - Courses

Program Overview

This CPD program addresses the need for data science training in Ireland. Co-created with industry partners, it equips participants with fundamental knowledge and skills in social data analysis, including Python programming, data wrangling, and visualization. The program emphasizes causal analysis and addresses social issues such as inequality and climate change. Participants are expected to have some quantitative experience but no prior programming knowledge is required.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This CPD addresses the scarcity of training in data science in Ireland. Co-created with key industry partners, the programme trains participants in the fundamental knowledge and skills of social data analysis. The programme goes beyond social data analytics to address causal analysis and consider social issues that are important to industries such as inequality, unemployment, climate change and ethics. In particular, it will introduce participants to the Python programming language, which is a state-of-the-art tool for data analysis. The aim is for participants to acquire basic programming skills. On successful completion of this CPD, participants will be able to: Describe basic programming terminology, structures, and conventions. Demonstrate familiarity with the Python programming language, including the ability to write, execute and debug scripts. Design project workflows through GitHub Perform data wrangling and visualisation tasks using Python.

Outline:

The CPD introduces participants to the core programming concepts, including functions, variables, conditions, loops, data structures, working with libraries, and interacting with APIs. It also covers data management and visualisation. Best practices in project workflow will also be introduced using GitHub.

Teaching:

The course will be delivered online over seven weeks (including a break week). Each week there will be a one-hour live webinar on Thursdays from 6pm-7pm, to complement 18 hours of asynchronous lecture material. Additionally, participants will undertake 20 hours of self-study over the course of the programme and complete a multiple take home assignment.

Careers:

Participants are often working in the IT, finance, and banking sectors. This CPD will be of interest to individuals who wish to progress their careers through acquiring valuable social data analysis skills that are widely sought after in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Other:

Participants are expected to have some quantitative experience through prior training, such as a degree or equivalent experience. However, no prior programming experience is required. The course runs from Thursday 15th February to Thursday 28th March 2024. On successful completion of the CPD, students will receive a Certificate of Completion. In order to be awarded the certificate, participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.