This Certificate in Data Preparation and Visualisation micro credential is designed in response to industry feedback for the provision of accredited professional development opportunities for those working in IT or technical roles.

 

Extensive exploratory data analysis and proper data preparation are a crucial first step in any data analysis process. The aim of this micro credential Certificate programme is to provide the learner with an in-depth understanding of the rationale for data exploration and the methods used to explore data programmatically with Python, a high level, low barrier, programming language.

 

The student also learns the importance of feature selection and dimensionality reduction and the bias-variance trade-off, the importance of the correct encoding of data and the usefulness of feature engineering as a means of representing complex functional relationships to machine learning models. The module also deals with the theory and application of data visualisation methods and transmission media, tailored for diverse audiences.

 

By incorporating basic programming skills in a hands-on practical integrated manner enables the learner’s ability to program but also reinforces the inseparable nature of programming within the field of Data analytics. This module also includes what is essentially an embedded ‘bootcamp’ of basic programming concepts to ensure a level playing field for all learners (facilitated through the use of a low entry barrier language: Python).

 

On completion of the programme learners should have knowledge, skill and competence in:

• Basic programming principles and the importance of exploratory data analysis as an essential first step in the data analytical process.
• Methods of encoding data for specific machine learning algorithms. The value of data visualisation as a means of offering rapid insights into large quantities of data.
• The theory, concepts, techniques and processes of data representation and visualisation.
• The types of data visualisation and their associated cognitive load.
• The current range of software tools available for data visualisation.