In today's data-driven world, the ability to extract meaningful insights from information is paramount. Data analysis empowers organizations across all industries to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and achieve strategic goals. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in data analysis, equipping you with the essential skills to unlock the power of your data.
What you'll gain:
- Targeted Technique Selection: Develop the expertise to select the most appropriate data analysis techniques based on the characteristics of your data set and the specific goals of your analysis.
- Data Preprocessing Proficiency: Master the art of data cleaning and structuring, transforming raw information into a well-organized format suitable for advanced analysis.
- Spreadsheet Software Mastery: Delve into intermediate-level spreadsheet functionalities, including creating tables and graphs using advanced techniques, pivot tables, advanced formulas, and custom sorting, enabling you to extract deeper insights from your data.
- Bias Mitigation Strategies: Gain a thorough understanding of potential biases within data sets and explore techniques to mitigate their influence, ensuring the objectivity and accuracy of your analysis.
- Explore Forecasting Models: Learn how forecasting models can be used to predict future trends and make data-driven decisions that propel your organization forward.
By the course's conclusion, you will be able to:
- Confidently select the most effective data analysis methods tailored to your specific project requirements.
- Preprocess and structure data sets for efficient and accurate analysis.
- Leverage advanced spreadsheet techniques to uncover hidden patterns and relationships within your data, including creating informative tables and graphs.
- Identify and address potential biases to ensure the integrity and reliability of your analysis.
- Select forecasting model options for predictive analytics to guide strategic decision-making.
This course is designed for individuals of all backgrounds, from those with limited data analysis experience seeking a strong foundation to those looking to refine and expand their existing skill set. Join us and embark on a journey to transform data into actionable insights, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to data-driven decision-making within your organization.
Course Dates and Times
The next available course runs Monday, October 28 - Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Learners and instructors will meet as a group to workshop their design project at 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. US Central Time on:
- October 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4 & 11
Course Format
This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom.
Each week students will:
attend one 90-minute Zoom, during which students will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers
complete three hours of assignments or project work
Students will be graded based on completion of assessed assignments/projects.
Technology Requirements
To participate in this course, learners will need:
- Access to Microsoft Excel
- If you do not already have Excel, you can access a free version through Microsoft
- Basic Excel skills - this course will teach towards intermediate Excel skills, so we recommend you have some skills in Excel including using functions
FAQ
Do I need to attend all Zoom sessions?
You are encouraged to attend all Zoom sessions of the course. During the live Zoom sessions, you will participate in valuable discussions and workshops that will aid in meeting the course learning objectives.
When is the course open?
The course Canvas site will open on the Wednesday before the first day of the course. All the modules will open on the first day of the course.
How do I successfully complete the course?
You will receive a grade of incomplete or complete based on your demonstration of course learning objectives. Learning objectives are demonstrated by completing assessed projects.
The instructor will assess each learning outcome as “not demonstrated,” or “demonstrated.” Completion of a course means that you have demonstrated achievement of all learning outcomes. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the certificate of completion for the course will be awarded only if you receive a grade of ‘complete’ for the course.
While participation in Zoom sessions and engagement with other non-assessed learning activities do not count towards the final grade, these activities are designed to be an integral part of achieving the course learning outcomes.
If you receive a grade of ‘incomplete’ after turning in an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project once. Please note, receiving a grade of “Incomplete” and/or failure to demonstrate a learning outcome will not result in a refund.
When do I need to turn in assignments?
Assessed projects and other learning activities must be submitted on or before the due date, unless specific extensions are granted by the instructor. Instructors may not grant extensions more than two weeks after the course end date.
What happens if I need to resubmit a project?
If you do not successfully demonstrate course learning outcomes in your first attempt on an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project one time. Resubmissions cannot be submitted more than 2 weeks after the original due date.
How can I request accommodations?
The University of Minnesota views disability as an important aspect of diversity, and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all learners. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with learners who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
- If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as, mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities - 612.626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
- If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations please contact your (access consultant/disability specialist).
- If you need ASL Interpretation Services please fill out the request form for your class.
Please submit your request for accommodations at least two weeks in advance to guarantee we can accommodate the request.
Additional information is available on the DRC website or reach out by email: [email protected].
Transfer and Refund Policies
Transfer policy
You can transfer without additional charge to the next session if you inform CCAPS staff within the first two weeks of class of the need to transfer.
Refund Policy
CCAPS is able to provide partial refunds for the first two weeks of the course. Please see the refund timeline below:
- Before the first day of the course: 100% refund
- 1 - 7 days after start of course: 75% refund
- 8 - 14 days after start of course: 50% refund
- After 15 days: No refund available
Cancellation Policy
In the event CCAPS has to cancel the course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer you a transfer to another section of the course or full refund of the course registration fee.
