PhD Big Data Bootcamp
Our foundational data analytics course is created specifically for researchers. This PhD-focused course is designed to give both the skills to analyze and work with data, and the curiosity to imagine new research questions.
Providing a solid foundation in Python
Python is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages with researchers. The course is focused on giving you the necessary Python skills for research analysis.
Other concepts covered:
- Regex: Approaches for text analysis, useful for data cleaning and dataset integration.
- SQL: Useful for storing and accessing data
- Pandas, and other common analysis packages: Important foundations to help you explore different research areas.
Course Features
- Live classes: Seven weeks of live virtual classes (each 100 mins approx.), introducing and discussing key concepts.
- Small group environment: Get to know other similarly-staged PhD students - all in a small group environment (enrollment capped at 24 for live-classes).
- Asynchronous content: Each week is supported by self-paced videos and exercises to give practical experience.
- Informal and office hour support: Support as needed throughout the course to ensure concepts are understood.
- Tailored for researchers: All content is selected and tailored for social science research
Providing a solid foundation in Python
Python is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages with researchers. The course is focused on giving you the necessary Python skills for research analysis.
Other concepts covered:
- Regex: Approaches for text analysis, useful for data cleaning and dataset integration.
- SQL: Useful for storing and accessing data
- Pandas, and other common analysis packages: Important foundations to help you explore different research areas.
Tailored for PhD researchers
Material specifically selected to be useful for social science researchers. Avoid the dead-ends inherent in the wide-world of programming.
Practical skills
Save time on data cleaning and data integration - skills that not only allow new research possibilities, but also allow you to process your data more efficiently.
Research orientation
Discussions on how to use data analytics skills to identify and explore new research opportunities.
How does the course differ from other programming courses (and why is it restricted to only social science PhDs)?
The key difference between this class and more general programming classes – this class is entirely geared to social science researchers. The skills needed to gain a job at a big tech firm and the skills to conduct academic research are different. We will focus on the skills needed to succeed in research, and the class will be entirely made up of other PhD students with similar research interests.
Focusing on only social science PhD students also allows the live classes to cover other questions not considered in traditional programming classes. We’ll, for example, discuss the possibilities enabled by the ability to examine new data sources. The classes are intended to help envision new research questions to explore.
What are the objectives of the course?
The objectives of this course are to help you envision and conduct your research analysis. This includes:
- Practical analytical skills: The skills taught in this class are intended to give you the basics to build upon. While it is not possible to cover everything, the class gives a foundation to build on.
- Envisioning new questions: The potential to envision research questions can be influenced by the ability to imagine the possibilities.
- More effective research: Helping you integrate different data sources, clean data, and process datasets for further analysis.
How often are courses offered?
Classes are offered periodically throughout the year – we don’t want you to put your research on hold for that once-a-year class.
However, to ensure that class sizes are small, enrollment is limited to 24 students – be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
What support is available if I run into problems?
The class is structured with multiple layers of support to help you through any issues. These include:
- Live sessions: Weekly live sessions help introduce and explain key concepts in a small group environment (max 24 students).
- Asynchronous videos: Material is covered in further depth with self-paced videos that accompany each week’s class.
- Exercises: Examples and exercises help illustrate and reinforce concepts through hands-on learning.
- Individual support: Individual and office hour support is available as needed throughout the course to ensure concepts are understood.
Is any prior programming experience needed?
This course is a foundational-level class, and assumes no prior experience. If you are new to Python, then this class is well suited for you.
What if I already have experience with Python?
We will be launching further classes that advance on this foundational class. Please email: [email protected] to be kept in the loop of new classes.
Don't limit your research ideas by your current analysis abilities
The mission of the course is to provide you the skills to explore new possibilities. Don’t let your current skills or the limited courses offered at your institution stifle your research.
