Learning Data Science

This guide includes suggestions of resources which can be used for self-directed learning while working at home. The courses themselves are not promoted or certified as the best possible options but presented as a starting-point for AAFC employees, supervisors, managers and parents who are currently faced with planning independent learning.

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course)

There are currently dozens of MOOC platforms online. This list contains suggestions of classes offered by some of the more common MOOC services. The selected platforms are known for offering STM content provided by reputable sources and offer at least some of their content without a fee. Some consideration has been given to including platforms which may be suitable for family members of AAFC who are also currently “working at home”.

Selections of courses and approaches to teaching content on MOOCs tend to we wide-ranging. Even within a topic such as data science, some MOOC platforms offer hundreds of courses. The courses listed in this document were selected for being representative of the type of courses found on the platform, for being self-paced and for having a flexible start-date. Once you familiarize yourself with a platform, you may find other courses which are better-suited to your learning style, objectives and time availability.

Note that if you prefer to learn in a language other than English, there are MOOCs available in many languages. In some platforms, such as Coursera, the course search engine allows for searching and filtering courses according to language.

Keep in mind that most MOOC platforms do not work or do not work well using the IE browser and some require the use of a laptop or desktop computer as opposed to a mobile device.

EdEx Platform

EdEx has a reputation of offering detailed STM courses which are not necessarily tied to a particular degree or program. Undergraduate and graduate-level courses are taught by faculty from recognized universities. The emphasis is on professional development.

Introduction to data science 20-36 hrs

Data science method 30-40 hrs

Data science: R Basics 8-10 hrs

Introduction to R for Data Science

Coursera Platform

This platform has a range of offerings from one-off lessons on certain topics, to series of courses in a specialization, to undergraduate and graduate degrees from accredited universities. While there is a fee for all courses that result in a credential or certificate, most courses can be audited for no charge. Coursera is one of the original MOOC platforms and is impressively robust in terms of languages of instruction and topics covered.

Crash course in data science 5 hrs

What is data science 7 hrs

Data science methodology 7 hrs

Open source tools for data science 8hrs

Data science math skills 16 hrs

Introduction to probability and data 22 hrs

Example of a specialization: Data science: foundations using R (this specialization typically takes several months to complete and has a fee associated with completing it)

Khan Academy

These MOOC courses are useful for brushing-up on long-forgotten math skills or to give your teenager something more challenging to work on while they are home from school. Course content at the high school level includes topics such as chemistry, biology, physics, grammar and computer science. As a brush-up, the “Cliff Notes”-type outlines found in some of the lessons can be completed in less than an hour. For those who are new to the topic, more time will be required. For those who have elementary school children, Khan Academy offers some grade-appropriate math lessons.

Statistics and probability

Differential calculus

Integral calculus

Multivariable calculus

Differential equations

Linear algebra

Canvas

The Canvas platform is often considered one of the more accessible platforms for professional development and life-long-learning. While the STM content is less pronounced on Canvas, there are many courses related to health sciences, business and personal development. This platform can also be a useful source of classes for family members.

Statistics for everyone 2hrs

Best practices in biomedical research data management 7 hrs

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning or “Learning” is a digital learning platform that is hosted on the LinkedIn professional social media website. “Learning” contains content which was previously hosted on Lynda.com.

Courses consist of videos and podcasts of various lengths and at various levels of complexity ranging from beginner to expert. Many courses include quizzes, exams and learning exercises. Certificates are available for some courses. Learning is a good resource for all family members.

Learning courses are available to many AAFC employees via three possible avenues. Some AAFC employees already have Learning licences through their branch or are able to obtain one (speak to your supervisor to determine whether a licence may be available to you). Some employees have purchased personal licences. Others have obtained access to some Learning content via their local public library or if they are students or faculty at the U of S. Note that not all Learning content may be available through the Public Libraries.

Regina Public Library Patrons: https://www.reginalibrary.ca/digitalservices/lynda

Saskatoon Public Library Patrons: https://www.lynda.com/portal/sip?org=saskatoonlibrary.ca

U of S affiliates: https://training.usask.ca/linkedin-learning/LIL.php#WelcometoLinkedInLearningattheUofS

Data science introductory classes

Learning data science: understanding the basics 1 hr 16 min

Data science foundations: fundamentals 3 hr 41 min

Open data: Unleashing the hidden value, why open data really matters to our future. 1 hr, 11 min

Technology and data careers in government 1 hr

Twelve myths about data science 36 min

Learning public datasets 2hr 1 min

Telling a story with data 15 min

Insights on data science: what are some common misconceptions 23 min