Data Science
Data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses statistics, computing, programming, and domain knowledge to extract knowledge and actionable insights from data.
Data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses statistics, computing, programming, and domain knowledge to extract knowledge and actionable insights from data. It is closely related to Artificial Intelligence and is used by practitioners such as Nate Silver. For more information, see Wiki.
Definition
Data science is the study and practice of extracting insights from data using scientific methods, computing, and domain knowledge. It is an interdisciplinary field that supports analysis, prediction, and decision-making.
Methods and workflow
Common data science work includes collecting data, cleaning and processing it, analyzing it, building models, visualizing results, and communicating findings. Machine learning and AI may be used as part of this workflow.
Applications
Data science is applied in business, healthcare, finance, government, retail, and technology. Its outputs are often used for forecasting, operational improvement, and strategic planning.
Careers and education
People in this field often hold roles such as data scientist, data analyst, machine learning practitioner, or related analytics positions. Education can come through degrees, certificates, bootcamps, and self-study in statistics, programming, and data tools.
Key facts
- Data science focuses on turning raw data into useful knowledge and decisions.
- The field combines statistical methods with computing and subject-matter expertise.
- It works with both structured and unstructured data.
- Machine learning is often used within data science, but the two are not the same field.
- Data science includes communication of findings through visualization and storytelling.
Data science is relevant to Canadian universities, employers, and public-sector organizations that use data for research, business planning, healthcare, and government services. Canadian readers may encounter data science in postsecondary programs and technology-sector jobs across major cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is data science?
How to learn data science?
Data science vs machine learning
Data science salary
Data science jobs
Data science courses
References
- IBM — https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/data-scienceSupports: Definition of data science as a combination of math, statistics, programming, analytics, AI, machine learning, and subject matter expertise.
- UC Berkeley School of Information — https://ischoolonline.berkeley.edu/data-science/what-is-data-science/Supports: Interdisciplinary definition; role of advanced analytics, AI, machine learning, and decision-making.
- National Network of Libraries of Medicine — https://www.nnlm.gov/resources/data/data-glossary/data-scienceSupports: Definition of data science as an interdisciplinary field using statistics, computer science, programming, and domain knowledge; includes visualization and communication.
- Coursera — https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-data-scienceSupports: General description of data science, predictive modeling, and relationship to machine learning.
- GeeksforGeeks — https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/machine-learning/overview-of-data-science/Supports: General overview of the field, applications, and its goal of turning raw data into actionable insights.
- Harvard Business School Online — https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-data-scienceSupports: Distinction between data science and data analytics; description of data science as extracting insights from data using statistical methods and programming.
- Amazon Web Services — https://www.aws.amazon.com/what-is/data-science/Supports: Broad description of data science as an umbrella term covering data processing from collection to modeling to insights.