Introduction to Applied Data Science

Data science has become an important discipline in decision-making across industries, changing how organizations understand and use their data. This chapter introduces you to applied data science, laying the foundation for the more advanced topics you will encounter throughout this course. You'll begin by looking into the essential components of data science workflows, gaining an understanding of how data is acquired, cleaned, and prepared for analysis.

We will investigate the importance of asking the right questions and defining the scope of projects to ensure meaningful outcomes. You'll also learn about the tools and techniques that data scientists use to analyze data, including statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a solid grasp of the principles of applied data science, ready to tackle real-world data challenges.

Throughout this course, you'll apply these concepts to real datasets, learning to derive actionable insights and make data-driven decisions. As you progress, you'll encounter advanced analytics techniques, enabling you to handle more complex data scenarios. Prepare to engage with the material through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, as we lay the groundwork for your path in applied data science.