IBM: Data Analytics Basics for Everyone course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course introduces the core concepts of data analytics and builds a strong foundation for understanding how data drives decisions in various industries. The course is structured into five modules and a final project, with a total time commitment of approximately 20–25 hours. Each module combines conceptual learning with real-world examples, designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of technical background. Lifetime access allows flexible, self-paced learning.

Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Understand what data analytics is and why it matters
• Explore real-world applications in business, healthcare, finance, and marketing
• Learn the role of data analysts and analytics teams
• Identify how data analytics creates value across industries

Module 2: Types of Data and Data Sources

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Learn about structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data
• Explore common data sources and how data is collected
• Understand different data formats (e.g., CSV, JSON, logs)
• Examine data quality considerations and challenges

Module 3: Data Analytics Process and Tools

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Understand the end-to-end data analytics workflow
• Learn about data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization stages
• Explore common tools conceptually: spreadsheets, BI tools, databases
• Understand how insights are generated from raw data

Module 4: Data-Driven Decision Making

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Learn how organizations use analytics to make informed decisions
• Understand descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
• Explore real-world examples of data-driven strategies
• Review ethical considerations and data responsibility

Module 5: Building Analytics Literacy

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Build foundational understanding of data terminology
• Learn the differences between data analysis, data analytics, data science, and business intelligence
• Develop data-driven thinking skills
• Prepare for further learning in analytics tools and careers

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Analyze a real-world scenario using data analytics concepts
• Identify data types and sources relevant to a business problem
• Present findings and recommendations based on data-driven insights

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with digital information
• No programming or technical background required
• Interest in data and decision-making

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain what data analytics is and how it's used across industries
• Distinguish between data analysis, data science, and business intelligence
• Describe the stages of the data analytics lifecycle
• Identify common data types, sources, and quality issues
• Apply data-driven thinking to real-world decision scenarios