2018-2019 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

IDCE 30120 - Analytics & Visualization for Development


This course introduces students to advanced analysis and visualization of quantitative data related to development. We begin with an overview of theoretical approaches to data analysis, explore their use, and guide students in applying them to individual projects. We will learn ways of locating, cleaning/wrangling, organizing, analyzing, visualizing, and presenting data from publicly available national and international databases. The first half of the semester will include quantitative analytics, visualization, and presentation of health-related data.

This course will merely give you a taste of what data analysis is about, and how you can use it to make effective and well-thought-out decisions. We will not, unfortunately, dig too deeply into analytics (although that would be tons of fun!), but by the end you will be comfortable enough with the process of analyzing and visualizing data that you might want to pursue it further on your own.

No prior statistical knowledge will be assumed. However, a familiarity with using Excel is essential for success in the course. For those who are not very familiar with Microsoft Excel, they will be required to complete an online (free) training course in the first two weeks of the course. Success in the course will largely depend on students’ curiosity and not being afraid to look at the world through a different analytic lens.

Classroom sessions include lectures, discussions, and technical sessions.

Course open to IDCE graduate students; ID seniors or ADP students with previous analytics experience. If space permits, graduate students from other departments may request permission to enroll in the class.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Bi-Annually