The Briefing. The Dynamics. The Data.

Introduction to Data Science is the first general subject that grounds students in the program on what the field truly is. Unlike other introductory subjects for data science, this subject hones and grounds students by providing them with a general overview of the program and the career that is ahead of them. More importantly, it provides a roadmap and stakeholder analysis when it comes to dealing with the field. To summarize this, I would say that Introduction to Data Science could be divided into three major components – this trilogy is what makes a holistic data scientist and an AIM MSDS graduate stand out from the rest of “data scientists” out there.

First, the briefing. Before plunging deep into the whole MSDS program IDS enlightens the students on what data science is. It provides an overview and general useful information on what are the ins and outs of being in the field. More importantly, it aids the class synthesize how they define data science – it is apparent that the definition of which varies from one industry to another. However, what is important is that the general framework and idea of the consensus of definitions gathered through class discussions. Data science is an interdisciplinary field that maximizes mathematical and analytical methods of natural sciences and the tools provided by technology in order to address real-world problems (such as business and public policies).

Secondly, the dynamics. After the briefing, IDS moves towards instilling to its students that data science is a mere tool in understanding and addressing problems. It is important to note that data science is not a magical potion that could solve whatever problem thrown at it – it can draw conclusions, but it is not the alpha and omega of it all. As a tool, it is expected to work alongside other key drivers in the field. With this, it is commended to be a versatile and adaptable tool in addressing real-world scenarios. IDS will ground its future students into realizing what the field is in the context of businesses and other stakeholders. Despite knowing the numbers, students will soon realize that it is also hugely about being able to convey their thoughts and skills through collaboration with people of different fields of practice.

Lastly, the data. The data that we gather, use, and analyze are not mere numbers. It is important to note that these numbers are reflective of people, organizations, species, societies, and economies. These numbers are not to be dealt with as mere commodities but as a valuable resource with ethical constraints. And this is where IDS’ discussion concludes – that despite emerging from different fields of science, despite being a powerful business tool, and despite being the key to progress and development, data science deals with people and that these are not just numbers. A student of the MSDS program must always remember this… that despite their proficiency in the classroom, innate business acumen, daily immense pressure, and tantamount workload, it is people’s lives that we are analyzing, it is an organization’s future that we are augmenting, and it is a society that we are drawing impact for – data science is a powerful tool that draws impact that many have not yet realized.