FI1BBDF05 Data Analysis Fundamentals

FI1BBDF05 Data Analysis Fundamentals

  • Course description
    • Course Code
      FI1BBDF05
    • Level of Study
      5.1
    • Program of Study
      Data Analyst 2
    • Credits
      5
    • Study Plan Coordinator
      Bertram Haskins, Alec Du Plessis
Teaching Term(s)
2025 Autumn
About the Course

This course delivers an introductory overview of Data Analysis. It provides the foundational material required to build a strong theoretical understanding of why data analysis is required in industry and how using analytics tools can shape decision making in the real world. Using case studies, candidates will investigate the history and importance of data analysis, allowing candidates the opportunity to explore where the techniques can be applied to their bespoke field of interest or expertise. Candidates will learn how to identify problems, where to apply data gathering techniques, how data will be tabulated and managed, and what results the data analysis evaluations intend to achieve.

This course creates a foundation understanding data, including the evolution and history of it. Students are introduced to the impact of how analysis has been used to shape the outcomes of decision making in the real world. It is important that key concepts such as data integrity, ethically sourced medium, and GDPR standards are explained early in the candidate’s career so that their actions going forward reflect these practices passively.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of the history of data and data sources
  • has knowledge of the significance of data in the real world
  • has introductory knowledge of business intelligence and big data
  • has insights into data strategies, specifically exploration, visualization, trends and estimates
  • understands the importance of data warehouses, data silos, and open data platforms
Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply knowledge of problem division and solving into each stage in the data lifecycle
  • can apply theoretical data analysis strategies into simulated and proxy real world scenarios
  • can find information relevant to problem scenarios and suggest several applicable data analysis strategy solutions
  • can identify where data can be collected first-hand and where to source from alternative medium
  • masters online data collection tools such as Google Forms, or printed hand-outs
  • can identify and source data ethically with GDPR standards in mind
General Competence

The candidate:

  • understands the ethical principles required for a successful data analysis project
  • understands the ethical principles of collecting and maintaining ethically sourced data
  • can carry out data strategies from proxy real world scenarios sourced from industry
  • can develop their terminology used within data analysis industry
Learning Activities

Digital Learning Resources
The learning management system (LMS) is the primary learning platform where students access most of their course materials. The content is presented in various formats, such as text, images, models, videos or podcasts. Each course follows a progression plan, designed to lead students through weekly modules at their own pace. Exercises and assignments (individual or in groups) are embedded throughout the courses to support continuous practice and assessment of the learning outcomes.

Campus Resources
In addition to the digital learning resources, campus students participate in physical learning activities led by teachers as part of the overall delivery.

Guidance
Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journeys, and may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, individually or in groups, via text, video or in-person feedback.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Pass / Fail
Individual
1 Week(s)
Reading List

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.