Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to data analytics, designed by Google to launch your career in data. With approximately 11 hours of content across four modules, you'll gain hands-on experience through interactive assignments, quizzes, and practical tools. Learn the fundamentals of data ecosystems, analytical thinking, essential tools like spreadsheets and SQL, and the ethical responsibilities of data professionals. The course is self-paced, includes lifetime access, and prepares you for entry-level data analyst roles.

Module 1: Introducing data analytics and analytical thinking

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Understand what data analytics is and how it drives decision-making
• Explore data ecosystems and their components
• Learn how data supports business and organizational decisions
• Develop core analytical thinking skills with practical examples

Module 2: The wonderful world of data

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Examine the stages of the data life cycle
• Understand the step-by-step data analysis process
• Identify key tools used in data analysis workflows
• Apply knowledge through interactive quizzes and a module challenge

Module 3: Set up your data analytics toolbox

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Work with spreadsheets for data organization and analysis
• Learn the basics of SQL for querying data
• Get introduced to data visualization principles and tools
• Complete hands-on exercises including chart creation and a challenge assignment

Module 4: Become a fair and impactful data professional

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Explore the roles and responsibilities of a data analyst
• Understand real-world industry applications of data analytics
• Learn about data ethics, fairness, and bias mitigation
• Engage in career strategy activities and interview simulations

Prerequisites

• No prior IT or data experience required
• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with web-based applications

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Define key data analytics concepts such as data, analysis, and data ecosystems
• Apply analytical thinking to solve real-world problems
• Use spreadsheets and basic SQL for data tasks
• Create simple data visualizations
• Demonstrate understanding of ethical responsibilities in data work