Data Science Prerequisites

Anyone interested in learning more about data science can begin by studying some of the skills required in this broad, complex field. Different industries demand different types of training, and a Data Analyst position requires skills unlike those of a Machine Learning Engineer.

You might worry that data science will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning data science and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

What is Data Science?

Data science is a broad field that encompasses the disciplines of mathematics, computer programming, and artificial intelligence (AI). Data professionals such as Data Scientists and Data Analysts use advanced techniques like machine learning algorithms to find patterns in a vast amount of information. This process can provide actionable insights to stakeholders, from Product Managers to C-suite executives.

Today nearly every sector requires data science expertise, whether public or private. Among the top sectors where data science is critical are health and wellness, retail, web and application development, banking and finance, and governmental agencies. The field continues to project dramatic growth over the next decade; Glassdoor even listed Data Scientist as number three in its 50 Best Jobs in America in 2022.

Read more about what data science is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Data Science?

Data science has so many applications in different industries that a comprehensive review could fill a book. Professionals as diverse as Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Enterprise Architects use data science in their day-to-day activities.

Top sectors for data science include banking and finance, marketing and advertising, and healthcare:

• Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) - Business Analysts and Data Scientists use data for everything from fraud detection to customized financial advice. Machine learning algorithms can assist with risk analytics, stock trading, and other tasks.

• Marketing & Advertising - Data Analysts and Marketing Analysts use data science in advertising to create targeted ad copy, recommend products and services, and leverage social media platforms. Programming languages like Python and R, often key to data science positions, help experts analyze data and make recommendations.

• In healthcare, Data Scientists create algorithms to create care plans and improve patient services. Using data analysis in medical imaging can help care providers with diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Data science has proven crucial to many other sectors, from retail and manufacturing to the public sector. If you want to combine challenging work with job security, start with data science.

Is Data Science Easy to Learn?

It wouldn’t be accurate to say an all-encompassing field like data science is easy. Data science skills include learning to program with languages like Python and R, a strong aptitude for probability and statistics, and training in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning. The best approach to a complex field like data science can be an immersive bootcamp or certificate. These programs provide in-depth training in a concentrated environment; many give beginners their start.

For aspiring Data Scientists, a program like Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate can provide all the training needed to secure an entry-level position. Those on a data analytics or business analytics track should consider Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate program.

What to Know Before Learning Data Science

Data science offers numerous opportunities for tech professionals in virtually every sector. While you don’t necessarily need to learn artificial intelligence or coding before enrolling in a beginner-level class, you should have a particular aptitude and solid computer skills.

The following can help you gain a foothold in the field even before you begin training for a data science career:

Strong Math Skills

Most data science professionals already have a strong background in mathematics, either from high school, college, or both. Data Scientists come from innumerable backgrounds, such as economics, physics, and engineering. If you did well studying calculus, algebra, statistics, and probability, you should be a natural in data science.

Familiarity with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Are you familiar with object-oriented programming (OOP)? Coding with Java or C can help students new to Python, which plays a crucial role in many data science positions.

If you’re completely unfamiliar with programming languages, don’t despair: many professionals and instructors consider Python one of the easiest “first languages” to learn in computer programming. Courses like Noble Desktop’s data science programs feature Python or include it as part of a broader curriculum.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Data Scientists and other data pros typically have to write queries using SQL or Structured Query Language. You’ll likely need at least basic SQL skills for any data-centered position. Fortunately, most data science bootcamps cover SQL, but it’s a safe bet to know something about it before you start studying data science.

While you don’t need expertise in any of these before you learn data science, you should be familiar with the concepts. You can learn SQL and a programming language like Python as a data science beginner through a comprehensive bootcamp or certificate program like Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate or Data Analytics Certificate.

Learn Data Science with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Because data science is a broad field, targeted training can prepare you for a data-centered position or even help you choose a specific role. You might think you’ll need a four-year data science degree, but this isn’t necessarily so. The bootcamp or certificate educational model has become increasingly popular for data professionals, thanks to features like small class sizes, hands-on training from industry experts, and individual mentoring. Noble Desktop offers a wide range of data science programs to help get you started.

• Data Science Certificate - The comprehensive Data Science Certificate provides all the skills required for entry-level data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles. Students learn how to write complex queries and build machine learning models while preparing a portfolio on a real-world basis. Skills covered include Python, SQL, NumPy, Pandas, and Jupyter Notebook, to name a few.

• Data Analytics Certificate - The comprehensive Data Analytics Certificate program offers the perfect training ground for Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Marketing Analysts. With a heavy emphasis on Tableau data visualization software, you’ll learn skills like Python programming, SQL, and machine learning, among others. Registrants of the Data Analytics Certificate or Data Science Certificate can also attend Noble’s Power BI Bootcamp at no additional charge.

• Python for Data Science Bootcamp - The Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers everything from programming fundamentals to data visualization. Students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

Check out all the Noble data science classes and bootcamps for additional options, like the Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp, Python for Data Science Bootcamp, or Python Machine Learning Bootcamp.

Key Insights

• Data science is a broad, complex field, and different skills pertain to varying data science careers.
• Top sectors requiring data science professionals include:
• Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
• Marketing & Advertising
• Healthcare
• Top data science skills include:
• Python
• R
• Probability
• Statistics
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Prerequisites for data science can include:
• Mathematics, like probability, statistics, algebra, and calculus
• Object-oriented programming languages like Java, C, or Python
• Structured Query Language (SQL) for database queries
• Noble Desktop offers comprehensive training in data science and several related skills.