Data Science for Public Policy

3 Credits.

Data science is a methodology for extracting insights from data. This course is an introduction to the concepts and tools that are used in data science with an emphasis on their application to public policy questions. The course covers some advanced data mining and machine learning processes including classi?cation and decision trees, random forests, cluster analysis, and outlier detection, while also providing you with training in the basics of data management and data exploration. All of the work in the course will be conducted to prepare you to pro?ciently conduct predictive analytics in a real-world setting. Prerequisite: 470.667, Machine Learning Methods and Applications OR 470.709, Quantitative Methods for Policy and Political Analysis (470.667 or 470.709 may be taken concurrently as a co-requisite).