Applied Data Science & Analytics

Course Code: ADS-201
Duration: 18 Months (4 Semesters)
Mode of Delivery: In-Class / Online (Blended)
Training Approach: Highly practical, software-based, project and internship focussed

Course Goal

To equip learners with hands-on skills in data collection, processing, analysis, visualization, predictive modelling and interpretation—so they can meaningfully support data-driven decision-making in organisations, businesses and community settings in Somalia and East Africa.

Course Objectives

By the end of this program, learners will be able to:

1. Understand data lifecycle (acquisition, cleaning, processing) and apply core statistical methods in a digital environment.
2. Use key software/tools (Python/R, SQL, Excel, Power BI/Tableau) to perform data wrangling, analysis and visualization.
3. Build and interpret predictive and classification models (machine learning) for real-world organisational problems.
4. Communicate data insights effectively to non-technical stakeholders through visualizations and dashboards.
5. Integrate ethical, governance and domain-specific considerations (e.g., business, health, NGO) into analytics practice.
6. Design and complete a capstone project that demonstrates full end-to-end data science workflow in a live or simulated business/organisation context.

Delivery Methods

• Interactive lectures (core concepts)
• Practical software labs (hands-on)
• Case studies & real-world simulations (local & global)
• Group work & project-based assignments
• Internship/field placement and capstone project

Required Tools & Resources

• Computer/Laptop with internet access
• Programming software: Python (e.g., Jupyter notebooks) or R
• Database tools: SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL or similar)
• Data visualization/dashboard tools: Power BI, Tableau or similar
• Microsoft Excel / Advanced Excel
• Sample datasets and case-studies aligned with Somali and East African context
• Access to cloud/Git (optional) for project work

Evaluation & Grading

Program Summary

Certification

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive the diploma:
Diploma in Applied Data Science & Analytics — awarded by the African Institute of Advanced Learning (AIL). Graduates will be prepared for roles such as Data Analyst, Junior