Request a Data Training Session
The Data Science Services department provides instruction on a variety of topics, including orienting students to our data & visualization resources and services, effective visualization design, and how to create charts and analyze data using tools like Google Sheets, R and Python. Below are descriptions for some of our most popular instruction offerings.
To collaborate with a Data Science instructor on one of these courses, please get in touch at least two weeks ahead of the session. You can request an instruction session or sign up for one of our currently scheduled Data and Visualization Workshops. Contact us if you have questions about the session topics below.
Designing Data Visualizations for Research Presentations
This session guides students on how to choose the best chart types for their data-related assignment and includes a primer on design principles. A practical component creating visualizations in Google Sheets can be included.
Duration: 60 minutes
Getting Started with Spreadsheets
This session introduces fundamental elements of spreadsheet software needed to work with data, with a focus on those elements most used for the particular research lifecycle stage (such as data collection, data preparation, data visualization) that the instructor requests.
Duration: 60 minutes
Cleaning Data with Google Sheets
This session walks through how to do various techniques for cleaning and preparing data using Google Sheets.
Duration: 60 minutes recommended
Getting Started with R
R is a popular language for data science, statistics, and more. In this session, participants will learn to download and use the visual code editor (RStudio Cloud/RStudio IDE) and walk through the basic syntax. This introduction will teach you how to write your first R script! You’ll also learn how to install and use packages in R, how to set up a project and environment. No prior coding experience is required.
Duration: 60 min to 120 min
Getting Started with Python
Python is a popular language for data science, machine learning, and more. In this session, participants will learn to download and use the python in Visual Studio Code (VSCode) and walk through the basic syntax. This introduction will teach you how to write your first python script! You’ll also learn how to set up virtual environments, how to install and update packages using a package manager, and how to access help documentation. No prior coding experience is required.
Duration: 60 min to 120 min
Getting started with ArcGIS Online Storymaps
This session provides an introduction to how to build a Storymap using the ArcGIS Online platform. Included will be demonstrations and discussions of navigating the platform, content and design best practices, sharing and other settings, group collaboration, and retention considerations.
Duration: 60 minutes
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Special Topics
Available to demonstrate and share resources on various GIS (geospatial data and software) related topics at multiple levels, from introductory to more advanced. These may include, but are not limited to, finding and using spatial data and/or maps (current and historical), and software options including ArcGIS Online. Analytical processes such as geocoding, network routing, business analytics, and geovisualization are also among the options that may be requested.
Duration: 60 minutes
Introduction to Computational Thinking
This session defines Computational Thinking, how it arises from concepts in computer science and how it can be applied outside the context of computation. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to describe the physical nature of computers, describe the path from electrical signals to high-level software implementation created through abstraction, identify how this relates to computational thinking, and identify ways computational thinking can be applied beyond the context of computing by the first computer: you!
Duration: 60 minutes
AI for Data and Research
This session explores AI as an assistive tool for working with data, and can include topics from AI-assisted coding and analysis to machine learning methods and locally run models. Students learn to check AI outputs and choose the right tool for their research question or approach.
Duration: 60 to 120 minutes
Introduction to Version Control/Git
This session introduces technical version control. We will discuss the use cases for version control and how it works with different types of content. Students will be introduced to the NC State Enterprise GitHub account they have access to. We will set up GitHub Desktop and show how to create local and remote repositories and how to synchronize them.
Duration: 60 minutes