Big Data and the Environment

FutureLearn Big Data and the Environment

Platform
FutureLearn
Provider
University of Reading
Effort
3 hours/week
Length
3 weeks
Language
English
Credentials
Paid Certificate Available
Course Link
Overview
Use current examples to explore the potential benefits of environmental big data
From weather fluctuations to the spread of an invasive species, what problems can scientists address by analysing these vast data collections? What are the potential benefits for business, research and our daily lives?

Find out about possible career paths and gain insights from industry experts and research scientists working on a range of current projects. From urban planning to monitoring wildlife, explore the complexities of managing and analysing big data to seek innovative solutions.

This course is aimed at professionals seeking a better understanding of environmental big data and the potential these offer to address key questions and underpin novel solutions for business.

It is also relevant to anyone studying environmental topics with a general interest in big data analytics and the complexities and issues surrounding the collection, curation and application of these vast data sets.

Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to big data
  • Sources of big data, including satellites for looking at the surface of the Earth
  • Environmental analytics and the link to big data
  • Computing power, processing and storage for environmental data
Week 2: Data to Discovery
  • The importance of open data
  • The challenges of working with data
  • The skills and knowledge of a data scientist
Week 3: Big and Small Data
  • Citizen science for climate simulation and ecology
  • Real-life examples of environmental analytics
  • The power of visualising data

Taught by
Vicky Lucas
Author
FutureLearn
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