About the Data Science Essentials module

The ASPIRE module in Data Science Essentials consists of three sections that will take place from September to March. Selected participants are expected to participate fully in all three sections. (Please note: this is not a credit-bearing course.) See the FAQ for specific eligibility requirements.

The Introduction to Data Science section will focus on fundamentals of programming and data analytics. This section will be taught by the Nashville Software School, a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to expand the technology workforce in middle Tennessee through hands-on training programs and mentorship. Participants will learn data science tools and approaches and use open-source programming and data visualization software to complete a data science project.

*Prior to the first day of class, participants will complete a 4-hour online course from DataCamp. 

The Communication & Networking section will be led by Dr. Ashley Brady and the BRET Office of Career Development. Communication skills are a key component of success in a data science career. Data science professionals need to be able to distill complex information into actionable takeaways for decision-makers or customers. In this section, participants will learn fundamental communication skills, as well as learn strategies for conveying their professional accomplishments to prospective employers.

In the third section of the module, professional data scientists from the Nashville area and around the country will present Data Science Case Sessions about projects they have completed for their company. Presenters will describe the data science approaches they use and the impact of their work on their company and industry. They will share a snapshot of their workday and provide advice for pursuing a similar career path. Most Case Session presenters will be alumni of VU PhD or postdoctoral programs in the biomedical sciences who have successfully transitioned to a career in data science.