Applied Data Science Capstone

IBM via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/applied-data-science-capstone

Introduction

### Course Review: Applied Data Science Capstone on Coursera In today's data-driven world, the importance of data science cannot be overstated. As industries increasingly rely on data analytics to make informed decisions, acquiring these skills can open up a myriad of opportunities. One remarkable course that stands head and shoulders above the rest is the **Applied Data Science Capstone**, available through Coursera as part of the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate and the Applied Data Science with Python Specialization. #### Overview The **Applied Data Science Capstone** serves as the pinnacle learning experience for aspiring data scientists. This course provides a unique simulation of real-world data science projects, enabling you to step into the shoes of a data scientist working in a competitive startup aiming to challenge industry leaders like SpaceX. By immersing yourself in the data science methodology, you will engage in hands-on practice with real datasets, making the learning experience practical and applicable to future career endeavors. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction** The course begins with a clear introduction to the problem at hand: predicting the successful landing of the Falcon 9 first stage. Understanding the financial implications of successful landings adds a layer of motivation to your experimentation as you uncover how this analysis can impact launching cost estimates for potential competitors to SpaceX. 2. **Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)** Next, you dive into data collection using **RESTful APIs** and **web scraping** techniques, essential skills for any data scientist. Transforming raw data into a structured **dataframe** exposes you to the nuances of data wrangling, setting the foundation for informed analysis. 3. **Interactive Visual Analytics and Dashboard** The course continually emphasizes the importance of visualization in data science. Here, you'll forge interactive dashboards with **Plotly Dash** and create engaging maps using **Folium**. This hands-on module teaches you how to present data in a visually appealing manner, enhancing your data storytelling capabilities. 4. **Predictive Analysis (Classification)** Perhaps one of the most critical segments, this module introduces you to machine learning techniques. You will apply various classification algorithms—**SVM, Classification Trees**, and **Logistic Regression**—to predict the landing success of the Falcon 9 first stage. Comparing performances through hyperparameter tuning solidifies your understanding of predictive modeling. 5. **Present Your Data-Driven Insights** Finally, the course culminates in a comprehensive presentation of your findings. This module is not just about compiling results; it’s about effectively communicating insights derived from your analysis. You will learn to articulate how your data-driven analysis can influence business decisions. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the **Applied Data Science Capstone** to anyone interested in launching a career in data science, particularly those who have completed the earlier courses in the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or the Applied Data Science with Python Specialization. This course not only equips you with technical skills but also immerses you in a compelling real-world scenario, making it an exciting and enriching experience. By participating in this capstone, you will not only build a strong foundation in data science methodologies but also enhance your resume with a project that showcases your ability to handle real datasets, perform analyses, and present actionable insights. The challenges faced during this course mirror those encountered in professional environments, making this an invaluable asset for your future career. In summary, the **Applied Data Science Capstone** on Coursera is an exceptional course filled with hands-on projects and practical applications that will prepare you for the challenges of the data science industry. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your skills and gain insights that will set you apart in a competitive job market!

Syllabus

Introduction

In this capstone, we will predict if the Falcon 9 first stage will land successfully. SpaceX advertises Falcon 9 rocket launches on its website, with a cost of 62 million dollars; other providers cost upward of 165 million dollars each, much of the savings is because SpaceX can reuse the first stage. Therefore if we can determine if the first stage will land, we can determine the cost of a launch. This information can be used if an alternate company wants to bid against SpaceX for a rocket launch. In this module, you will be provided with an overview of the problem and the tools you need to complete the course.

Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)

In this module, you will collect data on the Falcon 9 first-stage landings. You will use a RESTful API and web scraping. You will also convert the data into a dataframe and then perform some data wrangling.

Interactive Visual Analytics and Dashboard

In this module, you will build a dashboard to analyze launch records interactively with Plotly Dash. You will then build an interactive map to analyze the launch site proximity with Folium.

Predictive Analysis (Classification)

In this module, you will use machine learning to determine if the first stage of Falcon 9 will land successfully. You will split your data into training data and test data to find the best Hyperparameter for SVM, Classification Trees, and Logistic Regression. Then find the method that performs best using test data.

Present Your Data-Driven Insights

In this module, you will compile all of your activities into one place and deliver your data-driven insights to determine if the first stage of Falcon 9 will land successfully.

Overview

This is the final course in the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate as well as the Applied Data Science with Python Specialization. This capstone project course will give you the chance to practice the work that data scientists do in real life when working with datasets. In this course you will assume the role of a Data Scientist working for a startup intending to compete with SpaceX, and in the process follow the Data Science methodology involving data collection, data wrangling, explo

Skills

Github Jupyter Notebook K Means Clustering Methodology Data Science Methodology

Reviews

An excellent course! Requires you to bring together a large part of the material learned in previous courses.\n\nFurthermore, adds new skills like creating a presentation using PowerPoint.

Very in-depth and rewarding project - would be a little better if more specific guidance on what to exactly include in the notebook would be better. But overall very stimulating. Thanks!

Lots of outdated content and not many resources to help, however a lot of it was at least a little bit useful. Though a lot could be cut if you already know a thing or 2 about programming

Its was great experience in completing the project using all skills that we learned in the course, thanks to coursera and IBM for giving me an opportunity to update my selft and also to test my skills

Overall a solid course. I wish there was a little more explanation of the code that was used but this capstone definitely pushed me to learn and get better. Thanks IBM and Coursera for the course!