Disclaimer: This article is a part of “Secrets of the MSc in Statistics and Data Science at KU Leuven”. Note that the written information below is purely subjective and it does not represent any officials from the program.
Author: Lennert Vanhaeren
About the other articles:
- Secrets of the Master of Statistics and Data Science at KU Leuven (Introduction)
- Belgian University Education System & The Master of Statistics and Data Science at KU Leuven
- KU Leuven Master of Statistics and Data Science: Tips for international students & FAQs
- Statistics vs Data Science: Understanding the Differences
- Python vs R
During the first semester of the Master of Statistics and Data Science at KU Leuven, there is a compulsory course called “Statistical Software”. In this course, you learn how to work with two statistical programming languages: R and SAS. During the second semester, you learn how to program in Python in the course “Modern Data Analytics”.
If you don’t have a lot of experience with programming when starting the programme, this is not a problem. However, you might sometimes have to put in some extra effort to catch up on knowledge you don’t have. There are many useful tools out there to learn how to programme. One of these is DataCamp.
What is DataCamp?
DataCamp is an online learning platform that provides a wide range of courses and tools for people who are interested in learning statistics and data science. The platform offers courses for students of various skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Topics can range from introductions on Python and R programming to more advanced subjects, such as data visualization and machine learning. These courses are taught by industry experts.
The learning environment on the platform is flexible and interactive, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Its focus on hands-on learning is one of DataCamp’s key advantages. The platform provides interactive coding challenges and exercises that let students practice their knowledge and put it to use in real-world scenarios. You can access the platform from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
How to get access to DataCamp?
Now, there is also a disadvantage. Unfortunately, DataCamp is not free. However… Students that are enrolled in the aforementioned course “Statistical Software” at KU Leuven, have the chance to get access to all DataCamp features for 6 months for free. The professor of the course, will ask all students during one of the first lectures to e-mail her if they want such a free DataCamp license. Please wait until she has explained what to put in this e-mail before sending it.
How can DataCamp help me during my study in Statistics and Data Science?
You can use DataCamp to practice your R and Python skills for example, if you feel they are lacking. I had some previous experience using R, so I didn’t necessarily need it for this. Python, on the other hand, I had never worked with it before. So I followed some courses about Python on DataCamp to get acquainted with the basics of this programming language. In the course “Modern Data Analytics” which was mentioned before, some self-study is expected if you have never worked with Python before.
If you complete a course on DataCamp, you get a certificate which you can upload on your LinkedIn profile. There are also tracks you can follow, such as Data Analyst with Python/R/SQL, Data Scientist with Python/R, Machine Learning Scientist with Python/R, Data Analyst in Tableau or Power BI, and many others. These tracks consist of multiple courses and also give you a certificate upon completion.
Do you have any more questions? Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn!