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Higher Diploma in Data-Analytics

  • 06-06-2014 12:33pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭


    hi there,

    Just wondering about this course ? Not sure if this is first year of this course - if not anyone any info on it and if its a good course ?


«1

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    whatever76 wrote: »
    hi there,

    Just wondering about this course ? Not sure if this is first year of this course - if not anyone any info on it and if its a good course ?

    Anyone know what the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics is like in NCI compared to the CPD Diploma in Data Analysis in DIT? Which course is better or more respected?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    whatever76 wrote: »
    hi there,

    Just wondering about this course ? Not sure if this is first year of this course - if not anyone any info on it and if its a good course ?

    I understand this is a conversion course. If you have a degree in another field and want to get into this area, then you do this course. It probably runs for one year, sept - may, with possibly work placements.

    I am looking at doing a post graduate course in this area and have a logic test. Any idea what that might intail??

    Ken


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,021 ✭✭✭whatever76


    look up logic tests online and you will get the idea - usual questions like spotting a sequence of letters , X cost Y - how many you get for z if you buy 10 - that kinda stuff. Some really good practice logic tests on line


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Hi, has anyone done this?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    I am starting the course shortly.
    looks very comprehensive.
    There is an 80% success rate of people who finished the course going straight into work.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Ken L wrote: »
    I am starting the course shortly.
    looks very comprehensive.
    There is an 80% success rate of people who finished the course going straight into work.

    Sounds good, i hope to get a place on this course myself.


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    The places are been handed out now. You would want to be very quick to get a place.
    They were running 1 course and there was a big waiting list. But now they are doing 2, so try get in asap.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Hi i applied already just waiting to hear of a free place. Do have a timetable?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    To EunanMac:
    It is data analytic s. It covers how data can be used by business. It is not very language orientated but it does involve SQL and Python. It mainly used different applications to mine, sort, etc data and then presenting it. algorithms are also covered.
    Here is a link for the syllabus: courses.ncirl.ie/index.cfm/page/course/courseId/1841

    Scrappychimow:
    I am not sure of exact timetable (when it starts) but it cand be too much longer, possibly 2 weeks. I'll be finding that out tomorrow or tuesday, I'll post it then.
    Have you been for a logic test of interview?
    The evening courses for the first course is tuesday, thursday 6pm - 10pm and every saturday 10am - 5pm.
    The second is a little different, tuesday, thursday and friday 6pm - 10pm and every 3rd saturday 10am - 5pm.

    Hope this helps both of you.
    Ken


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Ken L wrote: »
    To EunanMac:
    It is data analytic s. It covers how data can be used by business. It is not very language orientated but it does involve SQL and Python. It mainly used different applications to mine, sort, etc data and then presenting it. algorithms are also covered.
    Here is a link for the syllabus: courses.ncirl.ie/index.cfm/page/course/courseId/1841

    Scrappychimow:
    I am not sure of exact timetable (when it starts) but it cand be too much longer, possibly 2 weeks. I'll be finding that out tomorrow or tuesday, I'll post it then.
    Have you been for a logic test of interview?
    The evening courses for the first course is tuesday, thursday 6pm - 10pm and every saturday 10am - 5pm.
    The second is a little different, tuesday, thursday and friday 6pm - 10pm and every 3rd saturday 10am - 5pm.

    Hope this helps both of you.
    Ken
    Hi, i was told that i was provisionally accepted for the course but i had to wait for someone to drop out so i can get a place. I don't think i need an interview as i have a technical/ semi numerate degree. Thanks


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  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    You probably wouldn't.
    lol you can give me a hand then if i get stuck..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Ken L wrote: »
    You probably wouldn't.
    lol you can give me a hand then if i get stuck..

    I should hear from NCI next week so, hope to see you there


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    best of luck.
    Take care


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 532 ✭✭✭doc11


    Ken L wrote: »
    I am starting the course shortly.
    looks very comprehensive.
    There is an 80% success rate of people who finished the course going straight into work.

    Work or internships, because most courses would be very lucky to have a 80% placement rate for free work experience(intern). looking on linkedin it seems most are interns or looking for work?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    The 80% figure I mentioned came from the head of the course when I had a meeting with him. And I agree, the 80% seems to be very high.
    From what I know, There is a work-placement during the course to build in some practical experience. Also, these courses are produced as a result of companies identifying the lack of qualifies people.
    Does there seem to be a very high number of graduates from the course on Linkedin that are still unemployed? or are they people doing the course that are looking for positions for their work placement?

    Ken


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Got a place. Any idea of some youtube videos or websites that give a beginners taste of whats in store?:cool:


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    ww.courses.ncirl.ie/index.cfm/page/course/courseId/1841

    I cant put a full link up as I am new user, but this should get you to the course description (even if you have to put it in a search).
    On this if you click into any of the sections and scroll down, they list off the resources and give lists of videos (some youtube) that they will be using.
    I have a registration on the 20th and the start of course proper is the 22nd.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭Scrappychimow


    Ken L wrote: »
    ww.courses.ncirl.ie/index.cfm/page/course/courseId/1841

    I cant put a full link up as I am new user, but this should get you to the course description (even if you have to put it in a search).
    On this if you click into any of the sections and scroll down, they list off the resources and give lists of videos (some youtube) that they will be using.
    I have a registration on the 20th and the start of course proper is the 22nd.
    cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 315 ✭✭john__long


    Hey,

    I know it's an older thread, but just wondering how some of the posters here were finding the course? I'm considering doing it this September and am keen to hear more about it! Would love some feedback from students within the course! Feel free to PM me if you want!

    I already work in IT, and know my way around SQL so I'm not worried about that side of it. More the Python/R and mathematics elements! Thanks!

    John


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 Ken L


    john__long wrote: »
    Hey,

    I know it's an older thread, but just wondering how some of the posters here were finding the course? I'm considering doing it this September and am keen to hear more about it! Would love some feedback from students within the course! Feel free to PM me if you want!

    I already work in IT, and know my way around SQL so I'm not worried about that side of it. More the Python/R and mathematics elements! Thanks!

    John

    Hi John,
    I'm surprised that I still get e-mail notifications about this thread.
    The course is fairly intense in that the assignments come thick and fast. I hear that some colleges are doing this course over a 2 year period.
    Re: Python/R. While they may be hard to get your head around (part due to the teaching level) if you don't have any programming experience, I would advise practising on Python (open source) rather than relying on theory alone. If you know SQL to a good standard it would help.
    R is a nice language and using R-studio (open source) is pretty nifty when you get into it. R can be a mixture of a language and stats in the course, so you would need to be up to date on both.
    Stats is to a level of multiple regression and factorial ANOVA. The course will go through the statistics but if you have a good grasp of stats it would definitely help.
    Overall, I think it is a good course but it is a bit of a slog for the year.
    Hope this helps.

    Ken


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 315 ✭✭john__long


    Thanks so much for the reply! I'll get practicing on the Python! I'm familiar with the basics of Ruby and I hear they're similar!


  • Registered Users Posts: 41 djunmark


    This evening course is good which runs for approx 12 months and it is very intense, so if you have desire to do it, go ahead.

    The assignments come tick and fast, so a lot of time needs to be invested.


  • Registered Users Posts: 212 ✭✭Fant11


    djunmark wrote: »
    This evening course is good which runs for approx 12 months and it is very intense, so if you have desire to do it, go ahead.

    The assignments come tick and fast, so a lot of time needs to be invested.

    Thanks for this info. Just wondering, what prior knowledge/level of ability in maths is needed do you think? I’m starting this course in Jan. Also, did you use any online resources to prepare before starting this course? Thanks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 41 djunmark


    Fant11 wrote: »
    Thanks for this info. Just wondering, what prior knowledge/level of ability in maths is needed do you think? I’m starting this course in Jan. Also, did you use any online resources to prepare before starting this course? Thanks.

    Hi, not a lot prior technical knowledge is required, however if you want to find it easier, maybe try some online courses relating to machine learning, SQL . E.g Coursera, but no essential since you will be learning this anyway. However, it could make it easier for you to kick off.

    Install packages prior starting like R Studio, MySql Workbench, SPSS, Python/ Anaconda etc and practise if you wish. Also this will also save you some time for assignments, rather than focusing on installing packages, when assignments are coming tick and fast. If the software is paid, you will receive a subscription code provided by the college when you start.

    Look at statistical videos of how to conduct tests like Anova, Chi Square, Regression, Z Score etc.

    "How to" videos by Dr Eugene O Loughlin are very good which you can find on Youtube.

    I hope it helps

    Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 212 ✭✭Fant11


    djunmark wrote: »
    Hi, not a lot prior technical knowledge is required, however if you want to find it easier, maybe try some online courses relating to machine learning, SQL . E.g Coursera, but no essential since you will be learning this anyway. However, it could make it easier for you to kick off.

    Install packages prior starting like R Studio, MySql Workbench, SPSS, Python/ Anaconda etc and practise if you wish. Also this will also save you some time for assignments, rather than focusing on installing packages, when assignments are coming tick and fast. If the software is paid, you will receive a subscription code provided by the college when you start.

    Look at statistical videos of how to conduct tests like Anova, Chi Square, Regression, Z Score etc.

    "How to" videos by Dr Eugene O Loughlin are very good which you can find on Youtube.

    I hope it helps

    Thanks

    Great info. Thanks so much.


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    djunmark gave some good advice before, I would also recommend taking the Datacamp beginners and intermediate courses in R and Python if you have time before you start (or some similar interactive online courses), particularly if you don't have prior coding experience. SQL too I guess if you had time.

    Having the basics of those before starting will help a lot. The math side of the course isn't very difficult so I wouldn't worry too much about that.


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    Seems like an old enough thread but hopefully you guys can help. Ive just been accepted for this course Higher Diploma in Data Analytics in NCI. I have no coding knowledge or background, but I am up for the challenge, any advice on how to get the basics of Python, R or SQL down? Is there any watchable youtube videos, clear blogs or even books you would recommend?
    Do the lecturers hand physical notes out in class or is in all electronic?
    Wish I knew someone who has already done this course so I could read over the first couple of weeks of notes they get.


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    Seems like an old enough thread but hopefully you guys can help. Ive just been accepted for this course Higher Diploma in Data Analytics in NCI. I have no coding knowledge or background, but I am up for the challenge, any advice on how to get the basics of Python, R or SQL down? Is there any watchable youtube videos, clear blogs or even books you would recommend?
    Do the lecturers hand physical notes out in class or is in all electronic?
    Wish I knew someone who has already done this course so I could read over the first couple of weeks of notes they get.

    Happy to send you the notes for the first few lectures from this year if you like, although they do change the course slightly each year. I believe there'll be more of a focus on R now and less on Python. I'd say stats and SQL will stay the same


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    Happy to send you the notes for the first few lectures from this year if you like, although they do change the course slightly each year. I believe there'll be more of a focus on R now and less on Python. I'd say stats and SQL will stay the same

    Thank would be fantastic. Yeah i thought they may vary from year to year. But it just to have a read because I am not in the advanced category and would like to read up and practice if possible before the course starts. is it possible to PM them to me? you absolute star :cool:;)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    No problem will do


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 827 ✭✭✭pxdf9i5cmoavkz


    Happy to send you the notes for the first few lectures from this year if you like

    A fellow colleague from the course. Hello there.

    How goes your year end project?
    Seems like an old enough thread but hopefully you guys can help. Ive just been accepted for this course Higher Diploma in Data Analytics in NCI. I have no coding knowledge or background, but I am up for the challenge, any advice on how to get the basics of Python, R or SQL down? Is there any watchable youtube videos, clear blogs or even books you would recommend?

    The SQL side of the course is extremely basic. Look for online course that is free that covers "select, update, delete, insert" and joins. These are the mainstays of what the course will cover.

    For Python and R; I would focus again on any free course that shows you the basics of receiving input from the command line, reading and writing csv files and then general string manipulation. This will give you a good head start till you reach the more intermediate stuff.

    Do not skip straight to the intermediate stuff as you'll only hamstring yourself. Do plenty of exercises that require you to build loops, reading and writing to files. Do this till you're comfortable with the process and can code it out of your head without looking at source material.
    Do the lecturers hand physical notes out in class or is in all electronic?

    All electronic.


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    A fellow colleague from the course. Hello there.

    How goes your year end project?

    Struggling along with it as we speak :D

    Took some holidays this term so i'm a bit behind, should be finished on time though. I found motivation harder to come by this term than in previous ones!

    How about you?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 827 ✭✭✭pxdf9i5cmoavkz


    Struggling along with it as we speak :D

    Took some holidays this term so i'm a bit behind, should be finished on time though. I found motivation harder to come by this term than in previous ones!

    How about you?

    Haha. I'm sure your motivation will pick up the closer the date comes to December 7. I feel the same as you too, this year has been somewhat rough especially with that no break between Semester 1 and Semester 2. Thanks Snowmageddon! :mad:

    My project is progressing well. The main part is done and the report is moving along well enough.

    We get to select our presentation time slots this coming Monday. No idea what to do for the presentation though. Just read the report, Enda! It says everything.


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole



    My project is progressing well. The main part is done and the report is moving along well enough.

    In that case you're way ahead of me!

    We get to select our presentation time slots this coming Monday. No idea what to do for the presentation though. Just read the report, Enda! It says everything.

    I think the presentation will be easy enough, and it's worth such a tiny percentage of the project anyway. That's the least of my worries right now!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Happy to send you the notes for the first few lectures from this year if you like

    Just be aware that you do not have permission to share the lecture notes. The college holds the rights to the notes sharing them can be considered piracy. You can be kicked off the course, or have your degree revoked if you are caught sharing the lecturers notes.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    GarIT wrote: »
    Just be aware that you do not have permission to share the lecture notes. The college holds the rights to the notes sharing them can be considered piracy. You can be kicked off the course, or have your degree revoked if you are caught sharing the lecturers notes.

    Thanks for the heads up


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 827 ✭✭✭pxdf9i5cmoavkz


    Seems like an old enough thread but hopefully you guys can help. Ive just been accepted for this course Higher Diploma in Data Analytics in NCI. I have no coding knowledge or background, but I am up for the challenge, any advice on how to get the basics of Python, R or SQL down? Is there any watchable youtube videos, clear blogs or even books you would recommend?
    Do the lecturers hand physical notes out in class or is in all electronic?
    Wish I knew someone who has already done this course so I could read over the first couple of weeks of notes they get.

    Remembered about this now.

    https://www.udemy.com/the-data-science-course-complete-data-science-bootcamp/

    This course from Udemy is remarkably close to what you will learn during the course. Take a look, I'm sure you'll find it useful.


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    Remembered about this now.

    https://www.udemy.com/the-data-science-course-complete-data-science-bootcamp/

    This course from Udemy is remarkably close to what you will learn during the course. Take a look, I'm sure you'll find it useful.

    Thanks so much!


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    Just wondering if any of you guys applied to the course had to fill out an RPEL form? My god its ridiculously long!


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    hey , has anyone finished the course in NCI and happen to have any used books for sale?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭Nelbert


    hey , has anyone finished the course in NCI and happen to have any used books for sale?

    The library has a good stock of the ones you’ll need. I’m heading in to the thesis part of the masters now and never had an issue apart from the statistics book but if you are quick off the mark you’ll get it.
    I ended up buying the statistics book (not sure if you’ll need the same for the higher diploma).
    Do you have a list yet?


  • Registered Users Posts: 26 Black Pearl


    Nelbert wrote: »
    The library has a good stock of the ones you’ll need. I’m heading in to the thesis part of the masters now and never had an issue apart from the statistics book but if you are quick off the mark you’ll get it.
    I ended up buying the statistics book (not sure if you’ll need the same for the higher diploma).
    Do you have a list yet?


    Ah thanks very much. Yeah its Statistics by James T. McClave. wouldnt mind buying it and I need the R Cookbook too. That is all I think so far. Thank you for the reply :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭Nelbert


    Ah thanks very much. Yeah its Statistics by James T. McClave. wouldnt mind buying it and I need the R Cookbook too. That is all I think so far. Thank you for the reply :D

    Ok, I’ve a different stats book so no use to you there.

    I’d highly recommend datacamp.com for learning R.
    If you do the programming, analyst and scientist skill / career tracks you’ll have a huge head start (and it’s learn by doing type of thing).

    I found the Advanced Data Mining module we did a hell of a lot easier as a result of this.
    I also did the Harvard professional certificate modules on edX.org
    The first 4 modules are actually delivered via datacamp. A lot of the learning overlaps but you reinforce it really well by solving all the different problems.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Habata wrote: »
    I'm doing the post grad version of this course and I think it's a joke and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The standard is low, the teaching resources limited, there's useless and superfluous modules. I take it that Springboard is just an easy way to get government cash and tick a few boxes. I feel like I've learned little. Highly unimpressed with the NCI in general.

    I got kicked out of a group project a week before it was due because my teammate decided to pay someone to do it for her and don't want me to be in her group so submitted the project alone. Lecturer and college ignored my emails and didn't give a ****. I have written proof of plagerism by someone they awarded a master's to and all they said is "so?"

    NCI is a complete joke, money grabbing cnuts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 386 ✭✭otterj


    Those of you who have done the one year course, how tough was it ?
    How do-able is it with a full time job?

    also would a i3 4gb ram laptop suffice for this course?


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    otterj wrote: »
    Those of you who have done the one year course, how tough was it ?
    How do-able is it with a full time job?

    also would a i3 4gb ram laptop suffice for this course?

    It's reasonably doable but full on. 3 nights a week of f2f lectures is hard. The first semester is the toughest, if you get through that then you'll be fine.

    That laptop is fine, the required level of processing power isn't that high


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 386 ✭✭otterj


    Could somebody post a timetable that they had for this course?


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    otterj wrote: »
    Could somebody post a timetable that they had for this course?

    First semester was Mon, weds and Friday 6-10 and every second Saturday for 4 hours. The first semester modules were databases, programming, statistics and business analytics.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 386 ✭✭otterj


    What date are the exams in May held?


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 slugger_otoole


    otterj wrote: »
    What date are the exams in May held?

    Like every institution, they will be on different days every year. Mine were between May 15th and 25th. Best to hold off booking any holidays until these are confirmed, as the repeat exams aren't on for a very long time.


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