Microcredential in Practical Foundations for Data Analytics

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  • Instructors: Sarah Clarke, Tannia Chevez, Akshay Ghosh, Yashar Monfared
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: 3 hours per session
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 3:00–6:00 PM (Atlantic Time)
  • Date:  May 6th - June 12th, 2025
  • Prerequisite: None
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COURSE DESCRIPTION

The application period is now open, and the deadline to apply is midnight (Atlantic Time), April 27th.

This microcredential provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential tools and techniques required for modern computational data analysis. The program combines virtual classroom and self-study learning to build foundational skills in Linux, Python, Version Control with Git, Cybersecurity and high-performance computing (HPC).

Participants will gain hands-on experience with essential computing tools, explore the principles behind computational methods, and develop practical skills. 

Whether you are beginning to integrate computational tools into your workflow, or are seeking to expand your knowledge, this microcredential offers a structured pathway to becoming proficient in key areas of data analytics.

The course is 22 hours of online classes over 6 weeks, and has an independent study project designed to use the skills you’ve learned in a real-world scenario. In addition to class time, it's expected that participants will need 5-10 hours per week for independent study, working on the assessments, and completing the asynchronous portion.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
To receive the microcredential, accepted participants must:
  • Participate in at least 80% of the virtual classes
  • Successfully complete all assessments, including the independent study project
  • Complete all asynchronous learning material

Meet our team!

Sarah Clarke

Instructor

Digital Training Specialist
MSc Computational Chemistry, Dalhousie University

Sarah, based in Nova Scotia, joined ACENET in 2023. She has a range of teaching experience and held regular teaching assistant positions. Passionate about scientific literacy, Sarah has developed teaching materials and taught programming and robotics to youth in St. John's. She has also led professional development workshops for teachers, focusing on digital skills. For her MSc in Computational Chemistry research, she focused on interfacing crystal structure prediction methods.

Tannia Chevez

Instructor

Digital Training Specialist
BSc Computational Chemistry, Memorial University

Tannia joined ACENET in 2023 and is based in St. John’s. She has held positions as a research assistant in various departments, with responsibilities ranging from developing algorithms for an online animal sound repository, to crafting chemical composite films. Proficient in Python, Java, and JavaScript, she has focused on spectral data analysis, SEM image-based nanoparticle detection, and software development for data analysis. Tannia contributed significantly to the publication of a research paper by analyzing potential environmental toxicants, generating millions of chemical structure IDs, and conducting data extraction and analysis using Python, R, and JavaScript, as well as enhancing algorithms for simulating potential environmental toxicants’ behavior in water, soil, and air environments. Tannia’s teaching experience includes a Leader Instructor at Brilliant Labs where she taught a range of digital topics, and a Digital Literacy Instructor for the Association for New Canadians.

Akshay Ghosh

Instructor

Research Consultant
MSc Astrophysics, Saint Mary's University

Akshay, based in Halifax, joined ACENET in 2023. He is skilled in Python, MATLAB, Unix shell scripting, and R, with teaching experience as a physics and astronomy teaching assistant involving course material creation and lab supervision. His research during his MSc in Astrophysics focused on time series analysis of Active Galactic Nuclei. He developed a new method using wavelet analysis, resulting in a first-author publication.

Yashar Monfared

Instructor

Research Consultant
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University

Yashar joined ACENET in 2023 and is based in Nova Scotia. With a Ph.D. from Dalhousie University in Electrical and Computer Engineering, he has extensive experience managing research projects, developing curriculum, and teaching in various disciplines. His research focused on optical systems, nanomaterials, and their applications in various fields. Yashar has secured academic grants, published over 40 research articles, and instructed courses at multiple universities.
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We are an Atlantic Canadian not-for-profit providing access to advanced digital research infrastructure, expertise, support and training to academic, industry and government researchers. Learn more about ACENET

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