Big Data and the Environment (FutureLearn)

Big Data and the Environment (FutureLearn)

From sources such as satellites, sensors and social media, how can environmental data analytics benefit business and research? From weather fluctuations to the spread of an invasive species, what problems can scientists address by analysing these vast data collections? What are the potential benefits for business, research and our daily lives?

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Find out about possible career paths and gain insights from industry experts and research scientists working on a range of current projects. From urban planning to monitoring wildlife, explore the complexities of managing and analysing big data to seek innovative solutions.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1: Introduction to big data
Sources of big data, including satellites for looking at the surface of the Earth
Environmental analytics and the link to big data
Computing power, processing and storage for environmental data

Week 2: Data to Discovery
Open data
The challenges of working with data
The skills and knowledge of a data scientist

Week 3: Big and Small Data
Citizen science for climate simulation and ecology
Real-life examples of environmental analytics
Visualising data

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Explain the characteristics and identify sources of big data
  • Explore applications of data in environmental science for business
  • Understand the skills necessary to be a data scientist
  • Discuss the importance of open data and participate in citizen science
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