Big Data: Measuring and Predicting Human Behaviour

Unlock the data driven power of networked computer systems and smart cards.

Everything we do generates data, from shopping at the supermarket, riding on public transport, to phoning a friend. This data is opening up a new era for our understanding of human behaviour, policy making and business processes which depend upon this understanding. Research shows how data can give us insight into the risk of an upcoming stock market crash; decrease delays in measuring the spread of illness; or even allow us to predict where crimes may occur. You will gain an overview of the state of the art in big data research across a range of domains, including economics, crime and health.

What will you achieve?

• You will learn to identify the art in big data research across a range of domains, including economics, crime and health.
• By the end of the course, you will be able to find out and analyse what people have been looking for on Google and Wikipedia.
• This course will help you reflect on and unlock the power of these new datasets.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed to be accessible to all.

What software or tools do you need?

To participate in the exercises that start in Week 2 you will need to install the free software ‘R’ and ‘RStudio’. Practical skills are taught via video in a walkthrough fashion, with both video tutorial and written instructions describing and demonstrating the simple steps learners should follow. Learners will also need to make sure they have a (free) Google account to access and download raw data. These exercises are not a requirement of the course, but will provide you with knowledge needed for the tests.