Demystifying Data Science

The Department of Data Science Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus conducted a three-day value-added course on “Demystifying Data Science” as part of the student exchange programme with Nehru Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, spanning from August 17th to August 19th, 2023. This initiative aimed at nurturing robust academic partnerships and enhancing participants' intellectual horizons. The program's carefully curated content provided an immersive encounter with the realm of data science and its interconnected disciplines, thereby facilitating a holistic learning experience.

The journey commenced with a warm welcome and comprehensive orientation, which was followed by various sessions. An insightful exploration of data science's fundamentals set the tone, followed by a training session on machine learning with Python. Delving into big data analytics and data visualization, participants were equipped with practical skills. The exploration further ventured into the field of the Internet of Things, image processing, and natural language processing, enriching participants with practical insights and hands-on experiences.

The program's culmination encompassed three days of intensive learning, inspiring cultural appreciation, personal growth, and academic advancement. Participants immersed themselves in diverse activities, embracing opportunities to expand their horizons, develop crucial skills, and establish lasting connections. The workshop concluded as a transformative experience, igniting a zest for further exploration and integration of newfound knowledge into their academic journeys.

OUTCOMES OF THE EVENT

The outcomes of the event included:

1. Students Exchange
2. Credit Transfer
3. Consultancy for faculty

Individual Activity Report: Christ (Deemed to be University and Nehru Arts And Science College embarked on a dynamic three-day student exchange program starting on August 17th 2023 and ending on August 19th 2023. This initiative was meticulously crafted with the intention of fostering robust academic partnerships and enriching students' intellectual horizons. The program was curated to offer participants a comprehensive encounter with data science and its interconnected disciplines, encapsulating a well-rounded learning experience.

Day 1: Welcome and Orientation

The exchange program commenced with a gracious reception from the esteemed faculty and students of Christ (Deemed to be University). A comprehensive orientation session effectively delineated the program's itinerary, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. The inaugural ceremony of the programme occurred from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM, where Dr Lekha J, Associate Professor, CHRIST(Deemed to be University) welcomed the gathering and gave a brief orientation of the programme. This was followed by the addressing of the gathering by the Dean and Director of CHRIST(Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus Dr Fr Lijo Thomas.

Session 1 : Fundamentals of data science( By Dr.J.Lekha)

The session commenced by providing an insightful overview of data science, shedding light on its pivotal role in extracting meaningful insights from intricate datasets. The instructor discussed the interdisciplinary essence of data science, elucidating its grasp of understanding and the systematic approach to tackling business challenges. Additionally, she delved into the distinct responsibilities held by data scientists and data analysts. Altogether, the session delivered a comprehensive and captivating initiation into the fundamental tenets of data science.

Session 2: Machine Learning using Python (By Prof.Naived George Eapen)

The session was initiated by highlighting the profound importance of machine learning in today's world. Attendees were introduced to the Python programming language, renowned for its widespread adoption in the realm of machine learning owing to its powerful libraries. The presentation elucidated the distinction between two pivotal types of machine learning: supervised and unsupervised learning. A hands-on session on loading, exploring and refining datasets using the versatile pandas library and other pertinent tools took place during this session.

Session 3: Big Data Analytics and Data Visualisation -(By Prof. Balagangadhar Reddy)

The workshop's second day commenced with a session guided by Prof. Balagangadhar Reddy, immersing participants in the pivotal sphere of big data analytics and data visualization. This segment was dedicated to a deep dive into the core concepts of big data, embracing its intrinsic characteristics, practical applications, and real-world scenarios. Moreover, the session entailed hands-on training in employing data visualization tools, spanning a spectrum from Tableau and Power BI to Plotly and Looker, equipping participants with versatile skills.

Session 4 : Internet of Things (By Dr. S. Vijayalakshmi)

The workshop embarked on its next phase with a session held by Dr. S. Vijayalakshmi, delving into the topic of Internet of Things (IoT). The foundation was laid with an exploration of IoT fundamentals, casting light on components such as sensors, LED bulbs, and buzzers. This elucidated the intricate web woven by IoT devices in their interconnected tapestry.

This segment was also characterized by immersive hands-on activities, furnishing participants with tangible experience in the seamless integration and meticulous configuration of IoT devices, facilitated through the versatile Arduino Uno platform.

Session 5:Image Processing - (By Dr. Lija Jacob)

Guided by the expertise of Dr. Lija Jacob, the session commenced with in-depth lectures delving into the foundational concepts and techniques of image processing. The session focused on providing clear explanations of complex topics supplemented with visual aids to enhance understanding. The session illuminated the practical dimensions of image processing techniques through instances across various domains. These encompassed critical areas such as medical imaging, surveillance, remote sensing, and digital photography, solidifying the significance of image processing in real-world applications.

Session 6: Natural Language Processing - (By Dr. Vandhana Bhagat)

Initiated by Dr. Vandhana Bhagat, the session focussed on Natural Language Processing (NLP). The presentation focussed on discussing the fundamental tenets of NLP, underscoring the paramount importance of enabling machines to comprehend and analyze natural language text and speech.

Delving into the mechanics, the process of transforming unstructured textual data into a structured format was elucidated through a comprehensive exploration of NLP techniques, involving aspects such as tokenization, stemming, and part-of-speech tagging.

The session concluded by nurturing participants with both knowledge and an eagerness to delve deeper into the realm of NLP, recognizing its potential integration into their academic pursuits.

Over the course of three days, the student exchange program facilitated a profound and transformative encounter for its participants, nurturing cultural awareness, personal maturation, and academic advancement. Through immersive engagement in diverse activities, students seized the chance to broaden their perspectives, cultivate essential competencies, and forge enduring relationships.