Course Description


P8180   Research data coordination: principles and practices, 3 points

Prerequisites: P6103 or P6104, and the instructor�s permission.

This class provides an overview of the specific techniques available to collect, store and control the quality of data in research projects. Students are introduced to these concepts through a combination of classroom instruction and structured computer-based exercises. Spreadsheet and database technologies are reviewed in detail to establish guidelines as to the appropriateness of their use to manage data in research.

Microsoft Excel is used to demonstrate the limitations of the spreadsheet as a tool in data management. Students use Microsoft Access to learn the principles, concepts, and powerful capabilities of relational databases. There is a substantial hands-on component, but no prior data management or programming experience is required.