ETC5510 Introduction to data analysis
Faculty of Business and Economics
ETC5510 Introduction to data analysis is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 8 units, leading on to 18 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ETC5510
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After ETC5510
8 units list ETC5510 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- EPM5032Applied health data analytics group case studyNo reviews yet
- ETC4500Advanced R programmingNo reviews yet
- ETC5450Advanced R programmingNo reviews yet
- ETC5521Diving deeply into data explorationNo reviews yet
- ETF5231Business forecastingNo reviews yet
- ETF5932Predictive analytics and machine learningNo reviews yet
- ETX5500High dimensional data analysisNo reviews yet
- FIT5197Statistical data modellingNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
If you have completed the Data Science: Data-Driven Decision Making microcredential you cannot undertake this unit.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit introduces principles and techniques for exploring different types of data. You will learn concepts and practice in taking "data from the wild", reading different formats, tidying and wrangling it into shape for analysis, and creating useful visualisations to achieve effective data-driven decision-making. You will learn to use data to solve problems, and develop oral and written communication skills, using hands-on learning and live data analysis with code.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
| Second semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Artefact10%
- Quiz / Test10%
- Project30%
- Quiz / Test20%
- ExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
learn to read different data formats, learn about tidy data and wrangling techniques
- 2
apply effective visualisation, descriptive analysis and modelling to understand relationships between variables, and make decisions with data
- 3
develop computing, communication, and reproducible reporting skills.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops12 hours
- Tutorials18 hours
- Seminars24 hours
- Assessments-
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Learning resources
Technology resources
There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Patrick Wong
- Dr Erik Sverdrup
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ETC5510?
ETC5510 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after ETC5510?
ETC5510 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 8 units, including EPM5032, ETC4500, ETC5450, ETC5521, ETF5231 and ETF5932. Those lead on to 18 units in all.
When is ETC5510 offered?
In 2026, ETC5510 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is ETC5510?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ETC5510 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.