DeGroote School of Business

DeGroote Data Science Summer Program

DeGroote Data Science Summer Program

The DeGroote Data Science Summer Program is back for the fourth year and free for all DeGroote students! 

Building on Microsoft’s curriculum, courses combine theory and application of data fundamentals and artificial intelligence in business. Should you choose to write Microsoft certification exams, the knowledge acquired will support a successful preparation to do so. You may choose to register in 1 or 2 courses: 

  • Microsoft Data Fundamentals – DP-900 (Virtual in May – 10 hours) 
  • AI and Data Science using Microsoft Azure – AI-900 (Virtual in June – 10 hours)

For the first time, DeGroote’s Data Science Summer Program is open to all of our undergraduate* and graduate students. Take advantage of these offerings and register by Wednesday, May 1 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) 

Please review this information fully, including the frequently asked questions, prior to registering for courses as it contains very important information about pre-requisites and the waitlist. Seats are limited. 

Eligibility:

  • All DeGroote Graduate students and DeGroote Undergraduate Commerce students (*in level 3 and above) in good academic standing.
  • Priority will be given to: 
    • current students who will be continuing their program in the Fall 2024 term, and 
    • students registered for both courses, Microsoft Data Fundamentals DP900 and AI and Data Science using Microsoft Azure AI900.

Course information and sequencing:

  • Microsoft Data Fundamentals – DP900
    View the course outline below
    This course is a prerequisite to AI900.

    • Course starts Monday, May 6th (Virtual – 10 hours)
      • 4 virtual sessions: May 6, 8, 13, and 15. 
        Mondays and Wednesdays  
        Session 1:  5 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. Register now
        Session 2: 6
        p.m.– 8:30 p.m. Register now

        Synchronous

 

  • AI and Data Science using Microsoft Azure – AI900
    View the course outline below
    This course has a pre-requisite (DP900)
  • Course starts Monday, June 3rd (Virtual – 10 hours)
    • 4 virtual sessions: June 3, 5, 10, and 12. 
      Mondays and Wednesdays  
      6 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. 
      Synchronous

Register now

 

Registration and waitlist details:

  • Limited seats are available on each course. If the space is full, please join the waitlist as registration will be monitored closely.
  • If you register and fail to attend, you will be charged a fee of $100.
  • Students may register for 1 or 2 courses at the links above.
  • Important: If you register for a session that has a pre-requisite but you have not also registered for the pre-requisite, your registration will be cancelled. 
  • Students that register for the two courses will be prioritized on the waitlist.

Please see the FAQs on the right side of the page for more information on pre-requisites.

Questions?Please reach out to cernan@mcmaster.ca

We are very excited to be offering these courses to you. Whether you elect to write the certification exams, or simply attend the course(s), you will be more knowledgeable and skilled to be market-ready at graduation.

Course Overview

Data Fundamentals – DP-900

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of database concepts in a cloud environment, get basic skilling in cloud data services, and build their foundational knowledge of cloud data services specifically those within Microsoft Azure. The course provides a practical, hands-on approach in which you will get a chance to see data in action and try Azure data services for yourself. 

This course also prepares students to write the Microsoft DP-900 Data Fundamentals Certification exam. 

Course details

  • Length: 10 hours
  • Course Materials:
    • The course textbook: DP 900 Microsoft Learn modules available online
    • DP-900 Practice Labs: provided by your instructor.
  • Course Requirements: MS Excel (Basic level) Recommended: Experience working in business with business systems (CRM, ERP, databases, etc.)
  • Please note that courses are capped at 40 seats.

Topics

  1. What is Data & Analytics?
  • Data Storytelling
  • Data Analysis & Visualizations
  • KPI’s and Business Metrics
  • Data Management & Data Governance
  1. Describe core data concepts
  • Explore core data concepts
  • Explore roles and responsibilities in the world of data
  • Describe concepts of relational data
  • Explore concepts of non-relational data
  • Explore concepts of data analytics
  1. Explain concepts of relational data in Azure
  • Explore relational data offerings in Azure
  • Explore provisioning and deploying relational database offerings in Azure
  • Query relational data in Azure
  1. Explain concepts of non-relational data offerings on Azure
  • Explore non-relational data offerings in Azure
  • Explore provisioning and deploying non-relational data services in Azure
  • Manage non-relational data stores in Azure
  1. Identify components of a modern data warehouse and analytics infrastructure
  • Examine components of a modern data warehouse
  • Explore large-scale data analytics
  • Using Machine Learning and AI in Business

AI and Data Science using Microsoft Azure – AI-900

This class introduces Machine Learning and AI on the Cloud at a basic level for business users. Students will learn the fundamentals of AI and Machine Learning, their role in the modern data ecosystem as well as look at some useful applications within business. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will define the next generation of software solutions and unlocks the potential to create amazing applications that improve life for everyone. This course introduces AI and the Cloud services students can use to create AI solutions. 

This course also prepares students to write the Microsoft AI-900 AI Fundamentals Certification exam with Microsoft. 

Course details

Topics

  1. Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
    • Artificial Intelligence in Azure
    • Responsible AI
  1. Machine Learning & AI for Business
    • Introduction to Machine Learning
    • How Machine Learning can be applied in business
    • The Machine Learning Workflow
    • Azure Machine Learning
  1. Fundamentals of Computer Vision
    • Computer Vision Concepts
    • Creating Computer Vision solutions in Azure
  1. Fundamentals of Natural Language Processing
    • Introduction to Natural Language Processing
    • Building Natural Language Solutions in Azure
  1. Introduction to Azure OpenAI Service & Conversational AI
    • Introduction to Conversational AI
    • Describe Azure OpenAI workloads and access the Azure OpenAI Service
    • Understand generative AI models
    • Understand Azure OpenAI’s language, code, and image capabilities
    • Understand Azure OpenAI’s responsible AI practices and limited access policies

Frequently Asked Questions

These courses, when offered in market, range from $900 to $2,700 for each course. DeGroote is offering these courses and associated licenses needed for participation at no cost to you.

If you wish to pursue optional certification (by writing the exams) for DP900 and AI100, these exam fees are not covered by DeGroote. More details on exam timing and fees will be shared with course registrants (approximately $99 USD per exam).

Yes, but please note priority will be given to current students (returning in Fall 2024). We will monitor enrolment for all courses and confirm your registration status one week before the program starts.

Please follow the information shared on this page. These courses are intended to build on each other such that your options for registering for 1 or 2 courses are as follows:

    • DP 900
    • DP 900 + AI900