This course guides you through the key steps involved in planning and delivering a successful data science project. You will learn how to define your project aims, build a clear project plan, and select methods that support strong, evidence-based work. The course also introduces core academic skills, including how to research a topic, complete a literature review, and evaluate information critically.
Data Science: How to Plan Projects, Research and Reflect
Enjoy unlimited growth with a year of Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How to plan a data science project using a clear framework
·How to research a topic and complete a literature review
·How to reflect on your work and communicate your findings
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Recently updated!
December 2025
Assessments
1 assignment
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 2 modules in this course
In this short course, you will learn to communicate the key concepts, skills and attitudes for developing a proposal to deliver data science project work, which can then be applied in the workplace.
What's included
22 readings1 assignment
This week is delivered in collaboration with Skills@Library and examines how to conduct an efficient literature search, keep accurate records, critique the available published literature and consolidate this information into a viable research proposal.
What's included
1 video14 readings
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,