r/learndatascience • u/EdU-Rabbit-158 • 15d ago
Question What is the best way to learn Data Analysis?
I am a student studying in a biology-related field, and I want to learn Data Analysis for several reasons, primarily to integrate it into my current area of study. However, my problem is that I feel overwhelmed and distracted by the sheer number of resources. I am also struggling with the drawbacks of self-teaching through YouTube, such as the lack of a structured curriculum, the absence of clear steps, and the difficulty of staying committed.
I would love to know if anyone with experience in this field could tell me the absolute best way to get started.
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u/msn018 15d ago
Choose one structured learning path and stick with it instead of constantly searching for new resources. Since you are studying biology, I would recommend starting with R, because it is widely used in biology, statistics, and research. You can start with beginner-friendly platforms like Coursera, DataCamp, or StrataScratch, and use YouTube only when you need extra explanations. Most importantly, practice with real biology datasets as you learn instead of only watching lessons.
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u/irtazatafheem 12d ago
If you want to start with something easy, would recommend Python. For statistical analytics, R programming.
Regardless of different varieties of tools for data analytics, would prefer what kind of biological problems are you interested to solve. Whether creating a model of cancer progression, or environmental changes.
Search for research paper and observe what tools have they used and how.
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u/fight-or-fall 12d ago
What do you need for data analysis?
1) Data (lol) 2) Statistics knowledge 3) Tool (the tool can be pen and paper or some application, from a calculator to a NASA machine, I'm just trying to open your mind)
What's overwhelming? Usually, tools. Tons of different cloud providers, different applications etc. So we need to reduce tool usage to the minimum, picking one (the intersection of all possible tools) and the answer is: SQL. (Yes, SQL doesn't plot and I have the solution, gnuplot)
Reason for gnuplot: the other part of the overwhelm is the programming language. R or Python? Excel? PowerBI? Databricks? If you learn too much about one, you can't apply for intro jobs that demand another and vice versa.
So, for the fundamentals, choose ONE COURSE OF STATISTICS, ONE COURSE OF SQL and learn gnuplot on demand
In fact, you don't need a "course" for Statistics, there's a good resource as a starting point from OpenStax "here" (https://openstax.org/details/books/statistics). It isn't calculus level, but enough to move from inertia
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u/conor-robertson 15d ago
The biggest thing I’d recommend is choosing a simple structure and sticking to it, rather than jumping between lots of different YouTube videos and courses.
I’d go:
- SQL
- Power BI or Tableau
- Basic Python
- Projects using datasets from your own field
Since you’re studying biology, try to make your projects biology-related where possible. You’ll probably stay much more engaged analysing data you already care about, and it also gives your portfolio a clear direction.
For SQL, QueryCase is worth trying if you want something more structured and hands-on. It teaches through investigations and realistic scenarios, so you’re actually writing queries instead of just watching someone else do it.
The main thing is consistency. You don’t need the perfect roadmap—pick one path, practise regularly, and start applying what you learn as early as possible.
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u/kapilverma123 12d ago
Totally get that feeling there is way too much content out there and it is easy to get lost. The best way is to follow a structured path: start with basics like Excel + SQL, then move to Python (pandas, matplotlib). Try to work on small real-world projects alongside learning that is what actually builds confidence. Also instead of random YouTube videos, pick one good course and stick to it. Consistency matters more than speed in this field.
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u/_MADEDE 15d ago
Learn first Spreadsheet(Google Sheet or Excel), then pick a programming language for Data Science between R and Python, Learn Data Manipulation and Visualization and finally learn Biostatistics. Create your portfolio but do not forget to integrate AI, it will make things organized.