Introduction to Data Science 3

Problem Solving with Dimensional Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Charts and Graphs

This certificate, the third in a three-certificate series, examines the rise and collapse of Theranos, a startup once valued at billions before being exposed for fraudulent practices. You will study how investor psychology, weak regulatory oversight, and lapses in ethics and critical thinking allowed the company to thrive despite unreliable technology. The case reveals how high-profile leaders and institutions overlooked evidence, putting both money and public health at risk.

The lessons also connect the Theranos story to essential professional skills. You will practice analyzing complex problems, evaluating evidence, and recognizing ethical boundaries in science and business. By the end, you will understand how poor decision-making and unchecked ambition can undermine innovation, and how rigorous thinking and ethical standards can help prevent similar failures.

Introduction to Data Science certificates must be taken in sequence.
Introduction to Data Science 3 is the final certificate in the series. You will not be able to access this certificate content until you have successfully completed both Introduction to Data Science 1 and Introduction toData Science 2.

What You Need to Know

Advanced Excel skills are recommended for learners in this certificate. The certificate assignments that use Excel are supported with Microsoft tutorials, but your ability to perform the calculations and basic functions in Excel is assumed.Additionally to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online certificates.

By the end of the certificate, students will:

• Analyze how the actions and decisions of key stakeholders in the Theranos case impacted public trust, investor confidence, and regulatory oversight.
• Evaluate strategies that could have been implemented to detect, address, or prevent the ethical and operational failures seen in the Theranos case.
• Identify and discuss the psychological drivers of investors, the government regulatory system, and lapses in ethical behavior and critical thinking in the Theranos case.