Introduction to Applied Data Science

Abstract

What is data science? Attempts to define it can be made in one (prolonged) sentence, while it may take a whole book to demonstrate the meaning of this definition. This book introduces data science in an applied setting, by first giving a coherent overview of the background in Part I, and then presenting the nuts and bolts of the discipline by means of diverse use cases in Part II; finally, specific and insightful lessons learned are distilled in Part III. This chapter introduces the book and provides an answer to the following questions: What is data science? Where does it come from? What are its connections to big data and other mega trends? We claim that multidisciplinary roots and a focus on creating value lead to a discipline in the making that is inherently an interdisciplinary, applied science.