Data Science Foundations: Navigating digital insight

by Stephen Mariadas, Ian Huke

Overview

While data science is powering most modern organisations its technical intricacies often remain confined to a select few.

This book is for those starting to work within this field to give them the foundations on which to build their confidence and understanding. Allowing them to contribute to projects through making decisions and acting on them. 

Written in an accessible manner, Data Science Foundations provides explanations of complex concepts and methods in layman’s terms supported by examples. It also includes a holistic view of data science covering the technical, ethical and delivery challenges illustrated by case studies.

Aligned with industry-recognised qualifications, this is the definitive guide for aspiring data scientists, providing a solid foundation in data analysis techniques.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780177014
Publisher:	BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	178
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Steve Mariadas is CEO of an Institute of Technology, he has a depth of understanding in technical skills. He has a wide range of experience in both industry and education having held the position of Chief Information Officer for a European airline. Since moving into education twelve years ago, he has been instrumental in building digital and data apprenticeships across the South West region. Steve was awarded a Technical Teaching Fellowship by the Royal Commission on delivering data skills to industry. He also works closely with a number of multi-nationals on their data skills strategy. Ian Huke qualified as a lawyer, specialising as a litigator before starting to develop legal software. Moving into financial services he worked for both start-up companies and leading insurance and banking firms. Here he created and led several business analysis functions, engaged in all aspects of change. Having become an independent consultant, he found his work was increasingly focused on data science, leading to a large dose of imposter syndrome.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Stakeholders

Chapter 3. Project Delivery

Chapter 4. Ethics and Lawfulness

Chapter 5. Discovery

Chapter 6. Properties of Data

Chapter 7. Sourcing

Chapter 8. Preparation

Chapter 9. Basic Concepts

Chapter 10. Model Selection

Chapter 11. Visualisations

Chapter 12. Model Evaluation

Chapter 13. Communication

Chapter 14. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Chapter 15. Case Studies

Chapter 16. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

A brilliant guide to data science. Covers the full lifecycle with clarity and practical insight—perfect for newcomers but a fantastic reference for all.

Chris Weston, Technology Consultant, NashTech

Data Science Foundations is the perfect beginner’s guide, offering a clear, engaging overview of key concepts with real-world examples. A must-read companion for anyone eager to dive into data science.
Jake Wilson PhD, Data Scientist, GHGSat Inc

This is a very topical subject, affecting everyone’s lives, but a book on its foundations could have been very dry, but the Authors have struck the right blend of sharing the concepts, principles and approaches and bringing it to life with real-world examples and scenarios. My company is delivering several projects for clients using IoT (Internet of Things) which extensively use Data Science to deliver a service, and more broadly our teams get involved in many projects where there is a data science aspect (obvious or discrete). This book will definitely be the one I hand to our team members who are above to embark on a new project. Highly recommended.
John Opsblum, Co-Founder and Chief Consulting Officer, Illuminet Solutions 

This was the book that I needed! An excellent, thoughtful, and concise grounding in data science, packed with relatable examples, practical tips and a comprehensive framework for achieving successful data science projects. The explanations of the link between data science, machine learning, and AI, as well as the overview of the different data science models, were invaluable in enhancing my understanding. This book will become a trusted companion, one that I am sure I will return to again and again.
Paul Williamson, Senior Business Analyst (Private Equity)

A must-read for data professionals, this book blends technical depth with practical guidance. It refines model selection strategies and enhances communication, turning raw data into meaningful, actionable insights.
Raimondo Fanale MBCS, R&D Manager, Intuisco, LTD

For anyone who views data science as a dark art, but wants to improve their understanding of it, this is a ‘must read’ book. It guides the reader through data science concepts and practices, making it real through Its extensive use of case studies and real world examples. Refreshingly jargon free, it offers practical advice and humanises the topic. Strongly recommended.
Nigel Turner, Principal Information Management Consultant EMEA, Global Data Strategy

Data Science Foundations is a welcome addition to the resources available to those beginning their journey or those already practicing advanced data analysis. It manages to be both comprehensive and readable: all areas of data science are covered, but no prior knowledge is assumed. A splendid piece of work by the authors.
Martin Bell, CEO and Chief Data Scientist, BEXIT Ltd

A fantastic introduction to data science, covering problem definition, statistics, model selection, communication and visualisation. Clear and concise, it's an excellent starting point for anyone new to the field!

Richard Fritz-Hewer, Data Scientist, CMC Partnership

From the Publisher