Introduction to Scientific Data Informatics

Explore the informatics properties of scientific and technical (S&T) data, and current issues and challenges facing their access, use, reuse, and long-term preservation. Together we will learn about the requirements these properties put on existing and emerging data and information preservation and access practices.

Main themes:

1. Scientific and technical data: their description, assessment, and preservation.
2. Current Semantic Web and Linked Data initiatives and practices that focus on S&T data.
3. Current issues and discourse about managing collections of S&T data.
4. Hands-on use of semantic markup practices on class papers and reports.

At the end of the course students will:

1. Understand the information properties of scientific and technical data.
2. Know how to measure and evaluate aspects of research data set usability.
3. Understand the informatics requirements of scientific data collection use, management, and preservation.
4. Understand the Semantic Web and Linked Data initiatives, and their use in managing scientific data.
5. Know about specific scientific and technical data management practices and issues.
6. Have exposure to the current discourse on S&T data management process and practice.