Are you are looking for an in-person course that you can use as a Business Minor elective? Do you want to level up your analytics capabilities? Then, consider taking BDI 199/593 this spring, 2026. This is an application-driven course designed for students who want real experience solving business problems with modern data tools. Through six case studies, you will work with large-scale datasets, modern Python libraries, complex SQL queries, and practical machine learning techniques.
BDI 199 (Undergraduate, 3 credits) Advanced Data Analytics Applications in Business
TR 3:30-4:50 in 2007 BIF
Instructor: Ye Joo Park
Open to students with Sophomore, Junior and Senior class standing
Topics include:
Advanced data loading and cleaning with Python (pandas, Polars), Gradient boosting algorithms for applied predictive modeling Large-scale data processing with DuckDB and Polars, Complex SQL queries (CTEs, window functions, multi-table joins), Business-focused NLP with pre-trained models like BERT and DistilBERT, Cloud computing workflows (AWS, GCP, and modern databases), Client-ready visualizations and dashboards using Plotly and Dash.
Prerequisites:
There are no formal course pre-requisites however, students should have an understanding of descriptive statistics; Python fundamentals (such as functions, loops, and list/dictionary data structures); data manipulation skills using pandas or an equivalent library; basic SQL skills; and experience working with simple machine learning models. A laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM is required.
If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to email Professor Park at ypark32@illinois.edu
If you successfully complete this course for a letter grade and would like it to satisfy an elective for the Business Minor, then email busminor@business.illinois.edu to request a minor modification.
