BSS Datalab - for students

Learn to use and code data

What is BSS Datalab?

BSS DataLab is a physical space in the library at Fuglesangs Allé, staffed by data experts.

All BSS students can get help working with the data included in their courses. Whether you work with financial data, interviews, API calls or something completely different, we are ready to assist you.

Get for example help with building datasets, Excel, Nvivo, R, Python and other tools. For example, we can help you extract, clean and organise your data, and we can also provide guidance in relation to further work with various analysis tools.

Why a BSS Datalab?

In BSS DataLab you can seek guidance and get feedback from other students about your data problems.

BSS Datalab is located in the middle of the library at Fuglesangs Allé, and there are plenty of resources to draw on and special access to, for example, company databases.

As a supplement to your classes and teaching, you can get support and guidance in various digital methods and tools.

Who is behind BSS Datalab?

BSS DataLab is a collaboration between the strategic project manager for students' digital competences at BSS (Camilla Kølsen Pedersen) and AU Library.

As a student at BSS DataLab you will meet employees from AU Library who have different skills in specific programs. You will also meet teaching staff from AU's Department of Management and Centre for Educational Development.

How do you use BSS Datalab?

You can use the BSS DataLab either by signing up for a course or by attending one of our open workshops.

If you need more specific help with a data issue you can also book a specific employee who can help you.

Find courses in the BSS DataLab calendar.

Activities and courses

BSS Datalab - activities

BSS Datalab has open activities where students can get help and competent feedback
You can book a PC with Eikon installled
You can also contact an employee to get help with a tool or get feedback in connection with your project

BSS Datalab - courses

BSS Datalab has courses on specific tools or methods
As a student you can sign up for a course on a tool you are interested in, or you can contact an employee to hear more about specific tools and methods

Programs, tools, methods

Here you can find a brief description of some of the programs and tools you can get help with.
Please contact the employee who is listed as contact if you have questions about programs, tools or methods.

Excel

Excel is the well-known spreadsheet program from Microsoft where data is organized into rows and columns.

The program provides a good overview of your data, and the many built-in functions help you process, analyze and visualize data.

Python

Python is a versatile programming language which can be used for collecting, purification, analysis and visualisation of data.

The command-based approach scales well, and Python is therefore an obvious tool for larger datasets when more classic, visual programs fall short.

Python has a syntax that is easy to read and write, and it is therefore relatively easy to get started with.

R

The statistical programming language R comes with a wide range of uses, as well as the ability to extend functionality with a multitude of external packages.

You can use R to analyse data independently, but you can benefit from using R through the integrated development environment RStudio, which provides a good overview of data, variables, visualisations, files, etc.

Whisper

Whisper is a tool you can use for automatic transcription of audio files based on a Large Language Model developed by OpenAI.

You can install Whisper on your own computer, but it is recommended to use Whisper Transcription through UCloud, which provides access to DeiC Interactive HPC for researchers and students. This solution will give you the most advantages with regards to both computing power and data security.

BSS Datalab can help you get started with Whisper. As a quick introduction, you can follow this guide to Whisper prepared by Aarhus BSS IT & Communication.