Choose a data career path
Data Analytics vs Data Science vs Big Data: Which Course Fits You?
These fields work together, but they teach different skills. Compare the questions each field answers, the tools you will use and the Expertzlab programs available in Kochi or live online across Kerala.
Original article by Gireesh Babu K S · Published 22 April 2017 · Updated 26 September 2026
The difference at a glance
A data analyst turns available data into useful reports and dashboards. A data scientist uses statistics and machine learning to investigate patterns and build models. A big data engineer builds the pipelines and systems those tasks rely on. One project can need all three roles.
Data Analytics
What happened, and what should the team do next?
Clean data, build dashboards and explain business results.
Skills: Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau and Power BI.
Explore the Data Analytics course in Kochi →Data Science
What patterns can we model or predict?
Explore data, train models and test how well they solve a problem.
Skills: Python, SQL, statistics, machine learning and Generative AI.
Explore the Data Science course in Kochi →Big Data Engineering
How will data arrive, move and remain usable at scale?
Build the systems that collect and process data for analysis.
Skills: Data pipelines, PySpark, Kafka, cloud services and storage.
Explore the Cloud Data Engineering course →Master Data Science, Machine Learning & Generative AI
Learn from industry architects with hands-on capstone projects, real-world datasets, and official IIT certification.
Which path should you explore first?
- Interested in dashboards and decisions? Start with the Data Analytics curriculum and its Excel, SQL and Power BI modules.
- Interested in prediction and machine learning? Review the Data Science curriculum, including statistics, ML and Generative AI.
- Interested in building data systems? Compare Cloud Data Engineering with the Big Data Engineering diploma.
- Interested mainly in AI applications? See the AI and Machine Learning program.
Common questions
Is a Data Analyst course the same as a Data Science course?
They overlap in Python and SQL. Expertzlab's Data Analytics program emphasizes Excel, dashboards and Power BI; its Data Science program also covers statistics, machine learning and deep learning. Read each curriculum to choose the depth you need.
Can I study from outside Kochi?
The classroom is in Palarivattom, Kochi. You can also ask about live online study from elsewhere in Kerala. See how the online option works.
Where can I find fees and upcoming batches?
Fees and schedules depend on the program and batch. Check the course curriculum, then ask admissions for the current fee, eligibility and next available batch before applying.
Want the full curriculum & fee structure for Data Science with Generative AI?
Includes module-by-module breakdown, project capstones & placement roadmap.
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