IMPEL FAQs
What is IMPEL?
IMPEL stands for Integrative Manufacturing and Production Engineering Curricula that leverage Data Science. These courses were designed with you in mind: a completely online, modular data science curricula to help you advance your skills and knowledge for Industry 4.0.
What courses are part of the IMPEL Program?
● Algorithms and Optimization
● Computation and Visualization
● Cybermanufacturing Systems
● Data Analytics
● Data Management for Analytics
● Ethics, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Overview
● Robotics and Automation
● Sensor Analytics
Do I have to pay any costs or fees to take the course?
The courses are free of cost. The development of these courses was paid for by the National Science Foundation.
How are the IMPEL courses structured?
These online courses are self-paced and self-guided. Each course is composed of thematic modules, which allows you to personalize your learning experience. While the modules do not have to be taken in a specific order, if you are less familiar with the course topic, you may decide to complete all of the modules in sequential order.
Each course includes interactive learning elements, real-world examples, knowledge-check quizzes, and a concluding case study to put theory into practice.
What is the difference between a course and a module?
Think of modules and courses in terms of books. Modules are the chapters within a book, whereas a course is the book itself. A course is made of one or more modules packed together.
A course will be considered complete once the learner has successfully completed all the lessons, quizzes, assignments, and tasks required within those modules (in any order).
Who are these courses intended for?
The IMPEL courses were developed with these profiles in mind:
- Working professionals including production and manufacturing engineer
- Undergraduate engineering students seeking an area of specialization in data science
- Re-toolers (liberal arts graduates and veterans seeking positions in manufacturing)
- Community college students seeking certificates and transition to four-year colleges
How much background knowledge do I need to be successful in the course?
In most cases, modules are developed be self-sufficient and require no additional background. However, learners could benefit from having basics skill in algebra, calculus, statistics, and programming.
How do I decide which courses to take?
IMPEL was developed so that you can tailor the curricula to meet your individual needs. To help you determine what courses to take, we’ve created a Recommendation System that will present you with the right set of courses, taking into consideration your aptitude, competency, and workplace needs. Go to Personalize My Path.
Why should I take these courses? What sets them apart from other online courses?
These courses will help prepare you to succeed in the Industry 4.0 environment. Industry 4.0 represents a more comprehensive and interconnected approach to manufacturing. With the emergence of new technologies—such as machine learning, robotics, and Internet of Things—the demand for skilled professionals in data science areas is growing rapidly.
How does the course assess my progress and/or success?
A learner’s understanding and comprehension are assessed using knowledge-check questions, self-reflection prompts, quiz questions, and other exercises embedded in the modules. When the learner reaches the end of the module, they are considered to have completed it successfully.
Do I need any special equipment or materials for these courses?
A commercial-off-the-shelf Windows PC or Mac, a good Internet connection, and an Internet browser are all that are required to access and go through the IMPEL course modules.
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each course varies in length—some courses have 7–9 modules, and some have 3–4 modules. Each module requires approximately two hours of student time to complete. The “Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Best Practices for Students Taking Online Courses” is a brief course with only two modules.
Are there timelines or deadlines?
These courses are self-paced. There is no specific timeline or deadline. An average learner will take about two hours of screen time to complete a module. The learner will need about 16 hours of screen time to complete a course. Learners can complete their learning sessions at their own pace and convenience.
What does it mean that the course is self-paced?
Self-paced courses are online classes that you can complete at your own pace. These courses don’t ask learners to meet online at specific times, or to submit assignments or projects by a specific date.
Do I receive a certificate if I successfully complete a course or the entire set of courses? How would I receive the certificate?
If you successfully complete a course, you will earn a digital Badge from Northeastern University. For each course you complete, you will receive a separate Badge.
If you successfully complete the entire set of courses, you will receive the certificate in Basics of Data Science for Industry 4.0.
Do I need to complete all the courses/modules to receive recognition?
To receive a digital Badge, you must complete all modules in the corresponding course. To receive the certificate in Basics of Data Science for Industry 4.0, you must complete all the courses.