This paper highlights uses of R, an open source data analysis software and programming language, in teaching an engineering module (Quality Control and Management). The main objective is to orient engineering students to the booming and lucrative data science career. Data science in engineering is mainly motivated by the need for operations improvement, supply chain management, and personalised production (a.k.a mass customization). The use of R in the mentioned module was therefore very appropriate since the learning objectives are mainly centred on the three areas of data science applications in engineering. The main achievements realised in the module were a 100% semester pass rate. Students were given an online survey questionnaire to solicit data pertaining to their views in using R as platform for introducing data science training. The responses generally indicated average to high satisfaction, practical exposure to statistical quality control tools and data analysis. Students also recorded a relatively high ease of learning of the R system and readiness to tackle practical industry problems. The results of the pilot project inspired future research into industry based applications of R for quality control and management as well as other data analytics demands. The lab sessions during the semester were mainly based on command prompt programming, but industrialists mainly find comfort in graphical based tools and real-time integration with factory floor operations.