Data Science
CMPSC-301-00: Data Science
Academic Bulletin Description
A study of computational methods of data analysis with an emphasis on understanding and reflecting on the social, cultural, and political issues surrounding data and its interrogation. Participating in hands-on activities that often require teamwork, students study, design, and implement analytics software and learn how to build predictive models with foundational machine learning algorithms to extract knowledge from various sources of data. Students also investigate the biases, discriminatory views, and stereotypes that may be present during the collection and analysis of data, reflecting on the ethical implications of using the resulting machine learning techniques. During a weekly laboratory session, students use Industry-grade open source statistical software to complete projects, reporting on their findings through both written documents and oral presentations. Students are invited to use their own departmentally approved laptop in this course; a limited number of laptops are available for use during class and lab sessions. Prerequisite: CMPSC101 or CMPSC102. Distribution Requirements: QR, PD.
The Lab
In order to acquire the proper skills in technical writing, critical reading, and the presentation and evaluation of technical material, it is essential for students to have hands-on experience in a laboratory. Therefore, it is mandatory for all students to attend the laboratory sessions. If you will not be able to attend a laboratory, then please see the one of the course instructor at least one week in advance in order to explain your situation. Students who miss more than two unexcused laboratories will have their final grade in the course reduced by one letter grade. Students who miss more than four unexcused laboratories will automatically fail the course.
Discord
If you are already on the department’s Discord server, then you will be given access to the course’s Discord channel, called #data-science. If not, then you will need to join the department’s Discord server before you can be added to the course’s channel.
Meeting Times
M/W/F 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM 27 August 2024 - 12 December 2024 Alden Hall, 101 Lecture
W 2:30 PM - 4:20 PM 27 August 2024 - 12 December 2024 Alden Hall, 101 Lab