TOPICS: DATA SCIENCE THINKING: METHODS & CONTEXT in Spring 2019 (CS1091)

In nowadays data-driven world, having the basic skills needed to think critically about problems using data is a requirement for many intellectual, creative pursuits and careers. This project-based course introduces data science thinking by looking at the whole cycle of activities involved in data science projects. Based on real world applications of data science, we will consider the challenges involved in, for example, “asking good questions”, “appropriately collecting data”, “telling a compelling and useful data-based story”. We will explore the ethical questions posed by many data science related endeavors while also practicing skills and using tools for manipulating data. By the end of the course students will be able to think about problems with data scientific rigor and creativity, will be able to apply data science skills to address those problems, and will have a good understanding of the theoretical, mathematical and computational challenges involved in data-science.