Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change. Instructors will notify students of any changes and students will be responsible for abiding by them. Even if you print this syllabus, please check the online version often.

Description

DS 120: Scripting for Data Sciences (1 credit) Introductory course in computer-based scripting languages for use in data analyses.

This introductory course aims to teach practical skills in data manipulation and preprocessing scripting, including the fundamentals of an interpreted programming language for use in the data sciences. The goal of the course is to provide an accessible (no prerequisites) and brief (1 credit) introduction, preparing students for hands-on data analytics assignments in DS 200 (Introduction to Data Sciences). This practical course teaches fast manipulation of datasets on the Unix command line, scripting in spreadsheets, and fundamental control structures and data manipulation in a modern interpreted programming language. It is expected that students gain an overview of the available tools and techniques that allows them to acquire basic proficiency in select techniques in the course of applications in most other courses in Data Sciences.

Prerequisites

• None

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Write and run basic routines in a scripting language (Python) to:
   1. Modify strings
   2. Parse files
   3. Create and change various data types (lists, dictionaries, tuples)
2. Manipulate files using standard Unix commands on a command line to understand alternatives to graphical user interfaces.

Instructor

• TBD

Materials

You will need a windows or mac laptop that runs a manufacturer-supported current operating system.

• Sweigart, A. (2015). Automate the boring stuff with Python: Practical programming for total beginners. No Starch Press. ISBN 9781593275990
  • Also available here: https://automatetheboringstuff.com/ Links to an external site.
• Assigned readings are available online via direct links within the course.
• Beginning for the Fall 2020 semester, a Practice Lab access code may need to be purchased at an additional cost from the B&N bookstore.

Assignments & Grading

Class Assignments

Much of this course work will be hands on programming. The best way to learn the concepts we will be reading about is to work directly with them. We will have weekly programming assignments that will help you demonstrate the concepts we are learning together. At times you will be asked to complete the assignments on your own (with help from a starter file) and at times you are given a video to follow along and complete the assignment.

• Review Questions (300 points) - Some chapters will have review questions that cover the key concepts learned in that chapter, and are more open ended questions than programming questions for you to answer. It is important to show your ability to understand and communicate these concepts. 
• Programming (600 points) - These assignments will build on the in class work we do and incorporate previous lessons to ensure that we are continuing to work on the skills we’ve learned in previous weeks.
• Reflection Paper (100 points) - You will be asked to complete a reflection paper on the overall course.  The purpose of this reflection paper is thinking critically about this course, and what you learned throughout the semester (500-750 words). For example:
  • How does the course challenge you?
  • Has the course changed your way of thinking?
  • Are you left with any questions? Were these questions ones you had previously or ones you developed only after finishing?
  • Did we fail to address any important issues? Could a certain fact or idea have dramatically changed the impact of your experience in this class?
  • How do the concepts brought up in this course mesh with past experiences or classes? Do the ideas contradict or support each other?

Course Grading Scale

The following are minimum cutoffs for each grade:

• 93.00% = A
• 90.00% = A-
• 87.00% = B+
• 83.00% = B
• 80.00% = B-
• 77.00% = C+
• 70.00% = C
• 60.00% = D
• less than 60.00% = F

Course Policies and Expectations

• Logging into Canvas - Students are expected to login regularly to check for course updates, announcements, emails, discussions, etc.
• Emailing through Canvas - Students are expected to use Canvas for all course email communication.
• Attending virtual meetings - Students are expected to use specified virtual meeting tool(s) for collaboration, meetings, presentations, etc., as needed.