DSCI103

Description

Data in the 21st Century draws many parallels to Oil in the 18th Century, while its use is increasing, its applications and full utility remain largely untapped. While limited in usefulness it its raw form, substantial value arises from its refining, that is the derivative forms from its processing, mixture with other components, and its transformation. Such processes on Data are purposed with gaining insights, nuggets of information not directly observable. One finds achievement of efficiencies engendered by the refining of data ranging broadly across diverse domains from transportation and commerce to entertainment and healthcare. More recently, governments have employed data to improve apportionment of funds and delivery of critical services. An organization's ability to employ data and use it to generate insights enables better decision-making. In this course, we cover introductory concepts purposed with building student background in the Data Science process, that is posing questions, gathering data, developing analyses, and articulating data-informed decisions. We also introduce students to entry level computational tools and methods purposed with extracting insights from data as we survey the Data Science process and consider its impact. Students will also be challenged to consider issues concerning privacy, bias, and ethics surrounding data and crafting data-informed decisions. A goal of the course is to expose students to examples from varied domains. (This is a general elective course for the Data Science Major and does not count towards the Data Science Minor.) *LAPTOP Required