CSC8621 : Computing Foundations of Data Science
CSC8621 : Computing Foundations of Data Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jennifer Warrender
- Teaching Assistant: Ms Hasti Kamali
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• This module aims to introduce the fundamental computing concepts and techniques underpinning contemporary
data science.
• The module aims to provide students with a grounding in program design and implementation, programming
environments. It explores how to apply and devise algorithms for a particular problem.
• This module places an emphasis on clear design and development of programs, teaching how to break problems
down to provide simpler and easier-to-use solutions. Students will apply these skills at a practical level
with a particular programming language, though the skills learned here can be applied to any programming
language.
Outline Of Syllabus
• What is programming?
• The building blocks and structure of computer programs.
• Tackling data analysis problems.
• Algorithms and some examples.
• Introduction to a programming language, and relevant libraries, for data analysis.
• Methods and data structures for data analysis.
• Case studies in software development within a data science context.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students will have:
• A knowledge of what is meant by programming a computer.
• An understanding of how to break down a problem into a form suitable for solving with a program.
• An appreciation of what algorithms are and how to devise them.
• A knowledge of how to design, implement, test and debug software.
• An understanding of the application of computer programming to data analysis problems.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to devise a programmatic approach to problem solving, and to use a programming language and software development environments to design, implement, test, and debug programs.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Practical/lab report assessments. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Lecture follow-up includes time for formative exercises. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Tutorial sessions (in person). |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Pre-recorded online materials to aid learning. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Practical sessions (in person) Synchronous. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Background reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work.
Lecture follow-up, e.g., quizzes and exercises, is associated with each lecture to provide sufficient hands-on training and rapid feedback on understanding.
Scheduled sessions are used both for solution of problems and work requiring extensive computation and to give insight into the ideas/methods studied.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 100 | Programming assignment. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Practical/Tutorial exercises. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Programming assignment allows the students to develop their problem-solving techniques, to practise the methods learned in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback.
Students will be given a formative exercise to introduce them to relevant tools, develop their understanding of programming concepts and provide them with the opportunity to gain experience through practical application.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8621's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8621's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.