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Module

CSC8621 : Computing Foundations of Data Science

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Jennifer Warrender
  • Owning School: Computing
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

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. Furthermore, 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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials121:0012:00Asynchronous online materials
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Practical/lab report assessments
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion122:0024:00Lecture follow-up includes time for formative exercises
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture81:008:00Synchronous present in person (pip) tutorial sessions.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical82:0016:00Synchronous present in person (pip) practical sessions.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study120:0020:00Background Reading
Total100:00
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 in order 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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M100Programming assignment
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises1MPractical/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.

Reading Lists

Timetable