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 Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Asynchronous online materials |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 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 | Synchronous present in person (pip) tutorial sessions. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Synchronous present in person (pip) practical sessions. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 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 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 report | 1 | M | 100 | Programming assignment |
Formative Assessments
| 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8621's Timetable