Syllabus#
Course description#
This course is designed as a primer to get the complete novice up and running with the basic knowledge of how to use the programming language Python in an environment that emphasizes reproducible research and data analysis. The target audience is anyone who wants to do their own data analysis. The course will culminate with a peer-evaluated exploratory data analysis project on either a pre-specified dataset or a dataset of your choice.
Logistics#
Course website: https://roualdes.github.io/MATH131
Prerequisite: basic computer literacy
Modality: this course run for 5 weeks only.
Discord server: https://discord.gg/ck497bJty5
Section 01 |
|
|---|---|
time |
asynchronous |
location |
online |
instructor |
Edward |
office location |
Holt 204 |
Canvas usage#
The Course website listed above will be used instead of Canvas. A link in Canvas leads to this website.
Student support#
office hours#
Time and day TBD. Location: Meriam Library’s Innovation Lab.
If none of the above times work for you, please email me so we can find a time that works for us both.
Discord#
To facilitate peer to peer and effective instructor to peer assistance Discord will be used for discussion and questions outside of class. This server hosts students across multiple Statistics and Data Science classes, with a specific channel for all sections of Math 131.
Click this link to join the server: https://discord.gg/ck497bJty5. Verify your email and agree to the rules and code of conduct. This helps create a safe learning environment.
Community Coding#
Similar to drop in Mathematics tutoring hours, students, staff, faculty, and the public are invited to join our Community Coding sessions. Bring your computer, coding projects, and your questions to this open working environment.
Schedule and info found at https://www.csuchico.edu/datascience/community-coding.shtml.
Learning Outcomes#
By the end of the course, students will be able to
Import data into Python from external files such as text files and spreadsheets.
Calculate summary statistics.
Create new variables using different data types.
Perform data management techniques such as filtering, grouping, and summarizing/aggregating.
Create informative data visualizations and tables.
Create a reproducible research document.
Conduct an exploratory data analysis in a reproducible manner.
Schedule of Topics#
The general outline of topics is listed below.
Week 01
Introduction to the Python language and Google Colab
Conducting reproducible research within a Colab notebook using Markdown and Python code
Week 02
How to use functions
Introduction to data processing
Week 03
Univariate Data Visualization using base, and plotnine graphics
Data processing and Aggregation with Pandas
Week 04
Bivariate and Multivariate Data Visualization using ggplot2
Importing data into Python from external files
Week 05
Exploratory Data Analysis (individual project)
Required Materials#
A reliable laptop, chromebook, or tablet that can use a browser to access the internet.
Reliable internet connection while on and off campus.
Students who do not have a computer (i.e. a iPad or Chromebook) can use the Wildcat virtual lab
Time commitment#
For all CSU degree programs and courses bearing academic credit, the “credit hour” is defined as … not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit.
This adds up to 15 hours in class, and 30 hours outside of class during these 5 weeks. That’s 3 hours in class, and 10 hours of homework per week. If you are new to programming and unfamiliar with computers, you may end up taking more time. Be sure to schedule sufficient time during Week 05 to work on the project.
You will get out of this class what you put into it. Recall this is just a co-curriculuar or supplemental introductory class. You will not learn everything there is to know about Python, nor necessarily feel proficient by the time you are done. But you will be on a better path towards learning Python than when you started.
Grading#
Credit / No Credit. There are 100 points available in this course. You must earn 75 points to receive credit for the course.
Assignments: 4 @ 10 points each
Fill out course Notes: 4 @ 7.5 points each
Project:
Exploratory Data Analysis (20 points)
Peer Review (10 points)
Assignments and Notes are due after each week, Sunday by midnight.
Class policies and statements#
Everyone is welcome here#
It is our intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is our intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let us know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups.
We would like to create a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors your identities (including race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.) To help accomplish this:
If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official Chico records, please let us know!
If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don’t hesitate to come and talk with us. We want to be a resource for you. Remember that you can also submit anonymous feedback (which may lead to a general announcement to the class, if necessary to address the concerns). Please use our Google form named Anonymous feedback. You must be signed in with your campus Google account student_username@mail.csuchico.edu to access the form, but we do not record (hence anonymous) any information about how submits feedback.
If you prefer to speak with someone outside of the course, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is here to assist. Their number is 530-898-4764, and email diversityoffice@csuchico.edu
We (like many people) are still in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If something was said in class (by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it. (Again, anonymous feedback is always an option).
Adapted from Monica Linden at Brown University.
Appreciation#
We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.
We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.
University policies and campus resources#
Adding and dropping the course#
This course only runs for a few weeks and all materials are available on the course website. It will be difficult to get caught up if you add the class after the first week.
Academic integrity#
Students are expected to be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at California State University, Chico, and the University’s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity and other resources related to student conduct can be found on the Student Judicial Affairs web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/sjd/integrity.shtml.
IT Support Services#
Computer labs for student use are located on the first and fourth floor of the Meriam Library, Room 116 and 450, Tehama Hall Room 131, and the Bell Memorial Union (BMU) basement. You can get help using your computer from IT Support Services; contact them through the ITSS web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/itss. Additional labs may be available to students in your department or college.
Americans with Disabilities Act#
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Please also contact Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) as they are the designated department responsible for approving and coordinating reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. ARC will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide you further assistance with requesting and arranging accommodations.
Accessibility Resource Center 530-898-5959 Student Services Center 170 arcdept@csuchico.edu http://www.csuchico.edu/arc
Chico State Basic Needs Project#
The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry provides supplemental food, fresh produce, CalFresh application assistance and basic needs referral services for students experiencing food and housing insecurity.
All students are welcomed to visit the Pantry located in the Student Service Center 196. Check the website for a location map and for the most up to date information on open hours: https://www.csuchico.edu/basic-needs/pantry.shtml.
Confidentiality and mandatory reporting#
As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility related to my role as a your instructor. I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct with the University. Students may speak to someone confidentially by contacting the Counseling and Wellness Center (898-6345) or Safe Place (898-3030). Information on campus reporting obligations and other Title IX related resources are available here: <www.csuchico.edu/title-ix>.