Data science is new and evolving; there are many important combinations of theoretical, applied, and field-specific knowledge that may provide a foundation for future work. If you are interested in a data science major, we recommend that you work with your advisor to choose a set of related courses that reflect your interests and priorities from the list of electives. Course combinations that focus on individual topics, disciplines, or domains are strongly recommended. We also strongly recommend substantial engagement with issues of ethics, which could be in one focused course or across multiple courses.
While there are many fields for which the combination of data analysis and computational tools may be valuable, we have particular recommendations for students seeking a future as a data scientist. We strongly recommend that you take both COMSC-335 Machine Learning and STAT-340 Applied Regression Methods. Ideally, at least one course should involve an extended project requiring the analysis of data. We also recommend that you contextualize your data science preparation in the content of a domain or area of study that is theoretically and empirically cohesive. We also strongly recommend that all Data Science majors take DATA-390 Data Science Capstone.
DATA-113 Introduction to Data Science
Data scientists answer questions with scientific and social relevance using statistical theory and computation. We will discuss elementary topics in statistics and learn how to write code (in Python) to visualize data and perform simulations. We will use these tools to answer questions about real data sets. We will also explore ethical issues faced by data scientists today.
DATA-121 Artificial Intelligence for Data Data Science: What's It All About?
This introductory course explores the foundations, implementation, and practical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in data science. Students will examine key historical developments and competing perspectives in the evolution of AI, demystify some of the terms currently dominating public discourse, and gain hands-on experience implementing a simple AI system. We will also use AI tools to handle a variety of data science tasks, exploring different use cases, datasets, and real-world scenarios. Throughout, we will consider both the opportunities and limitations of AI. The course includes a gentle introduction to the Python programming language. No prior knowledge is required.
DATA-225 Topics in Data Science
DATA-225AR Topics in Data Science: 'Ethics and Artificial Intelligence'
Artificially intelligent technologies are prominent features of modern life -- as are ethical concerns about their programming and use. In this class we will use the tools of philosophy to explore and critically evaluate ethical issues raised by current and future AI technologies. Topics may include issues of privacy and transparency in online data collection, concerns about social justice in the use of algorithms in areas like hiring and criminal justice, and the goals of developing general versus special purpose AI. We will also look at ethics for AI: the nature of AI "minds," the possibility of creating more ethical AI systems, and when and if AIs themselves might deserve moral rights.
DATA-225DH Topics in Data Science: 'Introduction to Digital Humanities'
This class is an interdisciplinary course that examines the application of computational tools and methodologies to humanities research, with a strong emphasis on practical Python programming. It covers key topics such as image processing, data visualization, and statistical analysis applied in various domains, including history, archaeology, and the arts. Students engage with diverse case studies and projects, employing computational and statistical techniques to analyze and interpret complex real-world datasets. The course also critically explores methodological challenges in digital humanities, including issues related to sparse data, noisy contexts, and the inherent limits of interpretation.
DATA-295 Independent Study
DATA-350 Advanced Topics in Data Science:
DATA-350TE Advanced Topics in Data Science: 'Technology, Ethics, and Public Policy'
In this course, we study the most pressing ethical concerns relating to emerging technology and envision novel policy solutions to address them. Existing regulatory and policy instruments are often unable to provide sufficient oversight for emerging technology. Can legal anti-discrimination doctrine address biased algorithmic decision-making systems? How does generative artificial intelligence challenge traditional ways of thinking about intellectual property? Do we have rights over the personal data that private firms collect about us? We examine these gaps in the context of contemporary regulatory proposals on national, multinational, and international scales.
DATA-390 Data Science Capstone
This seminar provides an opportunity for students from all disciplines to do guided research using data science tools in a research project of their choice. Students will develop an understanding of the full pipeline of successful data science research by selecting a topic, identifying relevant datasets, designing research methods, conducting in-depth analyses, deriving meaningful conclusions, and submitting a final report. Opportunities for students to present their work and review journal articles create a scaffolded approach. Past project topics include geology, music, demographics, art, economics, government, religion, transportation, and law.
DATA-395 Independent Study
DATA-395P Independent Study w/Practicum
Note: Majors need to take either COMSC-335 or STAT-340.
