Academic Catalog

Data Science (DS)

DS 701  Exploratory Data Analysis  3.00  
This course introduces data science and highlights its importance in decision making. Students will learn how to analyze data using the R programming language. During the course, students will learn how to import data into R, tidy it, conduct exploratory data analysis, develop visualizations, and draw statistical inferences. The course aims to teach data wrangling, visualization and exploration with R.
DS 705  Statistical Methods  3.00  
Statistical methods and inference procedures will be presented in this course with an emphasis on applications, computer implementation, and interpretation of results. Topics include simple and multiple regression, model selection, correlation, moderation/interaction analysis, logistic regression, chi-square test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, MANOVA, factor analysis, and canonical correlation analysis.
Prerequisites:
    Successful completion of DS 701 and Admissions to M.S. in Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms
  
DS 710  Programming for Data Science  3.00  
Introduction to programming languages and packages used in Data Science.
Prerequisites:
    Admission to M.S. in Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms
  
DS 716  Data Management for Data Science  3.00  
This course explores the various approaches for data management used in data science. We present how data is collected, transformed, stored, and delivered for use in data science projects.
DS 730  Big Data: High Performance Computing  3.00  
This course will teach students how to process large datasets efficiently. Students will be introduced to non-relational databases. Students will learn algorithms that allow for the distributed processing of large data sets across clusters.
Prerequisites:
    Successful completion of DS 710 and declared Data Science Major
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms
  
DS 740  Data Mining & Machine Learning  3.00  
This course covers two aspects of data analytics. First, it teaches techniques to generate visualizations appropriate to the audience type, task, and data. Second, it teaches methods and techniques for analyzing unstructured data - including text mining, web text mining and social network analysis.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms
  
DS 745  Visualization and Unstructured Data Analysis  3.00  
This course covers two aspects of data analytics. First, it teaches techniques to generate visualizations appropriate to the audience type, task, and data. Second, it teaches methods and techniques for analyzing unstructured data - including text mining, web text mining and social network analysis.
Prerequisites:
    Successful completion of DS 740 and Admission to the M.S. Data Science program
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms
  
DS 750  Data Storytelling  3.00  
Data storytelling involves using data to tell a compelling narrative that helps audiences understand, engage with, and act on the information. This course combines data analysis with communication techniques to present data in an informative and engaging way. This course is specifically designed as a graduate-level requirement for the MSDS degree, focusing on teaching students how to effectively communicate insights through data storytelling techniques. Participants will learn to craft engaging stories that resonate with various audiences and drive decision-making.
Prerequisites:
  
DS 770  Ethical Decision-Making Using Data  3.00  
This course examines how data science relates to developing strategies for organizations. The emphasis is on using an organization’s data assets to inform better decisions. The course investigates the use of data science findings to develop solutions to competitive organizational challenges. Special attention is given to critically examining decisions to ensure that they are ethical and avoid unfair bias. Professional codes of conduct as well as local and international regulations are also considered. Successful completion of DS 740 is recommended but not required to enroll in DS 770.
DS 776  Deep Learning  3.00  
Introduction to the theory and applications of deep learning. The course begins with the study of neural networks and how to train them. Various deep learning architectures are introduced including convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and transformers. Applications may include image classification, object detection, and natural language processing. Algorithms will be implemented in Python using a high-level framework such as Pytorch or TensorFlow.
Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite for enrollment in DS 776 is successful completion of DS 740
  
Typically Offered:
  • Online: Fall & Spring
  
DS 785  Data Science Capstone  3.00  
Capstone course; students will develop and execute a data science project using real-world data and communicate results to a non-technical audience.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • Fall and Spring Terms