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Study information

Fundamentals of Data Science - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEFundamentals of Data Science CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM444 MODULE CONVENERDr Johan Wahlström (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Data science depends on a solid grounding in mathematics and programming. In this module, you will learn essential mathematical techniques from linear algebra and probability. You will also develop programming skills specific to data analysis, including how to apply the mathematical techniques you have learned as part of computational data analysis procedures. Other computational methods with direct relevance to data science and processing of large datasets will also be included, such as data analysis packages for Python, and optimisation techniques for speeding up large computations.

Overall, this module will ensure you have the core skills and background knowledge that underpin many central topics in data science, including machine learning, statistical modelling, network analysis and computer vision.


Pre-requisite modules: None

Co-requisite modules: None

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip you with the core mathematical and computational skills essential for further study of data science. Topics will be tailored to the cohort, to address diverse backgrounds and previous experience. At the end of the module, you should possess a solid grounding in aspects of linear algebra, probability, and computational methods that are common to many areas of data science.



Most taught content will be delivered as lectures and practical work. Lectures will be accompanied by data analysis exercises and practical sessions. The module will be completed through individual study and coursework, supported by the module staff. Assessment will include assessed practical exercises and coursework.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:



 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

:

1. Demonstrate competence in relevant aspects of linear algebra relevant to data science;

2. Demonstrate competence in aspects of probability;

3. Utilise a variety of computational methods relevant to data science.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

:

4. Use linear algebra and probability theory as part of data analysis procedures;

5. Understand the underpinning mathematical principles commonly used in machine learning and statistical modelling;

6. Carry out linear algebra and probability theory operations using Python.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

:

7. Explain the relationship between mathematical principles and core techniques in data science;

8. Understand mathematical notation and use mathematical notation effectively to communicate to a specialised audience.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Topics will be chosen depending on the background and experience of the student cohort, but are likely to include:



- Aspects of linear algebra (e.g.): Vectors, Matrices, Systems of linear equations, Linear transformations, Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Symmetry, Positive definite matrices, Singular value decompositions;

- Aspects of probability (e.g.): Basic probability, Marginal, conditional and joint probability, Bayes theorem, Probability distributions (the Normal, Gamma, Binomial and Bernoulli distributions), Central limit theorem, Moments, Multivariate distributions;

- Programming for data science in Python (e.g): Tools for handling data (Python: numpy, scipy, matplotlib, pandas), Linear algebra in code, Probability distributions and random numbers, Notebooks/markdown;

- Aspects of optimisation (e.g.): Linear least-squares, Gradient descent, Convexity (local vs global extrema), Linear programming;

- Other topics may be included as appropriate to the skills and background of the student cohort.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 16 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 20 Practicals and exercises
Guided Independent Study 50 Coursework and associated preparation
Guided Independent Study 64 Exercises and background reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Practical Exercises 20 hours All Oral

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework exercises 40 1000 words All Written
Coursework report 60 1000 words All Written
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework exercises Coursework exercises All August Ref/Def Period
Coursework report Coursework report All August Ref/Def Period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Strang, G. Introduction to Linear Algebra 4th Wellesley Cambridge 2005
Set Grus, J. Data Science From Scratch: First Principles With Python O'Reilly 2015
Set McKinney, W. Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with Pandas, Numpy and iPython 1st O'Reilly Media 2012 978-1449319793
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 14th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 14th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Statistics; Machine Learning; Linear Algebra; Probability; Python.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.