Course Goals
When you complete this course, you should be well-positioned to contribute to projects in high-tech enterprises. While the focus is data science and python, the general principles of software design, testing, and validation are applicable across the software industry.
| Lectures | will focus on developing an advanced understanding of professional programming techniques with Python using examples and case studies germane to Data Science and Data Engineering |
| Homework | will apply software architecture principles and best practices via problems and code implementation. |
| Capstone Project | will demonstrate proficiency in software development best practices and application of advanced data science techniques. |
Evaluation
- Homework: 100% (6-8 programming assignments.)
- Attendance: 0% (But class attendance will be required for some project events!)
Final grades for DS3500 will be assigned based on the following scale.
Computed grades will be rounded to the nearest integer. E.g., 93.49 is a 93 (A-) but 93.50 is a 94 (A).
| Letter | Range |
|---|---|
| A | 94 - 100 |
| A- | 90 - 93 |
| B+ | 87 - 89 |
| B | 83 - 86 |
| B- | 80 - 82 |
| C+ | 77 - 79 |
| C | 73 - 76 |
| C- | 70 - 72 |
| D+ | 67 - 69 |
| D | 63 - 66 |
| D- | 60 - 62 |
| F | <60 |
Homework and Late Policy
Homework for DS3500 may be submitted only through GradeScope. My extension/late policy is very straight-forward: Homeworks submitted 1-48 hours late receive a 10% penalty. No homeworks will be accepted more than 48 hours late. Please understand that with a class this size, maintaining a strict cadence for homework submissions and grading is paramount. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE WEEKEND TO START YOUR HOMEWORK! Code is expected to be clearly documented for readability including a header on every file and docstrings with every declared function, method, or object. It is your responsibility to VERIFY your gradescope submission! Students often lose points for forgetting critical pieces of the submission. Please don't make that mistake. Missing files will not be accepted for regrade.
Academic Conduct
You may use outside resources so long as you adopt a scientific mindset and clearly document your sources. Use of ChatGPT or other AI-assisted coding tools is allowed for single lines of code, but strictly prohibited beyond single-line snippets of code. Some assignments may require written interpretations. These also should be the product of your own mind. You will learn far more by writing your own code line by line and expressing yourself with your own unique voice. Copying large block of codes (> 10 lines) from other students, past or present, is most definitely NOT allowed. You should, however, feel free to re-use any code that I write in class. For some assignments, you may work in pairs when explicitly indicated. Otherwise, assume that you must carry out the assignment entirely on your own. The university's academic integrity policy discusses actions regarded as violations and consequences for students: http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academic-integrity Students failing to abide by these rules will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolutions (OSCCR). More tragically, in failing to abide by these rules, you will have given up future opportunities for being a TA, conducting research, or receiving letters of recommendation. If you have any questions about these policies, please ask BEFORE you submit your assignment!
Classroom Environment
To create and preserve a classroom atmosphere that optimizes teaching and learning, all participants share a responsibility in creating a civil and non-disruptive forum for the discussion of ideas. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not disrupt teaching or learning. Your comments to others should be constructive and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students and the instructor, but such disagreements need to respectful and be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities). The instructor reserves the right to interrupt conversations that deviate from these expectations. Repeated unprofessional or disrespectful conduct may result in a lower grade or more severe consequences. Part of the learning process in this course is respectful engagement of ideas with others.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender-based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender-identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Northeastern’s Title IX Policy prohibits Prohibited Offenses, which are defined as sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Policy applies to the entire community, including male, female, transgender students, faculty and staff.
If you or someone you know has been a survivor of a Prohibited Offense, confidential support and guidance can be found through University Health and Counseling Services staff (http://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/) and the Center for Spiritual Dialogue and Service clergy members (http://www.northeastern.edu/spirituallife/). By law, those employees are not required to report allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination to the University.
Alleged violations can be reported non-confidentially to the Title IX Coordinator within The Office for Gender Equity and Compliance at: titleix@northeastern.edu and/or through NUPD (Emergency 617.373.3333; Non-Emergency 617.373.2121). Reporting Prohibited Offenses to NUPD does NOT commit the victim/affected party to future legal action.
Faculty members are considered "responsible employees" at Northeastern University, meaning they are required to report all allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator.
In case of an emergency, please call NUPD at 617.373.3333.
Please visit http://www.northeastern.edu/titleix for a complete list of reporting options and resources both on- and off-campus.
Students with Disabilities
Students who have disabilities who wish to receive academic services and/or accommodations should visit the Disability Resource Center at 20 Dodge Hall or call (617) 373-2675. If you have already done so, please provide your letter from the DRC to me early in the semester so that I can arrange those accommodations.