Working with Data: Delights and Doubts

The use of data to drive decisions and discoveries has increased dramatically over the past two decades, thanks to prevalent data collection, cheaper storage, faster computers, and sophisticated algorithms. This introductory seminar has three components: (1) Hands-on instruction in tools and techniques for working with data, from spreadsheets to data visualization systems to machine learning packages. This material is designed for students with little or no computer programming or data science experience. (2) A quarter-long "quantified self" project where students identify a set of questions about themselves or their surroundings, collect data to answer the questions, and analyze and visualize the collected data. (3) A set of guest speakers, including some who focus on the "doubts" of collecting and exploiting data, such as questions of ethics, bias, and privacy. In addition to the course project, students will complete short assignments to practice the learned tools and techniques, and will be expected to do some readings in advance of each guest speaker and engage in thoughtful discussion.