Undergraduate Degree Program in Data Science and Analytics
Course Descriptions
Introductory Statistics (STA 2023) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 1033 or MAC 1105 or MGF 1106 or MAC 2233
An introductory course covering descriptive statistics, probability, binomial and normal distributions, sampling distributions and hypothesis tests, and sampling procedures. Laboratory required. This is a General Education course.
Mathematics of Data Science (MAP 2190) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 1105 with “C” or better
This course will survey mathematical foundations in data science. Topics may include modeling with functions, matrices, solving linear systems, differentiation, integration, multivariate thinking and geometry, regression models, optimization, sensitivity analysis, and graph theory.
Experimental Design and Analysis (CAP 2750) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 2023
This course deals with principles of experimental design and data analysis. Topics covered include design of experiments, sampling and analysis of resulting data.
Tools for Data Science (CAP 2751) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course will focus on data manipulation, curation, visualization, exploration, interpretation, and modeling using standard packages and tools employed in the field of data science, as well as best practices for maintaining data and software using version control.
Data Management and Analysis with Excel (QMB 3302) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
An introductory course covering basic Excel skills for managing information and data, analyzing data, visualizing data through charts and pivot tables, creating scenarios, using functions and automating tasks.
Artificial Intelligence for Social Good (CCJ 3071) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
In this course students will learn about the social implications of artificial intelligence, data science, and big data, strategies to ensure these systems are accountable to the communities and contexts they are meant to serve, and applied in ways that promote justice and equity.
Data Science Capstone (ISC 4312) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Senior standing in the BS in Data Science and Analytics and having completed all core courses
Students in the BS program with Major in Data Science and Analytics will apply theoretical knowledge, methods, and tools to a real-world data science problem. Students can work individually or in teams under the supervision of the course instructor or another faculty member.
Introduction to Computational Mathematics (MAD 2502) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 2281 or MAC 2311
An introduction to mathematical computation by means of algorithmically solving a number of mathematical problems. Introduction to C++. The emphasis will be on the mathematical algorithms involved with problems from analysis, number theory, combinatorics, algebra, linear algebra, numerical analysis and probability.
RI: Introduction to Data Science (CAP 3786) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 2220 or MAD 2502
This research-intensive (RI) course surveys the foundational topics in data science: Data acquisition, data exploration and visualization, data analysis with statistics and machine learning, data at scale via working with big data. The course uses statistical software to work through real-world examples that illustrate these concepts. Concurrently, students learn statistical and mathematical foundations that power the data scientific approach to problem solving.
Computational Statistics (STA 3100) 3 credits
Prerequisites: (MAC 2312 or MAC 2282), STA 2023 or higher, and some programming experience
Computer algorithms for evaluation, simulation and visualization, random number generation, sampling from prescribed distributions. Simulations, graphics for data display, computation of probabilities and percentiles, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and multiple regression.
SAS for Data and Statistical Analyses (STA 3024) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 2023 or equivalent
This course introduces the SAS language in a lab-based format. The objective is to develop programming and statistical computing skills to address data management and analysis issues using SAS. The course provides an extensive survey of some of the most common statistical tools and provides decision-making strategies in selecting the appropriate statistical method for the data at hand.
Probability and Statistics 1 (STA 4442) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 2282 or MAC 2312
An introductory course treating combinatorics, probability spaces, laws of large numbers, and central limit theorem. An introduction to Markov processes, information theory and applications.
Probability and Statistics 2 (STA 4443) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 4442
Properties of test statistics, estimation and testing, linear models, contingency tables; topics from non-parametric statistics, design of experiments or methods of inference.
Applied Statistics 1 (STA 4234) 2 credits
Prerequisite: STA 4442; Corequisite: STA 4202L
Point and interval estimation, hypothesis tests, non-parametric procedures, contingency tables. Essential distribution theory. Linear models, including multiple regression and analysis of variance. Emphasis on data analysis, statistical graphics, and diagnostics via personal computing.
Applied Statistics 1 Lab (STA 4202L) 1 credit
Prerequisite: STA 4442 with grade of "C" or better Corequisite: STA 4234
This is a first course in regression analysis. Regression analysis explores relationships among variables by modeling a response. The course focuses on data analysis, statistical graphs and diagnostics via personal computing.
Applied Statistics 2 (STA 4702) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 4234
Multivariate statistical methods, including the multivariate normal distribution, component analysis, factor analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and regression, discriminant analysis, and causal modeling. Students will use SAS and/or SPSS statistical software.
Statistical Designs (STA 4222) 3 credits
Prerequisites: STA 4234, and one of MAC 2282 or 2312
Basic concepts of experimental design: randomized blocks, Latin squares, incomplete blocks, factorial designs, fractional factorials, nested designs. Introduction to design of sample surveys: simple random, stratified, cluster sampling; complex designs; ratio and regression estimation; enumerative versus analytical surveys. Student project required.
Applied Time Series and Forecasting (STA 4853) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 4234 or equivalent
Gives a basic introduction to time series and forecasting methods that can be applied to finance, economics, engineering and the natural and social sciences. Topics covered include stationary processes, ARMA models, modeling and forecasting with ARMA processes, spectral analysis and non-stationary and seasonal time series models.
Introduction to Biostatistics (STA 3173) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 2233 with a grade a "C" or better
Introduces basic statistical concepts and procedures that are necessary to conduct statistical analysis for biological researchers. The topics covered are probabilistic foundations, experimental designs and their analyses, summarizing and visualizing data, inferential statistics, including hypothesis tests and regression modeling.
RI: Industrial Problems in Applied Math (MAP 4913) 3 credits
Prerequisites: (MAP 2302 or MAP 3305) and (MAS 2103 or MAC 2313)
This research-intensive course pits students in small groups against real-world problems provided by industrial partners.
Applied Mathematical Modeling (MAP 4103) 3 credits
Prerequisites: (MAP 2302 or MAP 3305) and (MAS 2103 or MAC 2313)
This course covers the use of differential and difference equations in scientific modeling. Emphasis is on the "modeling" cycle with undergraduate research and inquiry (URI) components.
Topology for Data Science (MTG 4328) 3 credits
Prerequisites: MAS 2103, MAD 2104, and (MAD 2502 or COP 2220)
Introduction to concepts and methods in applied topology and topological data analysis tools, including persistent homology, and their uses in data science: topological spaces, metric spaces, continuity, simplicial complexes, vector spaces, and simplicial homology. Mathematical concepts are grounded by discussions of efficient implementations of computational algorithms and applications.
Graph Theory (MAD 4301) 3 credits
Prerequisites: MAD 2104 and MAS 2103
A first course in theory and applications of graphs including basic properties; coloration; algebraic and geometric aspects; enumeration; algorithms; network flows.
Cryptography and Information Security (CIS 4362) 3 credits
Prerequisites: MAS 2103 and MAD 2502
Classical cryptology, entropy. Stream and block ciphers. Public-key versus symmetric cryptography, one-way and trap-door functions. Primality and factorization, DLP, Diffie-Hellman, RSA and ElGamal cryptosystems. Issues of computer and network security. Secure protocols, identification, authentication, digital signatures, secret sharing schemes.
Introduction to Programming in C (COP 2220) 3 credits
P rerequisite: None
Introduction to programming in C. Variable types, arithmetic statements, input/output statements, loops, conditional statements, functions, arrays and structures. Programming projects in C.
Foundations of Computer Science (COP 3014) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 2220 with a “C” or better
Builds programming skills with an emphasis on disciplined program design and coding. Introduction to object-based programming concepts including class design and implementation. Programming in C++.
Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis (COP 3530) 3 credits
Prerequisites: COP 3014 with a "C" or better; Prerequisite or Corequisite: MAD 2104
The design, implementation and run-time analysis of important data structures and algorithms. The data structures considered include sorted arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees. An approach based on abstract data types and classes will be emphasized. The use of recursion for algorithm design. Class design and implementation in C++. Programming assignments in the C++ language.
Introduction to Data Science and Analytics (CAP 4773) 3 credits
Prerequisites: COP 3530 and STA 4821 with minimum grades of "C" or permission of instructor
This course deals with the principles of data science and analytics. Topics covered include statistical analysis of data, measurement techniques and tools, machine learning methods, knowledge discovery and representation, classification and prediction models.
Introduction to Deep Learning (CAP 4613) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3530 with minimum grade of "C"
This course teaches students basic concepts of deep learning. The course covers three major topics, including statistical machine learning, neural network structures and deep neural networks. Detailed topics include introduction to machine learning algorithms, perceptron learning, multi-layer neural networks, and deep neural network structures and learning algorithms. The lectures include practical sessions dedicated to the implementation and programming of deep learning frameworks.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CAP 4630) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3530 or ISM 4234
A broad introduction to the core concepts of artificial intelligence, including knowledge representation, search techniques, heuristics and deduction. Programming in Lisp and possibly other software environments.
Introduction to Data Mining and Machine Intelligence (CAP 4770) 3 credits
Prerequisites: STA 4821 and COP 3530
This course deals with the principles of data mining. Topics include machine learning methods, knowledge discovery and representation, classification and prediction models.
Introduction to Computer Systems Performance Evaluation (CEN 4400) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3014, 3014L, and STA 4821
Principles of the quantitative evaluation techniques for computer system hardware and software, emphasizing the establishment and analysis of performance criteria. Deterministic and stochastic methods will be discussed.
Introduction to Database Structures (COP 3540) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3530
An introduction to the design, implementation and use of file managers and relational data base systems. Topics include secondary storage devices, hash and indexed file structures, and the relational data base language SQL. Programming assignments will be done in the C language and in SQL.
Applied Database Systems (COP 4703) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3540
Investigation of state-of-the-art facilities provided by object-relational database systems using Oracle as a vehicle. Java and the Java database interface, JDBC, are considered. Also, server-side web programming with dynamic SQL and CGI, PL/SQL, Java servlets, and JavaServer Pages (JSP) are considered. No prior knowledge of Java or web programming is assumed.
Python Programming (COP 4045) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3530 with minimum grade of "C"
This course is an introduction to the Python programming language with applications to practical problem solving involving data manipulation and analysis. The first part of the course focuses on teaching the basics of the Python language. Topics covered are data structures (lists, arrays, dictionaries, sets, comprehensions), functions, files and object-oriented language elements. In the second part of the course, students learn to apply advanced language features and methodologies in combination with third-party libraries for scientific computation to develop real-world applications.
Introduction to Internet Computing (COP 3813) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COP 3014
This course teaches students how to design web pages and develop websites at the introductory to intermediate level. The course is project oriented. Students are required to finish several Internet-based projects using the tools introduced in class.
Introduction to Business Analytics and Big Data (ISM 3116) 3 credits
Prerequisite: ISM 3011 or ACG 4401
Provides an understanding of the business intelligence processes and techniques used in transforming data to knowledge and value in organizations. Students also develop skills to analyze data using generally available tools (e.g., Excel).
Business Communication for Data Analysts (GEB 3231) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Junior standing, admission to College of Business, and ISM 3116
This course introduces students to essential communication skills used by successful data analysts: interpersonal/team membership, concise business and technical writing, confident speaking, effective organizational strategies, critical thinking/analysis, appropriate technical language and formats, and productive job-search approaches within the MIS field. This course builds on analysis of data in ISM 3116 to show how it can be communicated effectively to audiences both within and outside the MIS field.
Data Mining and Predictive Analytics (ISM 4117) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Introduces the core concepts of data mining (DM), its techniques, implementation and benefits. Also identifies industry branches that most benefit from DM, such as retail, target marketing, fraud protection, health care and science and web and e- commerce. Detailed case studies and using leading mining tools on real data are presented.
Advanced Business Analytics (ISM 4403) 3 credits
Prerequisite: ISM 3116
An in-depth examination of business analytics methods of visualization, data mining, text mining and web mining using various analytical tools. Applications to smaller firms are investigated in a laboratory setting.
Contemporary Issues of Digital Data Management (ISM 4041) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Covers business processes and frameworks for data collection, storage, retrieval and transfer of digital data. Discusses the various ways through which industry and government compile data for purposes such as marketing, customer relationship management, fraud and crime prevention, e-government, etc. Considers also the business, legal, ethical and social context of data gathering and utilization.
Management of Information Assurance and Security (ISM 4323) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Emphasizes information security policy development, security management planning, risk assessment and risk management, disaster recovery and business continuity, and personnel issues related to security management.
Database Management Systems (ISM 4212) 3 credits
Prerequisite: ISM 3011 or ACG 4401
Focuses on the development of well-formed databases for the purpose of data management from the initial design of the database to the implementation and query and to the application of database management tools and techniques such as data security for use in business and government organizations.
Social Media and Web Analytics (ISM 4420) 3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Covers concepts and techniques for retrieving, exploring, visualizing and analyzing social network and social media data, website usage and clickstream data. Students learn to use key metrics to assess goals and return on investment, perform social network analysis to identify important social actors, subgroups and network properties in social media.
Business Analytics for Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (MAR 4615) 3 credits
Prerequisite: This course is open to students in the Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics. MAR 3023 or permission of the instructor.
In this course, students will learn about customer databases, statistical tools for analyzing customer data, implementation of selective tools in data spreadsheets, and application of generated knowledge for marketing, especially customer management, decisions.
Revenue Management and Predictive Analytics in the Hospitality and Tourism (HFT 4881) 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Exploration of revenue management, big data, and predictive analytics within the hospitality and tourism industry. The course will use a viewpoint of firm value and overall contribution to financial performance. Students will identify direct links between big data and firm performance while utilizing strategic management, prediction, and forecasting. A variety of data sources will be examined. Through analysis, students will learn to manage firms using an analytic culture that turns information into insight.
Spatial Data Analysis (GEO 4167C) 3 credits
Prerequisite: GEO 4022
Designed to help geographers, geologists, earth scientists, and other professionals explore a range of spatial analytical techniques. The emphasis is on the choice and application methods for the analysis of the various types of spatial data that are commonly encountered and analyzed in geographic information systems.
Photogrammetry and Aerial Photograph Interpretation (GIS 4021C) 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Principles of aerial photography and photogrammetry including the photographic production process, electromagnetic principles, history of aerial photography and aerial platforms, elements of visual image interpretation, and analog and digital (soft copy) photogrammetric methods.
Geospatial Databases (GIS 4118) 3 credits
Prerequisite: GIS 4043C
Geospatial databases provide the functions of storing, managing and querying geospatial data and are essential components of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This course covers the fundamental principles, techniques and methodologies for designing and implementing a geospatial database and querying and geoprocessing in geospatial databases.
Applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS 4048C) 3 credits
Prerequisite: GIS 4043C or equivalent
Advanced technical, implementation and application issues in geographic information systems. Geocoding, algorithms for 2- and 3-dimensional representations, and system planning and implementation issues.
Computational Physics (PHZ 3151C) 4 credits
Prerequisites: MAC 2313, PHY 3101C
The course covers selected topics in numerical computation and computer-assisted analysis, with applications to physical systems.
Solar System Astronomy (AST 3110) 3 credits
Prerequisites: AST 2002 and PHY 2053
An intermediate, interdisciplinary course on the nature and dynamics of the solar system through applications of physics, atmospheric science, chemistry and geology. The course expands students' understanding of the different bodies in the solar system, of the fundamental principles of Earth processes to explain/predict processes on other bodies in or outside the solar system and to help them to consider the bodies for future exploration.
Mathematical Methods for Physics (PHZ 4113) 4 credits
Prerequisite: MAP 3305
This course develops applied mathematics for the physical sciences. It introduces integral transform, Green's function and orthogonal function expansion methods for solving differential equations. It also examines selected advanced topics, such as complex variables.
Practical Cell Neuroscience (PCB 4843C) 3 credits
Prerequisites: PCB 3063 with minimum grade of "B-"
This course focuses on understanding neurophysiological signaling at the cellular level. It looks at signaling from the perspective of single ion channels to cellular synaptic transmission. Students learn through both theory and practical laboratory experiments and apply these principles in an experimental proposal that they present and execute, resulting in a final report.
Laboratory Methods in Biotechnology (BSC 4403L) 3 credits
Prerequisites: MCB 3020, MCB 3020L, BCH 3033 and PCB 3063
Course offers hands-on experience in some of the basic and essential lab skills required in molecular biology and biotechnology that are directly transferable to the workplace. Concepts behind designing and implementing controlled experiments involving manipulation of DNA, RNA and protein are discussed.
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (MCB 4276) 3 credits
Prerequisites: None
This course examines the basic principles of epidemiology in the context of infectious diseases. Topics include the distribution and determinants of disease. Case studies from current literature supplement textbook material. The course places a strong emphasis on quantitative aspects of the field, including experimental design and basic statistics.
Concepts in Bioinformatics (BSC 4434C) 3 credits
Prerequisites: PCB 3063; open to students in Biology, Bioengineering, Science/Engineering and Computer Science
The course outlines concepts underlying the mining of the human genome, blending biology, medicine and engineering.
RI: Research Methods in Political Science (POS 3703) 3 credits
Introduction to the scope and methodology of political analysis. Includes introductory examinations of research design, survey research, computer applications, data analysis, and library research. (Course should be completed by the end of second semester of junior year.) This is a research-intensive (RI) course.
Public Opinion and American Politics (POS 4204) 3 credits
Prerequisite: POS 2041 with minimum grade of "C"
Political beliefs, values and attitudes of the American public; mass participation in public affairs; voting behavior; compliance and support for public policies. Linkages between the mass public and government in the United States.
Sociological Analysis: Quantitative Methods (SYA 4400) 3 credits
Design and execution of original research on social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and other issues central to contemporary sociology. Students explore various quantitative techniques using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and national survey and census data.
Research Methods in Bioarchaeology (ANT 4192) 3 credits
Prerequisite: ANT 4141, ANT 4514 or permission of instructor
Training in the research methodology of biological anthropology and archaeology. Application to an original research project and the presentation of a written research report.
Information Technology in Public Administration (PAD 3712) 3 credits
Provides a basic introduction to public sector information technology and e-governance. Topics include: computer software and network basics, information infrastructures (their structures, characteristics, applications and policy aspects), implications for government functioning and interactions with the public.
Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (PAD 4144) 3 credits
This is a multidisciplinary course examining the historical, political, legal, ethical and societal environments in which nonprofit organizations operate. This primarily includes institutions involved with education, social services, health care, and the arts. The course is intended for students who are seeking to enter the nonprofit field and those who have considerable experience working in nonprofits.
Research Methods for Public Management (PAD 4704) 3 credits
The course describes research practices used in the public sector by introducing methodologies, techniques, and decision tools. Areas of study include the research process, sampling procedures, research design, measurement, primary and secondary data, and the collection and analysis of data. In addition, computer applications and presentation of research reports (oral and written) are covered.
Quantitative Inquiry for Public Managers (PAD 4702) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 2023
This course introduces students to basic statistical concepts and quantitative methods of inquiry in public management using relevant examples and applications. Successful students should be able to apply statistical concepts and techniques toward effective decision making and evaluation of a wide variety of information.
Criminal Justice Technology (CJE 3692C) 3 credits
Lab course that includes an overview and application of computer hardware and software with criminal justice data for criminal justice purposes. Course also includes discussion of concepts and practice as well as helps prepare students for the criminal justice workplace environment.
Crime Analysis (CJE 4663) 3 credits
An introduction to crime analysis and crime mapping, this course examines types of techniques used to study crime and disorder patterns and problems in law enforcement today. It covers the theory, data collection methods, and statistics used as well as the history of career opportunities for crime analysis.
Computer Crime (CJE 4668) 3 credits
This course provides an overview of computer crime from a criminal justice perspective. It also examines computer crime prevention, computer security, legal and social issues, and modern investigative methodologies.
Teen Technology Misuse (CCJ 4554) 3 credits
Twenty-first century teens have employed communications technology to mistreat, embarrass, harass, control, threaten or abuse others. This includes, but is not limited to, cyber bullying, sexting, the criminal use of Facebook, electronic dating violence, predation and stalking. Students learn of the sociological, criminological, developmental and practical implications of this problem and how it can be addressed.
Methods of Research in Criminal Justice (CCJ 4700) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 2023
A study of the purpose of research, the logic of scientific inquiry and research techniques in criminal justice.
Research Methods in Social Work (SOW 4403) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 3302
Introduction to the principles and methods of basic social work research, ethical conduct of research within the context of social work purposes and values. Formulation of problems for study that address the social needs of diverse population groups.