TR 9:45 - 11:00am
MCREY 314
Dr. Mark Goadrich goadrich@hendrix.edu (501) 450-1367 Office Hours
Students visualize scientific data from a wide variety of sources, perform data analysis and dimensionality reduction using clustering techniques, understand system dynamics through differential equation approximation and agent-based modeling, construct probabilistic Monte-Carlo simulation models, and optimize continuous and discrete problems with local search techniques. Topics may include Markov models, bioinformatics, and signal processing. Each assignment requires writing a clear and coherent data analysis report that properly characterizes legitimate conclusions to be drawn from the data.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to,
Python 3
Kaggle
Pandas
Plotnine
Mesa
Much of your experience with programming in this course will be through labs. We will set aside time in class for working on labs together. The instructor will make time for lab Q/A every week to address common pain points.
On these labs, you will work with partners on the lab assignments. Their name must be listed on any code you hand in as joint work. A partnership should only turn in a *single copy* of the assignment. If students working as partners wish to turn in a lab late, all students must use a late day.
There will be two exams administered throughout the semester in order to evaluate your competency with the course material. They will consist of individually working through problems directly related to the labs and lectures. We will reserve the class period before the exam for “Module Review”. This is meant to be exam prep, Q/A, and cover any lingering subject matter in the module.
A major component of this course is a “Final Project” which we will build up to over the second half of the semester with various incremental deadlines.
Three times throughout the semester, you are expected to make an office hours appointment and check in with me about the course. This will be conversation and feedback about your current progress and understanding. These should be scheduled, in advance, using the available time slots.These checkins are a component of your final grade.
Attending class and being an active participant in the class community is one of the most important contributors to your learning at Hendrix. Attendance is especially important in this class since you will often engage in group learning activities. Active participation is expected in order to achieve higher grade levels in the course.
If you know that you will be absent, please email me so that we can find accomodations. If there is an emergency, please get in touch with me as soon as is possible once the emergency is resolved. I trust you to be honest with me about your reasons for the absence (I do not need details), and honest with yourself about if you truly need to be absent. If you do not communicate with me about your absence, or if your reason for absence is not listed on the Hendrix Attendance Policy, it will likely be unexcused.
[Adapted from Spencer Bagley and David Clark, via Robert Talbert]
CSCI 285 uses a real-world policy on due dates—but this may not mean what you think! In the real real world, due dates exist but they are often not ironclad. Assignments have due dates to help you make progress in the course and solidify your knowledge before moving on to something new. Your life and schedule may not perfectly coincide with the due dates I have chosen. If you need more time to get the job done well, you email whoever set the deadline to ask if you can have more time. Studies have shown that deadline extension requests—in moderation and when truly needed—often lead to better employee evaluations (not to mention better work). [See Go Ahead and Ask for More Time on that Deadline by Ashley Williams.]
If you need an extension on a due date, email me and explain what you need, and it will probably be fine. It helps if you propose a concrete new deadline (e.g. “I can get it done by 5pm on Wednesday”). If you ask for lots of extensions, we’ll work together to find a way to help you keep up. Note, however, that late submissions may not receive feedback as quickly as on-time submissions.
If you have significant extenuating circumstances that cause you to miss multiple deadlines, please come to office hours to discuss broader accommodations. I’m happy to be flexible, but it helps to know what you need so I can figure out the best way to help.
If you would like to improve an assignment after it has been graded and improve your grade, you may revise and resubmit the assignment until you do. This must be within two weeks of receiving feedback. If you need more than two weeks, you must schedule a meeting with me to discuss your reasons for the delay.
Each assignment is assessed as Complete, Partially Complete or Not Complete. Criteria for the first two categories will be specified for each assignment. Final course grades are earned based on cumulative assignment outcomes.
It is my ultimate goal for this course, and my teaching, to develop your academic skills, advance your learning of computer science concepts, and support the liberal arts in general. To do so will require commitments from myself and from you toward meeting this goal.
I will be prepared and on time for class each day, ready to use class time to help you understand the course material. I will respectfully listen to, understand, and answer questions asked in class.
You are expected to attend class and actively participate in discussions every day, answering questions, asking questions, presenting material, etc. Your participation will be respectful of your classmates, both of their opinions and of their current point in their educational journey, as we each approach the material with different backgrounds and contexts.
I will keep office hours and be available for outside appointments, and respond to emails within one business day (not including weekends). I will provide feedback on group presentations within one day. For exams, projects, and homeworks, I will provide graded feedback within two weeks.
You are encouraged to provide constructive comments for improving this course for furthering your learning throughout the semester. There will be an opportunity for anonymous course feedback at the end of the term, in which I hope you all participate. Through your feedback I can improve this course and others for future students.
I will abide by the above syllabus and grade your work fairly.
As stated in the Hendrix Academic Integrity Policy, all students have agreed to adhere to the following principles:
I will make this classroom an open and inclusive environment, accommodating many different learning styles and perspectives.
Any student seeking accommodation in relation to a recognized disability should inform me at the beginning of the course. It is the policy of Hendrix College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Students should contact Julie Brown in the Office of Academic Success (505.2954; brownj@hendrix.edu) to begin the accommodation process.
I am willing to work with you individually when life goes off the rails.
Coursework and college in general can become stressful and overwhelming, and your wellness can be impacted when you least expect it. You should participate in self-care and preventative measures, and be willing to find support when you need it.
The Offices of Counseling Services and Student Health Services are located in the white house behind the Mills Center for Social Sciences at 1541 Washington Avenue.