Berkeley Course

A course unlike any other data science course...

Course Name: Applied Data Science with Venture Applications: Data-X

Course Number: 

  • INDENG 135 (undergraduates)
  • INDEND 235 (graduates)

Course Title: Data-X (Applied Data Science with Venture Applications)

Units: 3

Semester: Fall 2021


Instructors and GSIs:

Role Name and Email Office Hours
Instructor Ikhaq Sidhu, sidhu@berkeley.edu TBD
Instructor Derek S. Chan, derekschan@berkeley.edu Fridays, for 30 mins after class ends

Tuesdays, 4:30-5:00pm, via Zoom
GSI Mahan Tajrobehkar, mahan_tajrobehkar@berkeley.edu  Wednesdays, 4-5pm PST, via Zoom

Link: Mahan’s OH, Password: 800392 
GSI Ruiqi Guo, ruiqiguo@berkeley.edu   Monday, 2-3 PM PST, via Zoom

Link: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/98718548136

*At office hours and on Piazza, for specific questions on details about algorithms, coding, and math, please ask the GSIs, Mahan and Ruiqi.

Meeting Day/Time: Fridays, 2:00-5:00pm (usually 2.0 to 2.5 hours) from 8/27 to 12/3/2021. No class Friday 11/26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday 11/25-11/26.

Meeting Location: Room 0105, North Gate

Course Website: https://datax.berkeley.edu/sample-course/, including weekly schedule and assignments 

Course Prerequisites: Due to the technical nature of this class, students are recommended to have the ability to write code in Python, and have taken a probability or statistics course. At the same time, students from all majors are welcome.

  • A good way to apply Python further is to partner on a team to build real-world projects through a proven framework like Innovation Engineering. Data-X incorporates that framework for AI, data, and systems projects, for example, with students' storytelling, customer validation through low-tech designs / demos, and executing while learning technically.
  • Though stronger programming is correlated with stronger team projects, student diversity adds value. Plus the course not only includes Python coding but is scheduled to introduce additional “low code” (limited coding) tech tools for building real-world projects.

Course Description: Today, the world is literally reinventing itself with Data and AI. However, learning a set of ‘related theories’ and being able to ‘make it work’ are not the same. And, in areas as important as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning, if we collectively cannot actually implement and create, then we'll reduce our competitive advantage, economic strength, and even national/global security.

The Data-X framework is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice as well as academia and industry, by exposing students to state-of-the-art implementation techniques and mindsets.

This highly-applied course surveys a variety of key concepts and tools that are useful for designing and building data science, AI, and Machine Learning applications and systems. The course introduces modern, open source computer programming tools, libraries, and code samples that can be used to implement data applications. The mathematical concepts highlighted in this course include filtering, prediction, classification, decision-making, LTI systems, spectral analysis, and frameworks for learning from data. Each math concept is linked to implementation using Python libraries like NumPy for math array functions, Pandas for manipulation of tables, Scikit-learn for machine learning modeling, Tensorflow and Keras for deep learning, and many other topics related to NLP, Neural Networks, Recommender Systems etc.

Almost weekly, the course intends to cover not 1-2 but 3 tracks, each aimed to guide student teams' project-based work: 1) broader insight from inductive learning games and industry guests; 2) code and theory; and 3) teams and projects (e.g., live team demos and feedback), and helps you with the Innovation Engineering framework below.

Course Objectives:

You will learn

  • To define and execute what, why, and how to build real world AI, data, and systems applications for users – working on a project in a team
  • Computer science tools for data science
  • Relevant theory, critical thinking, and insights on AI, data, and systems

Textbook/Resources

Course Communication

Announcements will be made via Piazza for the Data-X class.

Attendance/Participation Policy

Because the course is a project team course, attendance and participation are important. If a student has noticeable absences from team activities in and out of class, please connect with instructions on rationale. Students may be dropped from the class due to absences.

In class, students must adhere to current campus directives related to COVID-19 and refusal to do so may result in the student being asked to leave.

Weekly Schedule and Assignments (tentative)

The weekly schedule and assssignments are meant to provide an outline of the course material and structure. However, it is not set in stone and may be modified as the semester unfolds. If/when substantive updates occur on the syllabus, instructors will communicate via Piazza for everyone in the class.

Grading

Grade Adjusted Range*
A  86-110%
B 70-85%
C 66-75%
D 56-65%

*Adjusted Range: The top 25 students’ average (e.g., 90%) will be adjusted to 100%. Illustration is below.

  • Top 25 students (avg) = 90%, so 90% / 90% = 100% (Adjusted)
  • Student 1 = 99%, so 99% / 90% = 110% (Adjusted)
  • Student 25 = 87%, so 87% / 90% =   97% (Adjusted)
  • Student X = 70%, so 70% / 90% =   77% (Adjusted)
Week(s) Deliverable % of final grade
4 Team selection of product idea and submission of initial slides 5%
5  Team low-tech demos 5%
6 Team self-review on "Common Strategic Errors and Story Narrative Mistakes" --
7 Individual tech strategy templates (one template per person) 5%
8 Team’s 1st 30-min meeting (office hours) with instructor group for guidance --
9 Individual project work for team related to a relevant self-selected module 5%
10 Team submits 3-minute project video to storytell value and progress 10%
11 Individual project work for team related to a relevant self-selected module 5%
12 Team’s 2nd 30-min meeting (office hours) with instructor group for guidance --

 

Week(s) Deliverable % of final grade
15 Team final project

Individual peer reviews

 35%

10%
2, 15 Complete brief surveys on your interests, behaviors, and skills 5%
All Participation in live class activities (e.g., team games, presentations) 15%
Semester total 100%

 

Final team project: What is graded
Live presentation, including live demo
Final slides
Final code / tools
News story
Originality and Impact: Project is likely to provide a highly usable tool or insight to users
Completeness: Project is 'ready for market' and offers a complete, working set of features or results
Justified tech decision-making: Team demonstrates methods used properly address the intended problem space
Presentation: Team explains clearly, concisely, and persuasively

 

Course Evaluations

At the middle and end of the term, students will be asked to fill out an evaluation to give feedback about the course. SCET values and appreciates student responses, which are used to better understand and improve our courses. Students are strongly encouraged to submit the evaluations. 

Focus Groups

Two focus groups (perhaps with pizza served) will be held during the semester outside class hours for your feedback aloud on the course.

Scheduling Conflicts

Please notify us in writing as soon as possible about any known or potential extracurricular conflicts. we will try my best to help you with making accommodations, but cannot guarantee them in all cases.

Student Code of Conduct & Academic Integrity

Berkeley honor code: Everyone in this class is expected to adhere to this code: “As a member of the UC Berkeley community, I act with honesty, integrity, and respect for others.”

Student Conduct: Ethical conduct is of utmost importance in your education and career. The instructors, the College of Engineering, and U.C. Berkeley are responsible for supporting you by enforcing all students’ compliance with the Code of Student Conduct and the policies listed in the CoE Student Guide. The Center for Student Conduct is set up to support you when you have been affected by actions that may violate these community rules. This includes an organized and transparent process, student participation in the process, mechanisms for appeals, and other mechanisms to protect fairness (https://sa.berkeley.edu/conduct).

 

Academic Integrity: Any assignment submitted by you and that bears your name is presumed to be your own original work that has not previously been submitted for credit in another course unless you obtain prior written approval to do so from your instructor. In all of your assignments, you may use words or ideas written by other individuals, but only with proper attribution. To copy text or ideas from another source without appropriate reference is plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for your assignment and usually further disciplinary action. For additional information on plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and how to avoid it, see the Berkeley Library website.

If you are not clear about the expectations for completing an assignment or taking a test or examination, be sure to seek clarification from your instructor beforehand. Anyone caught committing academic misconduct will be reported to the University Office of Student Conduct. Potential consequences of cheating and academic dishonesty may include a formal discipline file, probation, dismissal from the University, or other disciplinary actions. 

Inclusion: We are committed to creating a learning environment welcoming of all students. To do so, we intend to support a diversity of perspectives and experiences and respect each others’ identities and backgrounds (including race/ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, language, religion, ability, etc.). To help accomplish this:

  • If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from your legal name, designate a preferred name for use in the classroom at: https://registrar.berkeley.edu/academic-records/your-name-records-rosters.
  • If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class (e.g., family matters, current events), please don’t hesitate to come and talk with the instructor(s).  We want to be resources for you.
  • We are all in the process of learning how to respect and include diverse perspectives and identities. Please take care of yourself and those around you as we work through the challenging but important learning process.
  • As a participant in this class, recognize that you can be proactive about making other students feel included and respected.  

Student Accommodations

We honor and respect the different learning needs of our students, and are committed to ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed in our class.  If you need accommodations for any reason (e.g. religious observance, health concerns, insufficient resources, etc.) please discuss with your instructor or academic advisor how to best support you.  We will respect your privacy under state and Federal laws, and you will not be asked to share more than you are comfortable sharing.  The disabled student program is a related resource, listed below. UC Berkeley is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me.

If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you can work with the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) to request an official accommodation. The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) is the campus office responsible for authorizing disability-related academic accommodations, in cooperation with the students themselves and their instructors. You can find more information about DSP, including contact information and the application process here: dsp.berkeley.edu. If you have already been approved for accommodations through DSP, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.

Students who need academic accommodations or have questions about their accommodations should contact DSP, located at 260 César Chávez Student Center. Students may call 642-0518 (voice), 642-6376 (TTY), or e-mail dsp@berkelely.edu.

Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination

The University is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. For more information on related policies, resources and how to report an incident, see the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) website. 

Safety and Emergency Preparedness/Evacuation Procedures

As class activities may keep you on campus at night, check out the Cal’s Night Safety Services website for details on the University’s comprehensive free night safety services. See the Office of Emergency Management website for details on Emergency Preparedness/Evacuation Procedures. The UC Berkeley Police Department website also has information regarding safety on campus. Dial 510-642-3333 or use a Blue Light emergency phone if you need help.

Grievances

If you have a problem with this class, you should seek to resolve the grievance concerning a grade or academic practice by speaking first with the instructor. Then, if necessary, take your case to the SCET Chief Learning Officer, SCET Faculty Director, IEOR Department Chair, and to the College of Engineering Dean, in that order. Additional resources can be found on the Student Advocate’s Office website and the Ombuds Office for Students website.

SCET Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Technology

This class can be used towards requirements to earn the SCET Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Technology. For details on the certificate requirements and other opportunities to engage with the Center, see the SCET website. 

Support during Remote Learning: 

We understand that your specific situation may present challenges to class participation. Please contact the instructors if you would like to discuss these and co-develop strategies for engaging with the course. 

The Student Technology Equity Program (STEP) is available to help access a laptop, Wi-Fi hotspot, and other peripherals (https://technology.berkeley.edu/STEP).

You will be alerted as to when synchronous sessions are about to be recorded. If you prefer not to be recorded, you may turn your video and microphone off.

Please set your Zoom name to be the name you would like the instructors to call you. You may optionally include your personal pronouns. 

Please set your Zoom picture to an appropriate profile picture of you to foster a sense of community and enhance interactions. If you are not comfortable using an image of yourself, you may use an appropriate picture of an avatar.

We encourage participating with your video on to foster a sense of community and enhance interactions. However, we understand that some students are not comfortable with video or may not be able to participate by video.

Additional Resources

See the Student Affairs website for more information on campus and community resources.

Center for Access to Engineering Excellence (CAEE)                           

The Center for Access to Engineering Excellence (227 Bechtel Engineering Center;

https://engineering.berkeley.edu/student-services/academic-support) is an inclusive center that offers study spaces, nutritious snacks, and tutoring in >50 courses for Berkeley engineers and other majors across campus.  The Center also offers a wide range of professional development, leadership, and wellness programs, and loans iclickers, laptops, and professional attire for interviews.  

Counseling and Psychological Services       

University Health Services Counseling and Psychological Services staff are available to you at the Tang Center (http://uhs.berkeley.edu; 2222 Bancroft Way; 510-642-9494) and in the College of Engineering (https://engineering.berkeley.edu/students/advising-counseling/counseling/; 241 Bechtel Engineering Center), and provide confidential assistance to students managing problems that can emerge from illness such as financial, academic, legal, family concerns, and more. Long wait times at the Tang Center in the past led to a significant expansion to include a 24/7 counseling line at (855) 817-5667.  This line will connect you with help in a very short time-frame.  Short-term help is also available from the Alameda County Crisis hotline: 800-309-2131.  If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency that puts their health at risk, please call 911.  

The Care Line (PATH to Care Center)

The Care Line (510-643-2005; https://care.berkeley.edu/care-line/) is a 24/7, confidential, free, campus-based resource for urgent support around sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, stalking, and invasion of sexual privacy. The Care Line will connect you with a confidential advocate for trauma-informed crisis support including time-sensitive information, securing urgent safety resources, and accompaniment to medical care or reporting.

Ombudsperson for Students                                            

The Ombudsperson for Students (102 Sproul Hall; 642-5754; http://students.berkeley.edu/Ombuds)  provides a confidential service for students involved in a University-related problem (academic or administrative), acting as a neutral complaint resolver and not as an advocate for any of the parties involved in a dispute. The Ombudsman can provide information on policies and procedures affecting students, facilitate students' contact with services able to assist in resolving the problem, and assist students in complaints concerning improper application of University policies or procedures. All matters referred to this office are held in strict confidence. The only exceptions, at the sole discretion of the Ombudsman, are cases where there appears to be imminent threat of serious harm.

UC Berkeley Food Pantry

The UC Berkeley Food Pantry (#68 Martin Luther King Student Union; https://pantry.berkeley.edu) aims to reduce food insecurity among students and staff at UC Berkeley, especially the lack of nutritious food. Students and staff can visit the pantry as many times as they need and take as much as they need while being mindful that it is a shared resource. The pantry operates on a self-assessed need basis; there are no eligibility requirements.  The pantry is not for students and staff who need supplemental snacking food, but rather, core food support.

Disclaimer: Syllabus/Schedule are subject to change.