CS799 - Data-Driven Development with Python
    Fall 2018


    Course and Instructor Information


Course Web Page: http://cis.bentley.edu/tbabaian/cs799/index.html -- check frequently for updates

Description: Python is an easy-to-learn, widely versatile programming language whose extensive collection of external libraries makes it a popular choice for business analytics and visualization, data science, artificial intelligence, scientific and numeric computing, and many other applications. Its compatibility with leading analytics tools that are widely used in enterprises also places it in high demand. Students in this course will first learn the fundamentals of programming that are common to all programming language. They will then work with Python libraries commonly used in performing data analytics tasks. No prior programming experience is required.

Text: Liang, Y. Daniel, Introduction to Programming Using Python, Pearson. The book has a companion website with with code examples from the book and solutions to the even end-of-chapter review questions.

Class Meetings: Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:20 p.m., in Adamian-143,
5:00 - 7:20 p.m., in Smith-203

Instructor: Tamara Babaian, Smith 404, ph:781-891-3161.

Course Policies: Students are expected to attend class regularly and to complete weekly reading and programming assignments and homework projects. The grade for the course will be assigned based on in-class participation (5%), programming assignments (40%), an in-class midterm (25%), and a final exam (30%). There will be no makeups for the tests.

It is the student's responsibility to read and learn the material contained in the text and in handouts and to complete all programming practice problems assigned weekly. Class time will be spent discussing the important concepts contained in the reading assignments and sample problems, and in clarifying confusing details of the readings or software use. A significant amount of work outside of class will be needed for students to adequately master the material necessary to complete the programming assignments. You should plan such time into your regular weekly schedule. I am readily available outside of class during office hours and by appointment if you have questions or need additional assistance.

Unless noted otherwise, programming projects will be due on Wednesdays at 11 p.m. and must be submitted electronically via the appropriate Assignment link on the Blackboard site. Projects submitted past the deadline but before 11 p.m. on Saturday of the same week will be awarded 50% of the credit. In addition, the late penalty can be waived on up to two projects during the term. Projects submitted after the Saturday deadline will receive no credit.

Students are welcome to discuss the course material with their classmates and collaborate on problems assigned for in-class and home practice, but cannot collaborate on solutions to the graded programming assignments . If you have any questions on a graded programming assignment, please see me or a lab assistant. Unless explicitly part of a group project, the code submitted by a student must be entirely his/her own. Do not share your files with anyone else in the class. All students are expected to adhere to the requirements stated above and the Bentley's Academic integrity policy, which includes Bentley's Honor Code. Failure to adhere to these policies can have serious consequences, including course failure, suspension, or even expulsion. If you are feeling overwhelmed, visit with the instructor rather than resorting to an action that will cause additional stress and harm.

Disability Services reminder. Bentley University abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which stipulate no student shall be denied the benefits of an education solely by reason of a disability. If you have a hidden or visible disability which may require classroom accommodations, please make an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services, Stephanie S. Brodeur, within the first 4 weeks of the semester. The Office of Disability Services is located in the Office of Counseling and Student Development (CSD), LaCava 166, 781.891.2274. The Coordinator of Disability Services is responsible for coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities.