CDS 130: Computing for Scientists
Undergraduate course, George Mason University, Computational Social Science Department, 2019
- Spring-2019
- Fall-2019
- Spring-2020
Teaching
CDS 101: Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences
Undergraduate course, George Mason University, Computational Social Science Department, 2019
Course Description: During this course, students will develop basic skills for obtaining, cleaning, transforming, and visualizing real-world datasets using the R programming language and the RStudio integrated development environment. Statistical methods for analyzing, interpreting, and predicting dataset trends are then introduced and approached from a computational point of view using randomization and simulation. Additional topics may be covered, such as an introduction to advanced or special topics like cross-validation. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on documenting one’s scientific work using RStudio in conjunction with Github to fulfill the principles of reproducible research. Connections are highlighted between statistical inference and the scientific method and how this is related to both the scientific method’s power and its limitations. These tools will also be used to critically examine statistical claims reported in mass media, demonstrating how scientific literacy and a basic knowledge in statistics are indispensable tools to making sense of our modern world.