Data 201​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Spring 2025

Intro to Data Science

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Syllabus

Class Schedule:​ Lecture: ​ T R, 3:30 PM – 04:50 AM (Section 02)

​ In-person: ​ Integrated Science Center, Room 1280

Instructor:​ Md Mahfuz Ibn Alam

​ Office: ​​ 2265 Integrated Science Building
​ Virtual Office: ​ https://cwm.zoom.us/j/7866552578
​ E-mail: ​ [email protected]
​ Office Hours: ​ T R, 2 PM – 3 PM (In-person);
​ ​ ​ W, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (In-person);
​ ​ ​ and by appointment.

Teaching Assistants:​ Graduate Bullpen TA:​ Kaibu F. (Office hours TBA)

​ ​ ​ ​ Di Y. (Office hours TBA)
​ ​ ​ ​ Chenan W. (Office hours TBA)
​ Graduate TA:​ ​ Kibiwott Koech
​ ​ ​ ​ Email: [email protected]
​ ​ ​ ​ Office Hours: TBA
​ ​ ​ ​ Location: TBA

Piazza:​ Link:​ ​ https://piazza.com/wm/spring2025/data20102s25

​ Access Code:​ u2sn27wnwm8

Course Overview:​
​ In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of data processing and modeling in the ​
​ context of Data Science. Emphasis will be placed on careful planning and deliberate ​
​ decision-making when working with data and building models. Programming will be ​
​ done in Python, and we will extensively use the scikit-learn collection.

​ This course will introduce you to various supervised and ​unsupervised machine-learning ​
​ techniques, including regression, classification, and clustering methods. By the end of the
​ course, you are not expected to be an expert on any particular technique. Still, you should
​ exhibit a solid high-level understanding of the goals of each method, be able to ​ ​
​ determine when a specific type of model is more or less suitable to a real-world problem, ​
​ and, most importantly, demonstrate keen attention to detail when working with data. A ​
​ very strong emphasis will be placed on understanding why we are doing what we are ​
​ doing.
Learning Objectives:​
​ 1. The course will provide you with a critical understanding of the essential aspects and ​
​ techniques in data preprocessing, modeling, and data use.
​ 2. You will learn to apply specific methods/algorithms and interpret the results.
​ 3. You will work with real-world problems that are being engaged with by contemporary ​
​ problem-solvers and decision-makers.

Class Format:
The class will be in-person. Each class will take the following format:
●​ Reading: Before the class, you will be pointed to some reading materials (see
"Reading Materials" in the course schedule) . Reading is not required but highly
recommended to do before the class.
●​ Summary/Elaboration/Q&A: In the class, the instructor will summarize
important points from the reading material, elaborating on details that were not
included in the reading while fielding any questions.

Grading:
Your final grade will be dependent on:
●​ Midterm: 25%. An online midterm (due on March 20th) will test your
knowledge of the concepts and Machine Learning algorithms presented during
the course. The midterm will be administered via Blackboard.
●​ Final: 25%. An online final (due on May 11th) will test your knowledge of the
concepts and Machine Learning algorithms presented during the course. The final
will be administered via Blackboard.
●​ Assignments: 45%. There will be seven assignments in this class. Each
assignment must be completed independently. The assignments will be posted on
Blackboard in a timely manner before the due date. You will have at least five
days to complete each assignment. If you have any questions, please actively
engage in Q/As on Piazza. Assignments will involve a lot of short answers and
developing code to determine the answer.
○​ A1: Pandas and Numpy (6%).
○​ A2: Statistics and Scaling (6%).
○​ A3: Linear Regression (6%).
○​ A4: Model Validation and Regularization (6%).
○​ A5: Dimensionality Reduction (7%).
○​ A6: Classification: Logistic Regression & KNN (7%).
○​ A7: Classification: Decision Trees (7%).
●​ Participation: 5%. We will have occasional classwork that will count towards
participation. Participation does not necessarily mean volunteering in class ​
– Sometimes I will call on you randomly, sometimes I will use PollEverywhere
to allow you to respond electronically, and you can participate on the course
 Piazza page by answering questions posed by other students. You also participate
by being engaged – this means not working on other coursework doing class, and
basically not doing anything else besides paying attention and taking notes.
●​ There will be extra credit opportunities in the Assignments and Exams. Keep a
sharp eye.

Late Day Policy for Assignments:

In case there are unforeseen circumstances that don’t let you turn in your assignment on
time, 5 late days total over the seven assignments will be allowed. Notes: (1) The late
days cannot be used fractionally, e.g., submitting the assignment 1 hour late will incur 1
late day; (2) You may want to save the late days for assignments, which are generally
harder than the others. Late days will be applied greedily and automatically (no need to
contact the instructor). Assignments that are late beyond the allowed late days will be
graded down by 5% per day. In the case of a serious illness or other excused absence, as
defined by university policies (including providing necessary evidence), coursework
submissions will be accepted late by the same number of days as the excused absence.
However, students should inform the instructor as soon as they can, ideally before the due
date.

Class Attendance Policy:

​ As we will have classworks for some classes, attendance is highly suggested.

Readings:
Students should be able to understand the course content just by following the lecture and
by doing the readings. However, the following textbooks serve as good references.
●​ Introduction to Data mining, 1E [online][pdf];
●​ Introduction to Data mining, 2E [online];
●​ Python for Data Analysis, 3E [online];

Course Schedule:

# Date Topic Reading Materials Assignment Dates

1 01/23 Introduction and Syllabus A0 is Out

2 01/28 Getting Ready and Python

3 01/30 Python and Pandas Data Frames Python for Data Analysis Chapter 5
(.pdf provided on BB)

4 02/04 Pandas Data Frames A1 is Out

5 02/06 Numpy Arrays Python for Data Analysis Section 4.1

 and Appendix A excerpt (.pdf provided
on BB)

6 02/11 Describing Data Python for Data Analysis Section 9.1

and 9.2 (.pdf provided on BB)

7 02/13 Describing Data A1 is Due; A2 is Out

8 02/18 Feature Scaling; Intro to Modeling

9 02/20 Intro to Modeling

10 02/25 OLS A2 is Due; A3 is Out

11 02/27 Model Validation Python for Data Analysis Section

13.1(.pdf provided on BB)

12 03/04 Model Validation

13 03/06 Regularization A3 is Due; A4 is Out

14 03/18 Q/A and Review for the Midterm Midterm Out

15 03/20 Q/A and Review for the Midterm Midterm Due

16 03/25 Dimensionality Reduction - PCA/tSNE

17 03/27 Dimensionality Reduction - PCA/tSNE

18 04/01 Dimensionality Reduction - PCA/tSE A4 is Due; A5 is Out

19 04/03 Classification: Logistic Regression

20 04/08 Classification: Logistic Regression

21 04/10 Classification: KNN A5 is Due; A6 is Out

22 04/15 Classification: Decision Trees

23 0417 Classification: Decision Trees

24 04/22 Classification: Decision Trees A6 is Due; A7 is Out;

 25 04/24 Feature Importance

26 04/29 Clustering

27 05/01 Q/A and Review for the Final A7 is Due

Important Dates:
​ 1. The first day of add-and-drop is January 21st.
​ 2. The first day of classes is January 22nd.
​ 3. The last day of add-and-drop is January 31st.
​ 4. The first day of the withdrawal period is February 1st.
​ 5. Spring Break (no classes) March 8th - March 16th.
​ 6. The last day of the withdrawal period is March 24th.
​ 7. The last day of classes is May 2nd.
​ 8. Final grades due for all students by 9 a.m is May 20th.

Artificial Intelligence:​
​ The use or incorporation of any AI-generated content (from ChatGPT, Bard, Dall-e, etc.) ​
​ in graded assignments or exams is prohibited.

Letter Grades:​ ​
95 – 100 % A 72 – 74.99% C
90 – 94.99% A- 70 – 71.99% C-
85 – 89.99% B+ 60 – 69.99% D+
82 – 84.99% B
80 – 81.99% B-
75 – 79.99% C+ 0 – 59.99% F

Honor Code:​
​ Academic integrity is at the heart of the university, and we all are responsible for ​​
​ upholding the ideals of honor and integrity. The student-led honor system is responsible ​
​ for resolving any suspected violations of the Honor Code, and I will report all suspected ​
​ instances of academic dishonesty to the honor system. The Student Handbook ​ ​
​ (www.wm.edu/studenthandbook) includes your responsibilities as a student. Your full ​
​ participation and observance of the Honor Code are expected. To read the Honor Code, ​
​ see www.wm.edu/honor.

Student Health:​
​ William & Mary recognizes that students juggle different responsibilities and can face ​
​ challenges that make learning difficult. There are many resources available at W&M to ​
​ help students navigate emotional/psychological, physical/medical, material/accessibility ​
​ concerns, including:
​ 1. The W&M Counseling Center at (757) 221-3620. Services are free and confidential.
​ 2. The W&M Health Center at (757) 221-4386.
​ 3. To seek assistance for interpersonal, academic, and wellness challenges, please contact ​
​ Care Support Services at wm.edu/care ([email protected]).

​ 4. For a list of other resources available to students, see here or:

Student Accessibility: ​
​ William & Mary accommodates students with disabilities in accordance with federal laws
​ and university policy. Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on ​
​ the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis should contact ​
​ Student Accessibility Services staff at 757-221-2512 or at [email protected] to determine if ​
​ accommodations are warranted and to obtain an official letter of accommodation. For ​
​ more information, please see www.wm.edu/sas.

Name and Pronouns Statement:

If you wish, please share your name and gender pronouns with me and indicate how best
to address you in class and via email. I use "he/him/his" for myself and you may address
me as “Alam”, “Dr. Alam” in email and verbally.

Recording and/or sharing class materials:

Some kinds of participation in online study sites violate the Honor code: these include
accessing exam or quiz questions for this class; accessing exam, quiz, or assignment
answers for this class; uploading any of the instructor's materials or exams; and uploading
any of your own answers or finished work. Always consult your syllabus and your
professor before using these sites.

Expectations:​
​ All students are strongly encouraged to bring their laptops/notebook computers to class ​
​ since we plan on having a significant amount of active coding. Do not forget pen and ​
​ papers.

​ We will address instructor absence/illness by scheduling remote (online) classes for no ​

​ more than a week. In extreme cases, a substitute instructor will be arranged.

Possible Changes:​
Any changes to the following course schedule or due dates will be announced in class ​
​ and on Blackboard ahead of time.

Writing and Communication:​

​ Writing and Communication Center is located on the first floor of Swem Library, is a free
​ service provided to W&M students. Trained consultants offer individual assistance with ​
​ writing, presentation, and other communication assignments across disciplines and at any ​
stage, from generating ideas to polishing a final product. The WCC's goal is to help you ​ ​ become a better writer
and communicator. To make an appointment, visit the WCC ​ ​ webpage (www.wm.edu/wcc).

Student Success:​
​ Student success supports each student's personal growth, development, engagement, and ​
​ belonging by providing holistic guidance as they navigate their own W&M journey. It ​
​ encompasses the offices of Academic Wellbeing, Care Support Services, and Student ​
​ Accessibility Services.

​ For academic support such as tutoring, time management, study skills, and academic ​
​ coaching, please contact Academic Wellbeing at wm.edu/academicwellbeing ​ ​
​ ([email protected]).

​ For concerns about the wellbeing of a member of the William & Mary community or to ​
​ seek assistance for interpersonal, academic, and wellness challenges, please contact Care ​
​ Support Services at wm.edu/care ([email protected]).

​ For accommodation needs or questions, please contact Student Accessibility Services at ​

​ wm.edu/sas ([email protected]).

Additional Information:​
William & Mary values inclusiveness most highly and believes that diversity is critical to ​
​ equity and the pursuit of academic excellence. Our goal is to create and sustain an ​
​ environment in which diversity can thrive. A diverse faculty, student body, ​ ​
​ administration, and curriculum together foster learning and enhance excellence. We seek ​
​ to promote an environment of inclusion and to maintain a safe, nurturing community that ​
​ is respectful of our differences and what we share.