Learning Outcomes

• Understand the scientific process and the philosophy of science.

• Be exposed to basic data analysis and modeling concepts and practices.

• Apply computational techniques/algorithms to solve scientific problems.

• Perform computational approximations and understand the concept of error.

• Be exposed to the common tools and practices of working computational scientists, including R/Python and NumPy/SciPy toolkit, plotting and visualization, HPC, Weka, etc.

General Topics

• Computational Science and Natural Computing Concepts

• Python for Data Science

• Tabular Data, Data Series and Data Mining

• Network (Graph) Data

• Simulation, Randomness, Monte Carlo Method

• Plotting and Scientific Visualization

• Basic Statistics, Prediction (Regression Analysis & Machine Learning

• Optimization 

• Genetic Algorithms

• Grammatical Evolution

Course Evaluation

5-6 Projects = 25-30%.

In-Class Quizzes/Worksheets/HW = 10-15%

2 tests = 40%

1 non-comprehensive final exam = 20%

Grades may be determined according to this scale (approximate):

A 90%  100%

B 80%  89% 

C 70%  79% 

D 55%  64%

Although student attendance is not calculated into the grade, attendance will be taken each day to track students. If a student is absent from more than 2 classes without an excuse and is not performing well in class, a report will be submitted to the Dean of Students and the student may be dropped from the class.  

Late Work

Late projects will be accepted up to 4 days late with a 10 point deduction per day. No late projects for the last project will be accepted.

Makeup Work/Exams/Quizzes:

·       For planned excused absences: Exam may be taken early by prior arrangement.

·       For unplanned excused absences: Student must make up a missed exam within 4 working days.  All other missed exams will receive a zero.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.