π Syllabus
DS105W (2024/25 Winter Term)
Check this page every week for updates on course content and requirements.
Last updated: 18 January 2025
ποΈ Week 01
20 Jan 2025 -
24 Jan 2025
π Formative
On Monday 20 January, you will find an exercise to be completed. This will guide you on how to set up your Slack account, Nuvolos Cloud workspace, register for Dataquest and complete fundamental Python modules.
Donβt skip this! This setup will prepare you really well for the first lecture and labs. You can contact us via Slack any time if you encounter issues β even before the first lecture.
π Support
Click here to see how to get help this week
Weβre here to help you succeed. Reach out through these channels:
Slack: Post setup questions to the #helpchannel. One of us will answer your questions, usually on the same day. Leave a ππ» when you read a message that is helpful to you, even if you are not the person who asked. It motivates us to answer more!π¬ Office Hours: Book a slot with a member of the teaching staff via StudentHub.
π Drop-in Session: Come to the DSI (COL.1.06) on Wednesday, 22 Jan, from 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm to get help with anything you might be facing. No need to book.
π§ Administrative Support: Contact (answered by Kevin) for class changes or admin queries.
π§βπ« Lecture
Python Foundations I: Variables, Functions, Lists and Dictionaries
π» Lab
Interactive Python Practice in Nuvolos
ποΈ Week 02
27 Jan 2025 -
31 Jan 2025
π Formative
Complete the W02 Formative Exercise focusing on Python control flow and API basics.
This exercise builds directly on Week 01 concepts. Attempt all tasks before the lab.
π§βπ« Lecture
Python Foundations II + First Steps with APIs
π» Lab
Collecting Weather Data with requests
ποΈ Week 03
03 Feb 2025 -
07 Feb 2025
π Formative
Master JSON data handling and API interactions. Learn to structure API responses effectively.
Complete all tasks before the lab. Focus on data extraction and error handling.
π New Resources
Access the Local Python Setup Guide. This optional resource helps you run Python on your machine.
π§βπ« Lecture
Working with JSON Data + First Steps in the Terminal
π» Lab
Terminal Navigation + Converting API Data to JSON Files
ποΈ Week 04
10 Feb 2025 -
14 Feb 2025
π Formative
Practice file operations and CSV handling. Master essential terminal commands.
Youβll receive individual feedback on this submission. Use it to prepare for βπ» Mini-Project 1.
π Extra Support
Additional drop-in session focused on terminal commands and local Python setup. Time TBC
π§βπ« Lecture
CSV Files, Terminal + pandas Introduction
π» Lab
Advanced Terminal Operations + Data Processing
ποΈ Week 04
10 Feb 2025 -
14 Feb 2025
π Formative
Complete W04 Formative preparing for summative work.
Individual feedback provided on this submission.
π£ Big Reveal
Release of βπ» Mini-Project 1 (20%)
Deadline: 27 February 2025, 8 pm
π§βπ« Lecture
Pandas I: DataFrame Fundamentals
π» Lab
Data Cleaning with Pandas
ποΈ Week 05
17 Feb 2025 -
21 Feb 2025
π§βπ« Lecture
Data Visualisation with Grammar of Graphics
π» Lab
Creating Effective Visualisations
ποΈ Week 06
24 Feb 2025 -
28 Feb 2025
π§βπ« Lecture
Mastering Data Reshaping: JSON Normalisation and DataFrame Transformations
π» Lab
Hands-on Practice with melt, pivot_table, and JSON Flattening
β²οΈ Deadline
Submit βπ» Mini-Project 1 (20%) by 27 February 2025, 8 pm.
ποΈ Week 07
03 Mar 2025 -
07 Mar 2025
π Formative
Apply data reshaping techniques to real-world JSON responses. Transform complex nested structures into analysis-ready tables.
Master the Group β Apply β Combine strategy for data transformation.
π§βπ« Lecture
Advanced Data Reshaping + Introduction to Databases
π» Lab
Complex Data Transformations
ποΈ Week 08
10 Mar 2025 -
14 Mar 2025
π£ Big Reveal
Release of βπ» Mini-Project 2 (30%)
Deadline: 24 March 2025, 8 pm
π§βπ« Lecture
Advanced SQL Queries and Database Design
π» Lab
Practical Database Implementation
ποΈ Week 09
17 Mar 2025 -
21 Mar 2025
π§βπ« Lecture
Collaborative Development with Git and GitHub
π» Lab
Git Workflows and Team Collaboration
π₯ Group Formation
Form your project teams (2-3 members). Submit team registration by Friday, 21 March 2025.
ποΈ Week 10
24 Mar 2025 -
28 Mar 2025
β²οΈ Deadline
Submit βπ» Mini-Project 2 (30%) by 24 March 2025, 8 pm.
π§βπ« Lecture
Building Data Science Products
π» Lab
Project Planning and Technical Design
ποΈ Week 11
31 Mar 2025 -
04 Apr 2025
π§βπ« Lecture
Project Management and Technical Communication
π£οΈ Presentations
Group Project Presentations (10%)
Each team presents their project plan, technical architecture, and initial findings.
π Final Project
Complete group project submission due 15 April 2025, 8 pm (30%)