π Syllabus
DS105W (2024/25 Winter Term)
Check this page every week for updates on course content and requirements.
Last updated: 13 March 2025 to reflect adjustments to W08-W11
ποΈ Week 01
20 Jan 2025 -
24 Jan 2025
π Formative
Set up your development environment and start learning Python
Complete fundamental Python modules on DataQuest, set up your Slack account and Nuvolos Cloud workspace. This preparation is crucial for the first lecture and labs.
Donβt skip this! You can contact us via Slack if you encounter any issues.
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£οΈ Lecture
Welcome to DS105 + Python Basics
ποΈ Slides
π» Lab
Python Basics: First Steps with Weather Data
π₯ Pair Programming
ποΈ Week 02
27 Jan 2025 -
31 Jan 2025
π Formative
Practice Python Collections and Control Flow
Complete DataQuest lessons on Python collections and control flow. This exercise builds directly on Week 01 concepts and prepares you for working with APIs.
π£οΈ Lecture
Python Collections & First Steps with APIs
ποΈ Slides
π» Lab
Working with Weather Data
π£οΈ Roadmap Tutorial
ποΈ Week 03
03 Feb 2025 -
07 Feb 2025
π Formative
Master Terminal Commands and File System Navigation
Learn file system concepts through an interactive London-based game. Practice essential Terminal commands and understand paths. This knowledge is crucial for the upcoming work with Git and GitHub.
π£οΈ Lecture
Navigating Computer Filesystems with the Terminal and Intro to GitHub
ποΈ Slides
π» Lab
Version Control & Data Storage
π£οΈ Roadmap Tutorial
Practice Git workflows and learn how to structure your project files. This lab helps prepare you for the upcoming mini-project.
ποΈ Week 04
10 Feb 2025 -
14 Feb 2025
π Formative
Your First Full Data Project
Build a structured repository with API data collection and analysis. Due Thursday, 13 February, 15:50 GMT (before lecture). This exercise helps you practice GitHub workflows and project organization.
π£οΈ Lecture
Working with Tabular Data in Python (NumPy & Pandas)
ποΈ Slides π₯οΈ Live Demo
Introduction to working with tabular data in Python using NumPy arrays and Pandas DataFrames. Learn when to use each library and how they complement each other.
π» Lab
From NumPy to Pandas
π₯ Pair Programming
Practice pair programming while learning to transform NumPy code into more readable Pandas solutions. Compare approaches and discuss code maintainability.
π£ Big Reveal
Release of βοΈ Mini-Project 1 (30%)
Deadline: 27 February 2025, 8 pm
ποΈ Week 05
17 Feb 2025 -
21 Feb 2025
π£οΈ Lecture
Data Visualisation with Grammar of Graphics
π» Lab
Creating Effective Visualisations
ποΈ Week 06
24 Feb 2025 -
28 Feb 2025
π Reading Week
No lectures or labs this week.
Focus on completing your βοΈ Mini-Project 1. Additional support sessions will be available - check Slack and calendar invites for times and locations.
π Deadline
βοΈ Mini-Project 1 Due (30%)
Submit via GitHub by Wednesday, 27 February 2025, 8 pm.
ποΈ Week 07
03 Mar 2025 -
07 Mar 2025
ποΈ Week 08
10 Mar 2025 -
14 Mar 2025
ποΈ Week 09
17 Mar 2025 -
21 Mar 2025
π£οΈ Lecture
Designing a Good Database Schema & Best Practices for Data Visualisation
π₯οΈ Live Demo π οΈ Tech Support
π» Lab
Revise your dataviz strategy
π οΈ Tech Support
ποΈ Week 10
24 Mar 2025 -
28 Mar 2025
π£οΈ Lecture
Git Collaboration & Building websites with Markdown
π₯οΈ Live Demo π₯ Group Work
π» Lab
Using Git as a Team
π₯ Group Work
ποΈ Week 11
31 Mar 2025 -
04 Apr 2025
π£οΈ Lecture
Project Management and Technical Communication
π₯οΈ Live Demo π₯ Group Work
π£οΈ Presentations
Group Project Presentations (10%)
Each team presents a pitch with their (tentative) plan for a final project.
π Final Project
Complete group project submission due 26 May 2025, 8 pm (30%)