Lewis University

Syllabus
CPSC-51100 Statistical Programming

Course Name and Number

CPSC-51100 Statistical Programming

Prerequisites:

(Graduate level CPSC 50100 Minimum Grade of D- or CPSC 50100 Waived 1)

Course Description - Programming structures and algorithms for large-scale statistical data
processing and visualization. Students will use commonly available data analysis software
packages to apply concepts and skills to large data sets and will also develop their own code
using an object-oriented programming language.

Course Rationale

This course teaches how to use an industry-standard programming language called Python to
process large-scale data. It covers various aspects of the data science workflow, including data
loading, preprocessing, transformations, aggregations, basic machine learning algorithms, and
visualizations. This course will enable students to develop custom made solutions for solving
data science problems.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Implement algorithms using Python as the programming language.

Employ various data structures for storing and accessing datasets.
Identify common problems in datasets and methods of preparing data for analysis.
Visualize data using an application programmer's interface.
Develop programs to perform statistical analysis of various kinds of data.
Mission

Lewis University is guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage and is committed to the
development of the complete person. Accordingly, Lewis University provides educational
programs grounded in the following core values: Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice, and
Association.

Relationship to Mission
Lewis University is a Catholic University in the Lasallian Tradition. Our Mission is integrated
into all aspects of University life, including this course. This course embraces the Mission of
the University by fostering an environment in which each student is respected as an
individual within a community of learners. In the spirit of the vision of Lewis University, the
goals and objectives of this course seek to prepare students to be successful, life-long
learners who are intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, socially responsible, and
globally aware.

Textbook

Wes McKinney. Python for Data Analysis. 2012. OReilly Media. ISBN# 978-1-4493-1979-3

Instructor and Contact Information -

Dr. Piotr Szczurek, Assistant Professor Math/Computer Science
Office location: Room AS-114-A
Office hours: Please make an appointment. My regular scheduled office hours are
Mondays 12pm-4pm and Wednesdays 12pm-1pm.
Office phone: 815-588-7083
Email: [email protected] (this is the best way to reach me)

Contacting the Instructor

Success in an online class requires that you communicate with me whenever you have questions.

If you have general questions that are of interest to the entire group, you should post them
on the Q and A thread on the discussion forum and I will answer them there. If a general
question arrives by email, I will redirect it to the Forum.
If you need to contact me personally, please utilize the contact information listed in
Contacts.
Barring unusual circumstances, I will monitor my email at least once a day Monday
through Friday. Customarily I respond to your email within 24 hours, but occasionally I
may take longer. You might receive responses at night or on weekends, but this is not to
be expected. If you do not receive a reply by the second day, please resend your message.

Course Structure

This course will be delivered entirely online through the course management system Blackboard.
Your username is the FIRST PART of your Lewis University e-mail address. Access
Blackboard via: https://lewisuniversity.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp. In
Blackboard, you will access online lessons, course materials, and resources. To access this
course on Blackboard you will need access to the Internet and a supported Web browser (Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Safari).

Technical Assistance

If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem with
Blackboard you can contact the Personal Support Center, call toll-free, 24/7: 1-866-967-7048

Course Content Issues -

If you are having problems with either the technology or the course content, you need to
let me know as soon as possible.

o Without feedback I will never know what is wrong.
o Remember that many of the nonverbal cues that you use in the classroom to show
frustration, boredom, or confusion are not possible in an online class.
o You must keep me up-to-date on any problems you are encountering.
o NOTE: I will not be available to communicate and facilitate your learning until
the first day of the term.

Instructor Presence in Course

Each week, I will be leading a live session using BlackBoard Collaborate to go over the material
for the week, facilitate discussion, and answer any questions you may have. These sessions will
be recorded and available for viewing at a later time. The session schedule is provided in the
Course Schedule section of this syllabus.

In addition, I will be regularly checking the discussion boards and may use it to comment on
your postings or answer any questions that will be useful for the whole class. If you have any
difficulties with the course material or need to discuss something specific, you should
immediately contact me via e-mail and I will try to reply within a reasonable amount of time.
This usually means within 24 hours.

Course Methodology

You will be required to do the following each week:

Attend the live session and/or watch recorded lecture video

Read the textbook and any secondary readings
Complete the weekly programming assignment
Complete a quiz with questions related to the material for that week
Answer a discussion question related to the reading

There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of week 8.

Evaluation and Grading

Your course grade will be based on the following requirements:

Discussion questions: you will have to answer a question or comment on a topic based
on some research/readings. You will be required to post this to the corresponding forum
in BlackBoard. Your answer should be complete, detailed, and make use of examples or
references when appropriate. The grading will be binary: 1 point for a completed,
satisfactory posting, and 0 points for an incomplete or an unsatisfactory posting. You are
encouraged to reply to each other postings.
Quizzes: given in weeks 1 through 7. These will contain approximately five multiple
choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank type questions based on readings and lectures for
that week. You will have 20 minutes for each quiz. Each quiz is worth the same
percentage of the grade and each question within each quiz is also worth the same
number of points (1 point for each question).
Programming Assignments: given every week, except for week eight (seven
assignments in total). Each assignment is worth the same percentage of the grade. The
assignments are graded based on the rubric given in the Programming Assignment Rubric
section.
Final exam: given in week 8. This will consist of 25 questions based on all quizzes and
any material covered up to the time of the final exam. You will have 120 minutes to
complete the final exam. Each question is worth the same number of points (1 point for
each question).

The final grade in the course will be computed as a weighted average with the following weights:

Category Percent
Programming Assignments 40%
Weekly Quizzes 10%
Weekly Discussion Forums 10%
Final Exam 40%
TOTAL 100%
The final course letter grade will then be determined from the numeric weighted average grade
using the following scale:

A 94-100 C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F 59 and below

Due Dates

Discussions: posts due Sunday by 11:59PM CST, the week it's assigned.
Programming Assignments: due Sunday by 11:59PM CST, the week after it's assigned
(e.g. Week 1's assignment is due Week 2, Sunday).
Quizzes: due Sunday by 11:59PM CST each week, except week 7.
Final Exam: due Week 8, Sunday by 11:59PM CST.

Grade Availability

Quizzes should be graded automatically by the system.

Assignments should be graded within 1 week of their due dates.
Final grades will be posted after the course is completed.

Complete Assignments

All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Blackboard.
Assignments must be submitted by the given deadline or special permission must be requested
from me before the due date. Extensions will not be given beyond the next assignment except
under extreme circumstances.

All discussion assignments must be completed by the assignment due date and time. Late or
missing discussion assignments will affect the students grade.
Course Schedule

Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST

Readings: Chapter 1, 3, and Appendix (up to Data
Structures)
Week 1: Programming Basics Quiz: Week 1 Quiz
Programming Assignment: Week 1 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Python for Data Analysis
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Appendix (from Data Structures)
Week 2: Using Functions and Data Quiz: Week 2 Quiz
Structures Programming Assignment: Week 2 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Iterations vs. Comprehensions
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Chapter 2, 12
Week 3: Data Processing Using Quiz: Week 3 Quiz
Arrays Programming Assignment: Week 3 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Vector Computation
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Chapter 5
Week 4: Data Processing Using Quiz: Week 4 Quiz
Data Structures Programming Assignment: Week 4 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Pandas vs. R
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Chapter 6, 7
Quiz: Week 5 Quiz
Week 5: Data Preparation
Programming Assignment: Week 5 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Data Cleaning
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Chapter 8
Quiz: Week 6 Quiz
Week 6: Plotting and Visualization
Programming Assignment: Week 6 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Visualization
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Week 7: Data Aggregation Readings: Chapter 9
Quiz: Week 7 Quiz
 Programming Assignment: Week 7 Assignment (due
following week)
Discussion Question: Comment on Blog Post
Live Session: Wednesday, 6pm CST
Readings: Chapter 10
Week 8: Time Series Analysis
Discussion Question: Time Series Analysis
Final Exam

Programming Assignment Grading Rubric

Category Unsatisfactory (0-1 Satisfactory (2-3 Excellent (4 points)

points) point)
Program Program does not Program works Program runs
Correctness execute due to and completes and completes
errors most tasks all required tasks
Incorrect results for appropriately Handles special
most or all input Program fails to cases
work for special Executes
cases without errors

Programming No name, date, or Includes name, Includes name,

Style assignment title date, and date, and
included assignment assignment title.
Poor use of white title. Excellent use of
space White space white space.
Disorganized and makes program Perfectly
messy fairly easy to organized code.
No or few read. Source code is
comments in the Well organized commented
source code code. throughout when
Poor use of Some needed
variables (improper comments Excellent use of
scope/visibility, missing in the variables (no
ambiguous source code or issues with
naming). too many scope/visibility
comments or unambiguous
Good use of naming).
variables (few
issues with
scope/visibility
or unambiguous
 naming).

Following Incorrect filenames Correct Correct

Specifications Incorrect specified filenames and filenames and
identifier names class names specified
Source code Few issues with identifier names
organization other specified Source code
different from identifier names organization
requirements Source code satisfies all
Additional organization requirements
requirements not close to All additional
satisfied requirements requirements
Some additional satisfied
requirements
not satisfied

Your program grade will be recorded as a percentage of the maximum number of points possible.
For example, if you received a satisfactory for both the program correctness and programming
style categories with an excellent for the following specification category, you earn 3+3+4=10
points. This will be recorded as 10/12 83.33%.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy

All Lewis University students are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and
professional manner. All academic assignments are to be the work of the individual
student. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and may result in a failing grade
on an assignment, failure in the course or dismissal from the University.
The following are examples of dishonesty, or unethical and unprofessional behavior:

Plagiarism - Using another person's words, ideas, or results without giving proper
credit to that person, giving the impression that it is a student's own work
Any form of cheating on examinations
Altering academic or clinical records
Falsifying information for any assignment
Partly or wholly completing an assignment for another student or submitting partly
or wholly completed assignments by another student.
Charges of academic dishonesty brought against a student shall be made in writing
by the faculty member and submitted to the program chair or academic dean for
investigation.

Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and may result in the following sanctions:

Warning: written or verbal notice that any further misconduct may result in further
disciplinary actions
Failure or forfeiture: loss of all or part of the credit for work conducted in
association with academic dishonesty
 Suspension: removal from the University for a determined period of time
Dismissal: permanent removal from the University

Plagiarism is a very serious matter. Any assignment that includes information that has been
copied from a website or other source will receive a score of zero. In addition, every paper
will be checked for authenticity. If plagiarism occurs, the violation will be reported to the
appropriate Lewis University personnel for possible disciplinary action.

STUDENTS REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

If you have a disability that may require consideration by your instructor and you have not
previously submitted documentation to the staff in the Center for Academic Success and
Enrichment (CASE), please make an appointment with Courtney Schmitz Director of
Academic Support Services in CASE (x5593). It is recommended that you address this prior
to the start of class or within the first week of class. If you need accommodations for
successful participation in class activities prior to your appointment in CASE, you should
provide information in writing to your instructor that includes suggestions for assistance in
participating in and completing class assignments. It is not necessary to disclose the nature
of your disability to your instructor. For more information about academic support services,
visit the CASE website at: www.lewisu.edu/larc

If you have a disability that may require consideration by your instructor and you have not
previously submitted documentation to the staff in the Center for Academic Success and
Enrichment (CASE), please make an appointment with Academic Support Services in CASE
(x5593). For specific details and more information, see
https://www.lewisu.edu/welcome/adaAccommodations.htm

CLASS ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all classes as part of the normal learning process. In
addition, students must be especially consistent in attendance, both on-ground and online,
during the first two weeks of the semester to confirm registration and to be listed on the
official course roster. Students who fail to follow this procedure and who have not received
prior approval from the instructor for absences will be withdrawn from the courses in
question by certification of the instructor on the official class lists.
Instructors may publish specific, additional reasonable standards of attendance for their
classes in the course syllabus. Students may receive failing grades if they do not observe
attendance requirements.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission also requires attendance as a demonstration of
academic progress toward a degree as one criterion for retaining financial aid awards.
(2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog, p. 34).

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Scholastic integrity lies at the heart of Lewis University. Plagiarism, collusion and other
forms of cheating or scholastic dishonesty are incompatible with the principles of the
University. Students engaging in such activities are subject to loss of credit and expulsion
from the University. Cases involving academic dishonesty are initially considered and
determined at the instructor level. If the student is not satisfied with the instructors
explanation, the student may appeal at the department/program level. Appeal of the
department /program decision must be made to the Dean of the college/school. The Dean
reviews the appeal and makes the final decision in all cases except those in which
suspension or expulsion is recommended, and in these cases the Provost makes the final
decision.

CLASSROOM DECORUM
In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning and student development, it is
expected that classroom discourse is respectful and non-disruptive. The primary
responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who
engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed
by the faculty member to leave class for the remainder of the class period. Students
considered to be a disruption or who present a threat of potential harm to self or others
may be referred for action to the Dean of Student Services. 2015-2016 Student Handbook,
p. 14, Lewis University website https://www.lewisu.edu/sdl/pdf/studenthandbook.pdf)

SANCTIFIED ZONE
This learning space is an extension of Lewis Universitys Sanctified Zone, a place where
people are committed to working to end racism, bias and prejudice by valuing diversity in a
safe and nurturing environment. This active promotion of diversity and the opposition to all
forms of prejudice and bias are a powerful and healing expression of our desire to be
Signum Fidei, Signs of Faith, in accordance with the Lewis Mission Statement. To learn
more about the Sanctified Zone, please visit: http://www.lewisu.edu/sanctified zone.