Course Syllabus

Data Processing and Analysis in Python BUDT704

Last Updated: August 30, 2021 Fall 2021

Learning Outcomes Dr. John Bono, PMP

https://ter.ps/jbono
Data, rather than tangible goods, are the commodity in many
organizations. In the digital era, major data space players (e.g., Class Meets
Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft) all rely on the Section 0501
collection, processing, and use of data. However, these data actions Lecture – VMH 1528
are not limited to these titans. Organizations of all sizes rely on the TuTh 6:30pm-7:45pm
collection, processing, and use of data to address business needs.
Section 0502
Drawing on concepts from computer science and data science, this Lecture – VMH 1528
course is designed to teach the fundamentals of computer TuTh 5:00pm-6:15pm
programming, using Python for the purposes of processing, analyzing,
and visualizing data in business problems. Students are introduced to Office Hours
various models in Python, working with highly popular core and off- Online (Zoom)
the-shelf packages. The course emphasis is on mastering basic Python TuTh 11:30pm-12:30pm
functionality and developing intermediate to advanced skills in
working with data in support of business problems. Teaching Assistants
Check ELMS for details.
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
• Describe the architecture, basic elements, and planning of Prerequisites
data science. Enrolled in MS in
• Develop computer programs using sequence, selection, and Information Systems.
repetition control structures to automate data analysis.
• Incorporate pre-built Python code packages to manipulate, Communication
manage, and process data. Please use ELMS for all
• Create compelling and meaningful data visualizations. course communication
• Develop a project plan to analyze business problems using Review ter.ps/email for
data. guidance on writing
professional emails.
Moreover, if you are willing to put in the effort, you will be able
to place these things on your resume:
• Experience building computer programs in Python to automate
data analysis.
• Skilled in creating compelling and meaningful data
visualizations.
• Adept at building a project plan to analyzes business problems
using data.
• Capable of learning new programming languages.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 1 of 9
Course Format
As the amount of data continues to grow exponentially and becomes more complex, computational
methods are necessary to collect, store, analyze, and visualize the data to be successful in science,
engineering, business, and other professions. This course introduces the principles of data science and
business analytics to collect, analyze, and visualize business data.

This course is designed for students who want to learn computer programming for data science. The topics
we will cover begin at basic Python programming. They then extend through final data analysis using
Python core and off-the-shelf packages. You will build computer programs relevant to applications used in
a business environment across several domains. This will be useful in your research and future jobs.

You will be provided with lectures and hands-on instruction. This course is demanding! In teaching
programming courses, learning-by-doing is crucial. You will find it near impossible to memorize your
way to an "A". Practice and more practice are crucial to gain an adequate level of understanding. You will
be in a learning environment where you must implement the programming concepts you learn.

Required Resources
Textbooks (**Both Textbooks are Necessary)

Introduction to Python for Computer Science and Data Science:

Learning to Program with AI, Big Data, and The Cloud
By: Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN: 978-0-13-540467-6

Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with Pandas, NumPy, and
IPython, 2nd Edition
By: Wes McKinney
Publisher: Cengage Learning
ISBN: 978-1-491-95766-0

Technology

Technology Requirement Why? How to Access It?

USB thumb drive or cloud storage Back up your work https://drive.google.com/
TurningPoint Graded Participation https://go.umd.edu/TurningPoint
Respondus Lockdown Browser Exams https://go.umd.edu/LockdownBrowser
Python (Version 3.x) Analytics https://go.umd.edu/Python1
Programming
Anaconda Python Distribution Analytics https://go.umd.edu/Anaconda1
(Version 3.x) Programming

1
Software is also available on vSmith at https://vsmith.umd.edu/. You may need to install the VMWare
Horizon client first. For help, view the vSmith FAQ at https://it.rhsmith.umd.edu/vsmith-faq.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 2 of 9
Recommended Resources
In addition to the required textbook, the following books are useful resources:
• Learn Python the Hard Way This book is also available for free on the web.
• Python Data Visualization Cookbook: This is a book for those interested in studying deeper
visualization in Python.
• Google's Python class
• Code Academy, Python track

Campus Policies
It is our shared responsibility to know and abide by the University of Maryland’s policies that relate to all
courses, which include topics such as:
• Academic integrity
• Student and instructor conduct
• Accessibility and accommodations
• Attendance and excused absences
• Grades and appeals
• Copyright and intellectual property

You must be familiar with all of the graduate student-specific policies and campus-wide, student affairs
policies. Follow up with me if you have questions.

Expectations for Students

Critical Thinking

Intellectual excellence is one of the key pillars of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. At Smith and in
your professional life after Smith, you will need to excel at meeting the following six critical thinking
standards, which are hallmarks of rigorous and evidence-based decision making:
• Clarity: Use easy to understand words (not overly complex or full of jargon) and provide an
orderly, logical structure for the argument.
• Accuracy: Apply concepts and frameworks correctly. Support claims with compelling evidence.
• Precision: Provide sufficient detail to fully flesh out the idea.
• Relevance: Distinguish between high and low priority issues. Explicitly link points back to the focal
issues and make connections between related concepts.
• Depth: Identify root causes. Uncover underlying complexities. Anticipate and address objections.
• Breadth: Consider multiple viewpoints and problem responses (e.g., multiple stakeholders). Situate
the discussion within the broader context and acknowledge other factors that can play a role.

Course-Specific Policies
You are expected to attend all lectures, on time, having completed any required pre-class
activities. Arriving late is a disruption. In line with the Policy on Excused Absence, consistent attendance
offers you the most effective opportunity to learn the course material and participate in course activities.
To receive accommodations for an excused absence, you must notify me of the absence, in writing, as
soon as is reasonably practical. You must provide appropriate documentation of the absence via ELMS.
You will be responsible for contacting a classmate for missed material you missed during the absence.

The following learning activities are considered major scheduled graded events (MSGEs) and
require appropriate documentation for an absence: exams and both course project showcase days.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 3 of 9
You should expect to work hard and learn a lot. You should expect the course to be interesting,
rigorous, challenging, fun and valuable. I expect you to be an active participant in all course activities and
you should expect to be asked (sometimes unprompted) to share your knowledge and questions.

It is your responsibility to contact me (or the TA) if you have additional questions or need
clarification on class topics and assignments. I will try to answer your question(s) via email or
schedule a time that works for both of us. I may not have time for students who wait until the last minute.

I expect you to make responsible/respectful decisions regarding laptop/tablet/cellphone use.

If you need to use one of these devices for a non-class related, emergency reason, please quietly excuse
yourself from the classroom and return when finished. If you are experiencing multiple emergencies in the
semester, I will ask you to come speak with me. These actions detract your full participation in the course.

Get Some Help!

Taking personal responsibility for your learning means acknowledging when your performance does not
match your goals and doing something about it. Please contact me if you need help finding the right
approach to course success. There are several Academic Success Resources and Services available to you.
Everyone can use help sharpening their communication skills (and improving their grade) by visiting
the Writing Center to schedule an appointment. If you just need someone to talk to, the Counseling
Center or one of many other resources on campus can provide you with assistance.

Most services are free. You have already paid for it, and everyone needs help. You just must ask.

Basic Needs Security

If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and
stable place to live and believe this may affect your performance in this course, please visit Basic Needs
Security for information about resources the campus offers you and let me know if I can help in any way.

Accessibility and Disability Service

Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS) provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to
ensure equal access to services, programs, and activities. Students who may benefit from this service are
strongly encouraged to contact ADS as soon as possible to take advantage of available services. ADS
cannot assist retroactively, so it is generally best to request accommodations several weeks before a
semester begins or as soon as a disability becomes known. Any student who needs accommodations
should contact me as soon as is reasonably practical so that I have sufficient time to plan an alternative.

Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

As part of the Smith School’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we recognize the importance of a
diverse student body as necessary to a THRIVING environment. We are committed to fostering inclusive
and equitable classroom environments. I invite you, if you wish, to tell us how you want to be referred to
both in terms of your name and your pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.). The pronouns
someone indicates are not necessarily indicative of their gender identity. Additionally, how you identify in
terms of your gender, race, class, sexuality, religion, and dis/ability, among all aspects of your identity, is
your choice whether to disclose (e.g., should it come up in classroom conversation about our experiences
and perspectives) and should be self-identified, not presumed or imposed. I will do my best to address
and refer to all students accordingly, and I ask you to do the same for all your fellow Terps.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 4 of 9
Learning Assessments
Classroom lectures will focus on concepts with examples. The textbook, lectures, and additional outside
class practice will provide you with enough knowledge to complete the course’s learning assessments.

Class Participation (Individual Effort)

As future business leaders your personal brand identity, or how you conduct yourself, is of utmost
importance. It is how people will judge you in hiring decisions, sales pitches, and other business
situations. Professional people only want to deal with other reasonable, good-natured, professional people,
making it extremely important to polish these skills now. For the purposes of this course, you are
expected to arrive to every class on-time (unless there is an excused absence) with any pre-required class
activities completed, stay the full duration, and participate fully in class discussions and activities by
asking and answering questions. If you are not attending class, or are using your mobile device, earning
participation points is impossible. Successful professionals come prepared to business meetings, engage
other meeting participants, and demonstrate overall interest in the meeting outcome. Completing class
participation activities (e.g., polls) outside the classroom, for anyone other than yourself, or at
any time other than when instructed in class is a violation of academic integrity.

Homework Assignments (Individual Effort)

Homework assignments are meant to reinforce specific concepts covered during lecture and in the
required course reading. All assignments include conceptual and applied components. As you will notice, a
significant part of the course grade is determined by your performance on these assignments. Working on
the assignments will demonstrate what you have learned in applying the covered concepts.

Each assignment requires significant computer time. Set yourself up for success by starting early.
Instructions will be provided for each assignment. Several files will need to be turned in for grading. If all
relevant files are not submitted, you will not earn full credit. Exceptions may be made at the instructor’s
discretion during the first assignment only; for subsequent assignments, the rule will be strictly enforced.

You are highly encouraged to seek clarifications on the course material via email or during
office hours should you have questions. Starting assignments early enables you to get help, if
needed. Waiting until an assignment's final day or hours severely limits your ability to get timely help.

Course Project (Group Effort)

You will work within a group to apply your creativity and data understanding to create an amazing final
group project. This final project is a chance for you to choose your own data adventure. Topics for
previous group projects have ranged from predicting baseball games to analyzing the chords of hit pop
songs. There is no final exam for this course because the project will stand in place of a final exam.
However, the project will include several deliverables to be completed throughout the course.

Exams (Individual Effort)

Exams test concept comprehension and application. Documentation is required for make-up requests (See
Course-Specific Policies). No extra time is given for late starts. Once one student finishes, no additional
students may start the exam. All unauthorized electronic devices are prohibited during exams.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 5 of 9
Grading
Your final grade is determined solely by your performance on the course’s learning assessments.

Learning Assessment # % Each % of Final Grade

Class Participation (Individual Effort) 1 10%
Homework Assignments (Individual Effort) 6 5% 30%
Course Project (Group Effort) Multiple Parts 30%
Exams (Individual Effort) 2 15% 30%
Total 100%

All assessments are due in ELMS at 8:00pm on the due date. Every submission for an assessment is
time stamped when submitted to ELMS. The latest submission time shall be considered the official time.

Late submissions will be accepted, but with a late penalty. In the business world, there can be
significant effects when a client deliverable is not completed on-time or an employee "drops the ball". In
such cases the manager likely would be dissatisfied and there may be consequences. Now is a great time
to perfect your time management skills. There is a long lead time to complete assessments. Do not wait
until the last minute to start or submit your work. All learning assessments must be submitted to ELMS by
the due date/time. Learning assessments may not be submitted through any other medium (e.g., email).

The penalty for late submissions will be at a rate of a 1% deduction per 1-hour period, starting
at the due date deadline. For example, submitting at 8:00:01pm (1 second after the deadline) will result
in a 1% deduction, leaving you with the highest possible grade of 99%. Submitting at 9:00:01pm (1 hour,
1 second after the deadline) will result in a 2% deduction, leaving you with the highest possible grade of
98%. After 100 hours (4 days, 4 hours), late assignments will not be accepted and a grade of zero will be
earned. Given the generous late submission policy, penalties will be strictly enforced. Exceptions will only
be allowed, on a case-by-case basis, with severe, extenuating, documented circumstances as defined by
University policy. Job/internship interviews, workload, course load, faulty computer, vacations,
bad memory, and similar non-severe issues are not acceptable circumstances for an exception.

You have one week to request re-grading of any learning assessment. All assessment scores will
be posted in ELMS. Requests for re-grading an assessment must be requested to me, in writing (email),
within one week of the date grader feedback was posted to ELMS. The email request must contain a clear
explanation of why more points should be earned. The entire assessment will be re-graded (i.e., there are
no partial re-grades). The resulting grade will be higher due to errors in grading, lower if it is discovered
that enough points was not subtracted the first time, or the same. No requests for re-grading will be
considered one week after the date grader feedback; the grade will be considered final.

A final grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be awarded to students who have a legitimate reason for
needing additional time to complete a course. Legitimate reasons include emergencies or extenuating
circumstances preventing a student from completing course requirements within the normal time frame.
Students must initiate the request for an incomplete prior to the semester’s end. In no case will a grade of
"I" be awarded to someone seeking more time to master the course material to improve his or her grade.
Under all circumstances, an ‘I’ will be awarded only at the sole discretion of the instructor and typically if
the student has completed at least 60% of the course with a grade of "C" or higher.

Academic Integrity

At the Smith School, we share a common commitment to "doing the right things, the right way" as part of
adhering to the University’s Code of Academic Integrity. Each student is expected to behave with integrity.
The Smith School does not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty, which includes: cheating,
fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and self-plagiarism.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 6 of 9
It is extremely easy for an instructor to detect cheating with logic and code. All assessments will
be checked for academic integrity violations using manual and automated means.

There is a fine line between seeking content assistance and cheating. Please stay on the legal side
of that line. "Individual effort" means you may discuss course content with other students; however, you
may not discuss approaches to completion or required logic of any individual effort learning activity. For
clarity, if any student submission is >=30% identical to another student’s submission, the course content
discussion that occurred constitutes misconduct and all students involved will be referred to the Office of
Student Conduct for violating the Honor Code. In particularly obvious situations where a submission does
not contain original, individually completed work, a match < 30% may still result in a misconduct referral
for all students involved. If you are ever unclear about acceptable levels of collaboration, please ask!

Do not share things on the Internet that are not yours. Posting or sharing course content (e.g.,
instructor lecture notes, assignment directions, etc.), using any non-electronic or electronic medium (e.g.,
web site) where it is accessible to someone other than the individual student constitutes stealing/copyright
infringement, facilitates academic dishonesty, and is strictly prohibited without prior instructor approval.

Do not engage in digital academic dishonesty. Posting assignment questions or a partial, complete,
or graded solution on the Internet in places such as "homework help" or group chat sites, even after the
course has concluded, aids other current and future students in committing academic dishonesty, and is
prohibited. Seek out a teaching assistant or me if you need any help and we would be glad to assist you.

On each learning assessment you will be asked to write out and sign the following
pledge. "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized
assistance on this assignment/examination." Students who fail to write and sign the
Pledge will be asked to confer with me.

Academic integrity is serious business! All University community members are responsible for
combatting academic dishonesty. The Smith School values program rigor and student ethics. Academic
dishonesty lowers degree quality perception. Academic integrity violations will be referred to the Office of
Student Conduct. I support the normal sanction for graduate students as a final grade of XF and dismissal
(suspension or explusion).

Final Letter Grades

Final letter grades are based on the percentage of total assessment points earned. The grading
distribution is not fixed in advance. Below is a general indication a numeric to final letter grade mapping.
This is only indicative and may be adjusted solely at my discretion. Extra (or lack of) participation during
synchronous meetings and the course in general may see an increased/decreased final letter grade.

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%…

A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F

To manage student expectations, the following Smith program office guideline will be followed:
In Master’s elective courses, the proportion of A-, A, and A+ grades lie between 50% and 70% if no "C" or
lower grades are given. This recommended target is across all sections of the elective that a faculty
member teaches in each semester. Otherwise stated, we are recommending a class-average GPA of
approximately 3.60 as a target.

Extra credit is not available. You may not resubmit work or do additional work to raise a final grade.

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 7 of 9
Tips for Course Success
• Participate: Class activities are critical to the course. Sharing your own ideas and considering
others' ideas helps develop your critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Manage your time: Give yourself plenty of time to complete assignments including extra time to
handle any technology-related problems.
• Ask for help if needed: This class moves quickly and cumulatively. It is difficult to catch up if you
fall behind or skip material. Getting help early is the best way to prevent falling behind. If you
need help with ELMS or other technology, contact Smith IT.
• Utilize ELMS settings: ELMS can ensure you receive timely notifications via email or text.

While the following is not an exhaustive list and in no way can or would be used to replace your grade in
this class, the rubric below can assist you in clarifying how to be successful in this course.

Criteria Unsatisfactory Beginning Developing Excellent

Attendance Poor attendance Mostly on-time Consistently on- Consistently
time on-time
Class Little or none Occasional, Frequent, Consistent,
Participation meaningful meaningful meaningful
contributions contribution contributions
Submission No/late submission On-time submission On-time submission On-time submission
of Learning of major of all assessments of all assessments of all assessments
Assessments assessments

Effort on Minimal effort Demonstrated effort Demonstrated effort Demonstrated effort

Learning in/out of class on some on most on all assessments
Assessments assessments assessments
Output Minimal quality High quality output High quality output High quality output
Quality on output across on some on most on all assessments
Learning several assessments assessments
Assessments assessments
Classroom Disrespectful Respectful etiquette Respectful etiquette Respectful etiquette
Etiquette etiquette

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 8 of 9
Course Schedule
Note: Monitor ELMS for current deadlines. Adjustments to the schedule, deadlines, and assignments may be made solely at my discretion.

* Textbook Readings: Introduction to Python for Computer Science and Data Science (P); Python for Data Analysis (A).

** These are Major Scheduled Graded Events (MSGEs).

# Date During Lecture Due After Lecture
1 Tu, Aug 31 01 Syllabus/Course Introduction
Part I: Python Essentials
2 Th, Sep 02 02 Introduction to Python
3 Tu, Sep 07 03 Variables and Expressions
4 Th, Sep 09 04 Control Statements Homework 1 by Fri, Sep 10
5 Tu, Sep 14 05 Functions and Recursion
6 Th, Sep 16 06 Lists/Tuples Homework 2 by Fri, Sep 17
7 Tu, Sep 21 07 Dictionaries/Sets
8 Th, Sep 23 Exam 1**
Part II: Data Processing
9 Tu, Sep 28 08 Arrays and NumPy
10 Th, Sep 30 09 Pandas
11 Tu, Oct 05 10 Strings and Regular Expressions
12 Th, Oct 07 11 Data Cleaning and Preparation Homework 3 by Fri, Oct 08
13 Tu, Oct 12 12 Text Processing
14 Th, Oct 14 13 Indexing, Merging, and Reshaping Data Project Proposal by Fri, Oct 15
15 Tu, Oct 19 14 Aggregating and Grouping Data
16 Th, Oct 21 15 Time Series Data Homework 4 by Fri, Oct 22
17 Tu, Oct 26 16 Database Operations
18 Th, Oct 28 17 Web Mining
19 Tu, Nov 02 Exam 2**
Part III: Data Analysis
20 Th, Nov 04 18 Data Visualization Packages Homework 5 by Fri, Nov 05
21 Tu, Nov 09 Data Visualization Packages
22 Th, Nov 11 19 Natural Language Processing Project Update by Fri, Nov 12
23 Tu, Nov 16 Natural Language Processing
24 Th, Nov 18 20 Optimization Modeling Homework 6 by Fri, Nov 19
25 Tu, Nov 23 Q&A Session
Th, Nov 25 Thanksgiving Recess **No Class**
26 Tu, Nov 30 21 Statistical Modeling and Machine Learning
27 Th, Dec 02 Statistical Modeling and Machine Learning Project Report by Mon, Dec 06
28 Tu, Dec 07 Course Project Showcase**
29 Th, Dec 09 Course Project Showcase**
30 Tu, Dec 14 Course Project Showcase**

© 2021 John Bono, Ph.D. All rights reserved. BUDT704 (Sections 0501/0502). Fall 2021 Syllabus. Page 9 of 9