Course Page 2
Scientific Data and Databases
This is a course that focuses on the use of data and databases in scientific research, including: Relational Databases (database concepts) Modeling and building databases, Managing and searching data in databases, Limits of standard databases, and general concepts for managing and searching in scientific data. The course has the following objectives:
- Acquire knowledge of principal data management techniques:
- to model (scientific) data
- to manage data in standard database management systems (relational database model),
- to design, access, and query scientific data,
- to manage multidimensional scientific data (beyond standard DBMSs).
- Become familiar with basic database concepts to model and manage scientific data.
- Understand unique requirements and limits of standard databases.
- Understand techniques for non-standard query processing methods to solve scientific problems.
Introduction to Computational Data Sciences
In this course, students will develop basic skills for obtaining, cleaning, transforming, and visualizing real-world datasets using the R programming language and the RStudio integrated development environment. Statistical methods for analyzing, interpreting, and predicting dataset trends are then introduced and approached from a computational point of view using randomization and simulation. Additional topics may be covered, such as an introduction to advanced or special topics like cross-validation. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on documenting one’s scientific work using RStudio in conjunction with Github to fulfill the principles of reproducible research. Connections are highlighted between statistical inference and the scientific method and how this is related to both the scientific method’s power and its limitations. These tools will also be used to critically examine statistical claims reported in mass media, demonstrating how scientific literacy and a basic knowledge in statistics are indispensable tools to making sense of our modern world.