Motivating Data Science

Syllabus

Overview

Students will be introduced to data science concepts and create compelling assignments for high school and/or early college students who are being introduced to data science. Montana State students and Lyon students will partner on course assignments.
MSU Student Tip: Consider taking CSCI 291-002, Introduction to Data Science, 3 credits, during Spring Semester 2025.
MSU Student Tip: Consider learning some basic French in advance of the trip.

Prerequisite

Two or more semesters of programming experience and knowledge of basic statistics.

Course Logistics

Dates: Monday, May 19th - Friday, June 13th.
Time: 1000 - 1300 on Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays.
Location: TBD
Montana State University Students: Nathan Campbell, Jared Deras, Alex Ellingsen, Georgia Franks, Alex Graves, Sylvia Hutzler, Henry Jacobson, Olivia Jones, Holden Lee, Zach Reller, William Sheldon, Yves Vernooy
Lyon Students: TBD

Course Resources

Data 8 online text
The course that will become a dual enrollment course.

Instructor

Professor: John Paxton.
Course Assistant: Henry Jacobson

Course Outcomes

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

Apply data science fundamentals to develop compelling data science assignments for beginners.
Implement sample solutions to each assignment.
Work cross-culturally to develop, implement and present the assignments.

Grading

Class Participation: 20%
Assignment 1: 20%
Assignment 2: 20%
Assignment 3: 20%
Presentations: 20%

Cost Estimates

3 Credits of Tuition
Airfare Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500
Food and Personal Purchases: $1,000+
Lodging and Group Activities : $2,000
- Note 1: the true cost is $3,000. $1,000 is being provided by the School of Computing!
- Note 2: breakfast is included with the lodging in both Lyon and Paris!

Promo

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of data science and then create compelling assignments that would motivate others to learn the material? Have you ever wanted to study abroad in Lyon, the gastronomical capitol of France and visit Paris? If so, here is your opportunity! A 4-week block course entitled Data Science will be offered at Université Lumière Lyon 2 in Lyon, France from Thursday, May 15th through Thursday, June 19th. The course will meet each weekday from 1000 until 1300 and is open to 10-12 Montana State University students, as well as a similar number of Lyon students. Each student will work with a cross-institutional partner on the assignments. The course will be taught in English by Montana State University Computer Science Professor John Paxton. To enroll, a student should ideally have some computer programming experience and a basic understanding of statistics. More Information.

Travel Resources

Lyon Lodging. Includes breakfast. Two 3-student rooms, one 6-student room.
Paris Lodging Includes breakfast. Three 4-student rooms.
MSU Study Abroad

Post-Trip Ideas

June 21st: La Fête de la Musique

Last modified: April 13, 2025.