Data Science @ El camino college
Foundations of data science
El Camino College is offering one of the first data science courses available at a California community college
Learn data science:
No Coding Experience needed
The class doesn't require any prior coding knowledge. It starts with the basics and teaches Python programming essentials.
Based on popular UC courses
The 4 unit class is similar to freshman data science courses offered at UC campuses. CSCI-8 has articulation agreements with UC Berkeley and UC San Diego.
Apply data-driven insight to any major
Learn core principals of data science and begin applying it to data from any field of study. Get a head start on your career with one of the most desirable job skills.
BOOST RESEARCH SKILLS
Incorporate data analysis into research papers or honors projects. Level-up work from any major with data-powered perspectives.
4 units & minimal prerequisites
The 4 unit class only requires Math 80 (Intermediate Algebra) or higher as a prerequisite.
certificate of Achievement progress
"Foundations of Data Science" earns credit towards the Computer Science Certificate of Achievement offered at El Camino College
Based on UC Berkeley's most popular course
"Foundations of Data Science" (aka Data 8) was first offered at UC Berkeley in Fall 2015. It quickly became the most popular course on campus. Designed for freshmen, the class is even in-demand among graduate students
Students find the course highly valuable:
...and it's popular among many different majors:
What past students think about the course:
"Taking data science really sets you apart and makes you more valuable. It lets you ask questions and find answers in a way that most other students can’t."
“I enjoy that you learn by doing -- you look at the data yourself, analyze it, ask questions, and draw conclusions.”
"Data helps you communicate, no matter whether your field is technical or non-technical.”
“One of the things I most enjoy about data science is the diversity -- my classmates range from English majors to bio majors to fellow computer science majors -- all looking at data from our different perspectives.”
Meet the Professors
Professor Niu
Professor Niu has a Masters of Science in Mathematics. Her passion for numbers has led her to teaching Statistics, leaning Python and studying Data Science. She loves teaching and travels to Japan and enjoys Japanese culture on her time off.
Professor Martinez
Prof. Martinez has a background in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis and Differential Equations) where she worked with computer programming to solve differential equations. She's been teaching at El Camino since 2007
Professor Russell
Prof. Russell earned a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a MS from UCLA. He teaches several CS courses at El Camino, and enjoys salsa dancing in his spare time
What excites you about teaching Foundations of Data Science at El Camino?
"I’m so excited about Data Science because it is a fast-growing field and I love to work with numbers, data, and programming!" -** Prof. Chon**
"I am excited to move into Data Science where we see a merge of statistics and computer programming to analyze and solve real-world problems with large sets of data." -** Prof. Martinez**
"I’m excited to teach this class because I love stories. I see data science as a little math, with a little computer science, wrapped around an interesting story, if you can find it." -** Prof. Russell**
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Course Description:
This introductory course in data science is built on three interrelated perspectives: inferential thinking, computational thinking, and real-world relevance. Given data arising from some real-world phenomenon, how does one analyze that data so as to understand that phenomenon? How does one collect data to answer questions that one is interested in?Inferential thinking refers to an ability to connect data to underlying phenomena and to the ability to think critically about the conclusions that are drawn from data analysis.
Interested in Dual Enrollment?
Current high school students are eligible to register for Foundations of Data Science at El Camino College for free!All enrollment fees and other student fees are waived for K-12 students who complete the dual enrollment process.
For more info about Dual Enrollment or to contact the office visit:
Already an El Camino Student? Registration Info:
"Foundations of Data Science" is listed in the Computer Science section of the El Camino course catalog as #CSCI-8
Search for "data science" in the new course catalog, or add the course in MyECC using section numbers: 0156 or 0158
Prerequisite Questions?
If you've taken prior math coursework but can't enroll due to a prerequisite restriction please contact Counseling or message the instructors below. Clearances can be processed online via Express Counseling or with instructor approval.
Questions?
