Course Goals

In this course students will learn …

• the strengths and limitations of using data to understand the world
• different fields where big data is being gathered and used
• controversies surrounding the collection and use of data, and potential ethical implications
• how algorithms generate ideas from data
• to evaluate which data are appropriate for which questions
• to communicate the above goals in writing

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course students should be able to…

• explain how data are produced and what makes data trustworthy and reliable
• appreciate how data can be used to enhance our understanding of our world and in decision-making
• critically evaluate the presentation and use of data by others
• understand when data and algorithms are used appropriately and ethically
• demonstrate that they have accomplished the above learning outcomes in a paper