CSCI N207

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CSCI N207 Data Analysis Using a Spreadsheet
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Introduction

• Course History
• This is a 200 level class aimed at freshmen and
  sophomores but there are many upper level
  students taking this course.

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• This is a technical course in which data analysis
  is the main emphasis and spreadsheet is the
  vehicle for carrying out the computation.
• Understanding the essence of data analysis is
  important the first step toward problem
  solving.

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• In designing a service course such as N207, the
  Computer and Information Science Department is
  faced with the following problems
• Computers can do many different kinds of jobs
  (and there are usually a variety of software in
  each job category)
• Computers are based on technologies that undergo
  extremely rapid changes

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• The resolution is not to teach cookbook
  methodology which gives a detailed description of
  ingredients and procedures but provides no
  understanding for its prescription or reason for
  their use in the recipe.
• In contrast, we will teach why it should be
  done and methodologies that cater to solving
  problems whose solutions are not known in
  advance. These are called open problems.
• Here, you need to know why in order to justify
  the answer.

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This course will cover

• General Computer Topics
• Problem solving methods
• Problem solving using a spreadsheet on a computer
• Application of problem solving techniques and its
  implementation on a computer to do data analysis.

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Problem Solving Methods

• This course will emphasize exploration, discovery
  and reflection problem solving techniques
  embedded in the question - the solution seems
  to work, it appears to be correct but how is it
  possible to invent or to discover such a
  solution?

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• This means that
• it is not sufficient simply to obtain a solution
• but also try to understand the why of the
  solution as well as the motives and procedures of
  the solution process, and
• then try to explain or to express these motives
  and procedures to others.

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• Good luck, have fun, and enjoy!

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• A well-known conservation principle
• You will get out what you are willing to put in