Computing Platforms for Data Science
Course ID
DSCI 521
Campus
UBC Vancouver
Semester
Fall
Course Block
1
Course Description
Essential computing platforms and tools that underpin effective data science work, including Unix-based operating systems, shells, IDEs, and the broader R and Python scientific software stack. It emphasizes hands-on skills in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting these environments, working with project and file system navigation, and managing reproducible workflows through tools like version control (Git/GitHub), Jupyter, R Markdown, and literate programming environments. By the end of the course, students can confidently customize and maintain their development platforms, integrate and run R and Python libraries, apply literate programming practices, and navigate common development challenges with robust problem-solving strategies in place. You will also leave with the beginnings of a personal website to start your data science journey.