Data Scholars

(1) Data 8 Section and Foundations Seminar

Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in Data 8

The Spring 2021 Data Scholars Foundations program provides a supportive community where students exploring data science for the first time can connect and thrive in smaller group settings. The program is designed for students enrolled in Data-8 and features:

• Enrollment in a 18-person, 1-unit P/NP seminar (either Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6-7PM 6-7PM)

• An extended, 60 minutes Data-8 discussion section 

• Additional Scholars-only office hours for help with assignments and concepts

Any student enrolled in Data-8 in Spring 2021 is encouraged to apply. Data Scholars are selected based on their potential to contribute to the larger Data Scholars community as well as their need for additional academic support in Data 8.

(2) Discovery Research Program

Prerequisite: Data 8

This course is a 2-unit N/NP seminar for Data Scholars. Students participate in a research project through the Discovery Research Program and attend a 1 hour biweekly support seminar with solely Data Scholars.

The course aims to prepare students for professional data science projects and academic research through a combination of hands-on practice, flipped classroom discussions, case studies, and project dialogue. Students may be challenged by the unconventional nature of the course organization, which is meant to deviate from the “right answer” mentality of technical programming courses and approximate the chaotic nature of real data science applications.  

Students will work on a project through the Discovery Research Program which qualifies as a significant portfolio piece that the student can use in future academic or professional applications. The course will focus on the student’s progress and reflections on this project both in the technical challenges and interpersonal relationships of the work. The ultimate objective is that the student will be prepared to coordinate a similar project independently after the completion of the course.

Course Features

• Mentorship and support from the facilitator seminar instructor on a weekly basis

• Academic and professional development support

• Assistance from instructor and collaboration with peers on their Discovery research project

• The Discovery research project is designed to be a hands-on application of the data science concepts you’ve learned in courses. Everyone will partner with a faculty member or existing project team and contribute actively to the research project

• Information on how to continue to engage with the Berkeley data science ecosystem

• Opportunity to gain internships

(3) Career Support Seminar 

Prerequisite: Data 100

This course is a 1-unit P/NP seminar for students who have completed Data 100 and are considering a future in data science. The Career Support seminar meets for one hour, once per week.

Students will explore the landscape of real-world data science applications through three main avenues:

• Self-guided exploration and reflection assignments to gain skills and create a personal network

• Diverse guest speakers from industry, research, and academia discuss their application of data science and their career trajectories

• Instructor-led resume and portfolio development workshops