To achieve a major in Data Science at Carthage College, there were 11 required courses I had to take.
CSC 1030 - Data Science I
CSC 1040 - Data Science II
MTH 3090 - Mathematics of Data Science
CSC 1110 - Principles of Computer Science
BUS 2150 - Business Geographics and Data Visualization
BUS/ECN 2340 - Business Statistics
MTH 1120 - Calculus I
MTH 2040 - Linear Algebra
MTH 2190 - Ethics in Data Science
MTH 3350 - Data Science Portfolio I
MTH 4350 - Data Science Portfolio II
In addition to these courses, I had to develop a three-course concentration that would complement the concepts learned in the core courses in the Data Science curriculum. I chose to pursue a concentration in Geoinformatics, which involved the following courses:
"This course provides an introduction to portraying spatial data and making data maps for a variety of applications. Students work in a hands-on lab/lecture setting while exploring computer mapping production techniques: cartographic design, communication properties of thematic maps, data selection and quality, and the problems of graphic display in print and electronic formats. Students will apply the course material by completing a variety of mapping projects. Students need no specialized computer skills to enter the course, but they will be expected to manipulate data and maps using the computer methods discussed in class." [1]
Taking this introductory course taught me the basic skills needed to understand the ArcGIS Pro program, such as understanding geographic data and graphic design for client-facing map products. These skills provided an excellent foundation for the rest of the classes in my concentration.
"This course explores advanced problems and techniques in both raster and vector systems. Topics include scientific visualization of problems, layer overlays, distance measurement and transformation, data management, creation and analysis of statistical surfaces, geographic pattern analysis, and data quality. Students will apply the course material by performing a variety of analyses on different types of geographic data." [1]
Taking this course was invaluable to connecting the topics of data science and geographic information science. This course, while still resulting in a map-based final product, focused more on data engineering, data analytics, and spatial analysis.
"This course is designed to reinforce and expand mapping, spatial analysis, and Web GIS skills acquired from GEO 1610, GEO 2610 and/or GEO 1210 in applied settings. It will focus on project design, project management, team building, and communications with the "client." Students will be expected to create significant GIS applications using real-world data to address actual spatial problems in various settings (such as business, government, and environmental)." [1]
As the capstone for my concentration, this course gave me the opportunity to apply the lessons and skills learned in GEO 1610 and GEO 2610 to real-world scenarios. In addition, this course focused on the skills needed to effectively communicate and present data to clients, whether well-versed in the language of geographic information science or not.
[1]: Carthage College 2023 - 2024 College Catalog (https://www.carthage.edu/academics/carthage-curriculum/catalog/) Accessed September 6, 2023Â