Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Hi all,
I am Debalina Bera, a former software engineer by profession. I completed my Bachelor of Technology in the information technology major and joined the software industry and worked for a decade. During those years, I worked as a techno-functional developer, database analyst, and software quality engineer, for the banking domain, telecom domains. I worked for British Telecom, Citi bank, American Greetings, and Ditech solutions.
I did my MS in Engineering Management and Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems. My research interests are in Cyber Security and Privacy, Data/Text Analytics (Python), Blockchain, and Information security. A few of my research works are in review for the Journal of Management Information Systems and Decision Support Systems. A few of my works have been selected for the “Best Paper” award recognition for the 2022 American Conference of Information Systems and for the 2021 Pre-ICIS SIGDSA Symposium.
My teaching interests include Business Analytics Programming (python), Database Management systems, Big Data Analytics and Text Analytics, Information Security and Cryptography, System Analysis and Design, and Project Management.
Till now, I have mostly taught courses related to analytics, programming, and basic statistics. Specifically, I taught, Analytics Programming (Python-based), Data Mining, Critical Thinking, and Decision Making in Business.
In my free time, I love to read books, I love cooking and I love outings.
View a downloadable version of the syllabus.
Course Details
Python is a popular object-oriented programming tool for business analytics. This course will expose students to the Python analytical programming language. This course introduces the Python programming language and popular packages as tools to clean, slice, and build data. Basic principles of programming are explored as well as basic techniques for conducting data science projects.
Course Prerequisites
Students should have learned the basics of Python (e.g., in MIT 5602). Students are expected to have some basic understanding of statistics and feel comfortable with working with data and numbers.
Course Materials
- Al Sweigart, Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2015, No Starch Press, ISBN-10:1593275994.
- A free online edition of the textbook is available under a Creative Commons license: https://automatetheboringstuff.com
- Anaconda will be used for our Python lab. Anaconda has Jupyter notebook and Python.
- Download Anaconda for Windows: https://www.anaconda.com/download/#windows
- Download Anaconda for MacOS: https://www.anaconda.com/download/#macos
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Live Session Participation & Lab Activities | In-class participation and completion of Python lab activities. | 5 @ 2 points each/10% |
| Quizzes | Multiple-choice quizzes covering module content. | 2 @ 10 points each/20% |
| Individual Assignments | Connected Python coding tasks that cover Python textbook chapters. | 2 @ 10 points each/20% |
| Group Project Report | Collaborative report on a Python problem you addressed through data analysis and code creation. | 20 points/20% |
| Group Project Presentation | Collaborative 10-minute presentation share report findings and conclusions. | 10 points/10% |
| Final Exam (Test) | Multiple-choice exam reviewing key Python concepts. | 10 points/10% |
| Final Exam (Python Project) | Use Python to develop a python program (mostly an inventory system) that counts products from an external .txt file. | 10 points/10% |
| Total |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Introductory Coding Knowledge Quiz
This quiz is intended to assess your current familiarity with coding and Python. You can take this quiz multiple times. Please note: the score from this quiz will not count toward your final grade. This quiz is due by 11:59 PM the day of our first Live Session. I recommend that you complete the quiz before we meet.
Live Session Participation & Lab Activities
Each week, we'll hold an interactive Live Session covering coding concepts and completing in-class coding Lab Activities. Active participation and professionalism in class activities are a must. To get the full benefit of our course learning, you need to participate in class activities and discussions very actively.
Quizzes
You will complete two multiple-choice quizzes during the course that test Python concepts from our course textbook chapters
Individual Assignments
You will complete two individual assignments using Python to build programs that complete specific tasks. Individual Assignment 1 covers content from our textbook chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Individual Assignment 2 covers dealing with files.
Group Project (Report and Presentation)
You will work in a 2-3 person group on a self-identified topic using Python. Your group’s deliverables will be a report and an in-class presentation, both due by our final Live Session. Your report should cover (1) the problem you addressed, (2) the description of the data and how you got it, (3) an introduction to the Python package you used for analyses and codes you wrote, and (4) the major results and findings, in relation to the problem you try to address. Your group will present your report findings during a 10-minute presentation and answer questions during a 5-minute Q & A during our final Live Session.
Final Exam (Test and Python Project)
This exam includes two parts. Part 1 requires Respondus LockDown Browser to answer multiple choice questions. Part 2 asks you to use Python to develop a python program (mostly an inventory system) that counts products from an external .txt file.
Course Policies
Communication
Email the instructor using the Canvas Inbox. Title your message subject with MIT 5032 and your topic. You can expect a reply within 24 hours.
Late Policy
Assignments submitted after the due date will not incur a penalty if submitted with 48 hours of the deadline. Assignments submitted 48 hours after the due date will receive a 1-point deduction, depending on the quality of the submission.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|