Course Syllabus

This course focuses on the fundamentals and selected applications of statistical methods, data science, and scientific computer programming relevant to environmental fields. While self-contained tools such as Excel can be used effectively for small data sets, they are often impractical as they do not allow you to analyze and process large data sets efficiently and it is often difficult for other scientists to replicate Excel worksheets.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Apply basic Python syntax related to variables, mathematical operations, array handling, and plotting and visualization of environmental data
• State and use basic descriptive statistics and concepts to analyze environmental information
• Analyze time series and two-dimensional fields using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques

Specific topics that will be covered:

• Using Teams, Jupyter Lab, IPython notebooks and other web resources to exchange information
• Linux computing environment
• Python programming syntax and array handling
• Plotting and visualization of time series and 2-dimensional fields
• Basic statistical concepts (uncertainty, reducing dimensionality, descriptive vs. inferential statistics)
• Exploratory univariate data analysis: sorting, histograms, PDFs/CDFs, central value & spread metrics, transforming time series, (i.e., anomalies, standardized anomalies)
• Probability concepts
• Exploratory multivariate data analysis: linear regression/correlation, cross validation, and principal component analysis

Course Format: Teaching and Learning Methods:

• Programming and statistical assignments will be completed online using university computing resources using your personal computing resources
• This course requires you to begin and complete assignments as they are assigned- you must complete and turn in assignments by the assigned due date. There is no credit for late work without approval in advance to do so.   
• Much of the instructional material will be accessible online in Canvas, Teams, or via OpenOnDemand 
• You are expected to review assigned readings and watch video lectures in advance of when those topics are discussed in class
• Class sessions allow a mix of instructional styles (e.g., brief additional lecture material, follow along with the instructor, and independent lab work).  You will need time beyond the scheduled class hours to prepare for class and complete assignments using your personal computer and campus computing resources.

Online resources: can be accessed through the Canvas CIS system. The course notes on statistical and data science methods are an integral part of the course and include 'Check Your Understanding' assignments that will be completed in Canvas.

You need to confirm the email sent to you to access your CHPC account in order to use OpenOnDemand

Text Book: Required. Python Programming and Visualization for Scientists. 2nd Edition by Alex deCaria. https://sundogpublishingstore.myshopify.com/products/python-programming-and-visualization-for-scientists-2nd-ed

Accessing CHPC: 

You need to request a CHPC account asap. Note, students who already have a CHPC account still need to complete the form to get a class account. You need to enter to Token defined below as part of the account generation.

Class: ATMOS5340
Token: a11358f54eede4df
Semester: Fall2022
Expiration Date: 2022-09-23
Link: https://www.chpc.utah.edu/role/user/student.php?class=ATMOS5340

Preferred Contact Methods and Class Sessions :

Or: Email: john.horel@utah.edu

Or: Schedule an Appointment

You may also use the    Inbox, located in the far left Canvas menu but we really wish you didn't!

Your performance in this course will be evaluated  from:

• Class attendance (in-person/virtual), in-class assignments, and participation (10%),
• Statistics assignments/quizzes (45%)
• Programming assignments (45%) 

All assignments, unless otherwise announced, must be submitted to the designated area of
Canvas by the due date. Do not submit assignments via email or in Teams unless specifically told to do so 

Unless approved in advance, it will not be possible to turn in Assignments late.

If you are in one of the following percentage ranges, then that is the lowest grade that you might receive. Cutoff points for the specific grades may be adjusted downwards (higher grade possible) to define reasonable distribution of grades.

Disclaimer

Accommodations will be considered on an individual basis and may require documentation.

Please contact me as soon as possible (preferably shortly before the semester begins) to request accommodations of any kind.

Personal circumstances

Please contact me  as soon as possible if a  personal circumstance
(hospitalization, death of a close relative, natural disaster, etc.) is interfering with your ability to
complete your work.

Religious Practice

To request an accommodation for religious practices, contact me at the beginning of the semester.

Active Duty Military

If you are student on active duty with the military and experience issues that prevent you from participating in the course because of deployment or service responsibilities, contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Disability Access

All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services (CDS). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.

If you will need accommodations in this class, contact:

Center for Disability Services
  801-581-5020
  disability.utah.edu
  162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

This syllabus is not a contract. It is meant to serve as an outline and guide for your course. Please note that your instructor may modify it to accommodate the needs of your class.

You will be notified of any changes to the Syllabus.

Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:

• Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedule. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
• Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
• Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
• Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or another communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
• Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
• Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
  • If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
• Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
  • If you have any questions about this, please contact the Dean of Students.

Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:

• The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for individual consultation via virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.