Data Science Suggested Classes | Department of Mathematics | BYU-Idaho

# Data Science Suggested Classes

## Class Recommendations and Advice

The data science credit load is small to allow you to build primary expertise through a minor or by carefully chosen elective courses. (Please review the recommended general electives section for examples of classes that are a great addition to a data science focus.)

## Class Recommendations and Advice

The data science credit load is small to allow you to build primary expertise through a minor or by carefully chosen elective courses. (Please review the recommended general electives section for examples of classes that are a great addition to a data science focus.)

Class Substitutions

Some classes found in the degree are listed as a typical path for data science students. If you are transferring into the major, there are substitutions that might replace a few classes. When you submit a degree plan in I-Plan, you will need to note these substitutions so that Academic Advising can ensure credit is received for those courses. 

- CS 101
- CS124 & CIT160
- DCM 221 & DCM 350
- Any of the design thinking courses beyond the foundations course can be substituted.

## Recommended General Elective Courses

****MATH 411 | Numerical Analysis**** 
This course uses Python and covers basic error analysis, root finding, interpolation, numerical integration, linear equations systems, curve fitting, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and the discrete Fourier.

****SCM 361 | Operations Management**** 
This course teaches the basics of Production and Operations Management. Students will understand operations strategy, project management, forecasting, process analysis, sourcing, and distribution management. Excel tutorials, web-based simulations, and case studies will be used as teaching techniques. 
 
****SCM 461 | Advanced Topics in Operations Management**** 
This course involves the study of supply chain related activities, decisions, and concepts that help an organization effectively manage risks and maintain responsiveness and flexibility. 
 
****SCM 478 | Operations Analysis and Modeling**** 
This course teaches the computer tools and modeling techniques needed to support supply chain analysis and decision-making. Students will have the opportunity to strengthen their supply chain analysis skills by using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application and will be able to collect, organize, interpret, and effectively communicate the right information to businesses. 
 
****BUS 499 | Principles of Business Strategy**** 
This course focuses on theory of strategy and problem solving using case method and projects with an emphasis placed on problem-framing, analysis, and quantitative and qualitative strategic recommendations. Students will form cross-disciplinary teams to participate in an online business simulation and to provide consulting services to local businesses.

****HCA 285 | Introduction to Health Administration**** 
This course offers an introduction to health administration, including its history, structure and the function of the healthcare system in the United States. 
 
****OSH 310 | Environmental Health**** 
This course teaches aspects of human health that impact the quality of life as determined by physical, biological, social, and psycho-social factors in the environment. Students will learn how air, water, food, and environmental agents may affect overall health. 
 
****PUBH 370 | Epidemiology**** 
This course studies the distribution of diseases and pathophysiological conditions of humans and of factors which influence their occurrence. The course requires an understanding of statistical principles. 
 
****HCA 380 | Healthcare Strategy**** 
This course teaches students how to effectively develop a strategy and guide an organization through the steps of a strategic planning process. Additionally, students will learn how to create a solid cultural foundation upon which to build a strategy. 
 
****PUBH 390 | Program Planning/Implementation**** 
This course provides a basic knowledge of planning models, needs assessment, intervention theories/models, budgeting, marketing, and implementation practices of health promotion programs. It meets some requirements for taking the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. 
 
****HCA 395 | Healthcare Insurance Industry**** 
This class focuses on third-party reimbursement and payment methodologies like CMS (Medicare and Medicaid), Traditional Indemnity Insurance, and Managed Care. Students will analyze the office functions that permit a healthcare organization to maximize reimbursement and administrate contracts with third-party providers.

****GIS 250 | Spatial Analysis**** 
This is an introductory, project-based course that will provide students with an applied approach to learning and using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to display and analyze geological data. Students will study and apply principles of GIS and use ArcGIS software to analyze vector and raster data using spatial, geostatistical, hydrologic, and 3D tools. 
 
****GIS 350 | Web and Mobile GIS**** 
This course introduces students to online GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mobile data collection using industry-standard GIS apps. Students use GPS enabled devices (such as a phone) to gather point, line, and polygon field data. 
 
****GIS 450B | Applied GIS for STEM**** 
This course is a project-based class in which students broaden their skills and gain practical experience in GIS (Geographic Information Science). Students use both industry-standard software and GIS freeware

****ECON 150 | Economic Principles and Problems-Micro**** 
This is an introductory course that studies the behavior of individual economic agents such as consumers and businesses in a market economy. Analytical tools are used to study the consumption and production decisions in an economy under perfect and imperfect market conditions. 
 
****ECON 151 | Economic Principles and Problems-Macro**** 
This is an introductory course that studies the national economy, as a whole, and its interactions with the global economy. Students will analyze the measurement of economic health and the use of fiscal and monetary policies to address unemployment, inflation, and growth. 
 
****ECON 255 | Financial Analytics**** 
The course teaches students to integrate an electronic spreadsheet into the identification, analysis, and solution stages of economic and financial problems. Students will gain a conceptual and practical understanding of spreadsheets to be equipped with the skills needed to engage in economic financial modeling. Students will also gain experience using the Bloomberg information system, which provides access to news and analytics as well as financial, economic, accounting, and legal data. 
 
****ECON 353 | Money and Banking**** 
This course studies financial markets and the banking sector and how they affect the general economy. The course is divided into four areas of study: an examination of money and bond markets in conjunction with interest rate theory, an examination of banking and theory of rational expectations, an examination of the operations and performance of financial institutions and their dealings with issues of asymmetric information, and an examination of the development of monetary policy and structure of the Federal Reserve.

****APS 122 | Introduction to Plant Science**** 
This course covers the relationship between plants and people, plant morphology and physiology, plant production, the environment, soil, and other related areas. Field and greenhouse scale production practices will be included. Additional time will be dedicated to building college success skills and career exploration within the scope of the Applied Plant Science disciplines. 
 
****APS 300 | Irrigation and Water Management**** 
This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental working knowledge of irrigation principles and practices encompassing agronomic and horticultural applications. Water conservation and drainage will also be included. 
 
****GIS 350 | Web and Mobile GIS**** 
This course introduces students to online GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mobile data collection using industry-standard GIS apps. Students use GPS enabled devices (such as a phone) to gather point, line, and polygon field data. 

****AGTEC 486 | Precision Agriculture**** 
In this course, students will learn how science and technology of crop, production, and equipment are integrated to manage resources with increased accuracy and precision to enhance overall system productivity.

****SOC 111 | Introduction to Sociology**** 
This course focuses on the social and cultural foundations of human life. Its basic concepts will enable students to better appreciate how they are molded and shaped by society and help students understand the complexity of the social forces in their environment. 
 
****SOC 230 | Sociological Explorations**** 
This course is designed to introduce students to the sociology major and provide them professional preparation for continuing scholarship and careers. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of social science research, including methods, logic, and application, as well as sociological writing. No mathematical or statistical background is required. 
 
****SOC 300 | Sociological Theory**** 
This course examines the major theoretical perspectives of sociology and how various sociological thinkers explain certain behaviors and phenomena. Through these explanations, students will come to better understand why individuals, groups, institutions and societies act and work as they do. 
 
****SOC 340 | Research Methods**** 
This course provides students with the methodological tools to study individuals, groups, and societies. The course will review the process of social scientific inquiry and explore how social scientists design studies and collect data. 
 
****SOC 400 | Sociological Analysis**** 
This course primarily focuses on helping students understand and apply certain quantitative tools that sociologists regularly use to identify, verify and interpret specific patterns among individuals, groups, and societies. Students will have the opportunity to see first-hand how statistical analysis can be used to learn about their own sociological questions of interest.

****AUTO 125 | Automotive Ownership and Maintenance**** 
This course will teach the function and operation of the major automobile systems. Students will also learn the responsibilities of automobile ownership, including how to inspect, maintain, service, and purchase a vehicle. 
 
****AUTO 131 | Electrical Systems**** 
This course is an introduction to basic electrical principles and systems. Students will learn how to use test equipment to diagnose and repair electrical circuit faults. They will also study batteries, starting systems, and charging systems. 
 
****AUTO 132 | Engine Performance**** 
This course will introduce students to internal combustion engines and the systems that support them. Students will learn to perform engine condition tests and how to evaluate, diagnose, and repair issues with the fuel, ignition, cooling, and lubrications systems. 
 
****AUTO 331 | Vehicle Electronics**** 
In this course, students will learn how computer controls affect the operation of the electrical systems in modern automobiles. They will learn how various sensors, actuators, and electronic control units work. They will learn about network communications between the components. Students will be able to test, diagnose, and repair the various electrical systems ranging from power windows and heated seats to instrument clusters and driver information systems. 

****AUTO 332 | Engine Management Systems**** 
In this course, students will become familiar with how sensors, actuators, and electronic control units work together to optimize engine performance. They will learn how to use scan tools to become more proficient at testing and diagnosing faults. Students will also reinforce engine condition testing and understanding of fuel, ignition, cooling, and lubrication systems. 

****AUTO 482 | Data Acquisition & Analysis**** 
This course teaches engine management systems with an emphasis in computer controls, multiplexing, late model power train innovations, and on board diagnostics. Students will become proficient in their use of lab scopes, scan tools, and other diagnostic equipment that is designed to test the most complex and advanced engine performance systems. They will learn diagnostic strategies that rely on the vehicle's data stream. They will learn the basic principles of data acquisition and analysis. Students will also choose and complete a major research project in conjunction with this class.