BCSC 215: Syllabus
Fall 2023
Time & Location
MW 10:25am - 11:40am
Hylan 303
Personnel
Yue Guzhang
Office hours: at workshop or by appointment
Soma Mizobuchi
Office hours: at workshop or by appointment
Workshop Schedule
Workshops are held on the weeks that coding assignments are distributed.
Tuesdays 11:15am-12:15pm - Meliora 418
Wednesdays 3:30pm-4:30pm - Meliora 418
Course Description
A hands-on introduction to data-analysis oriented programming using MATLAB, intended for students with minimal programming experience. MATLAB is a language that is commonly used in neuroscience and BCS research for data analysis. Topics in the workshop include, but not limited to, data types, functions and plotting. Prerequisite: BCS 111 (or equivalent). No prior programming experience is required.
Course Evaluations
- 10% - participation. Full attendance is required, both for lectures and workshops. Excused absences must be requested in writing prior to absence. Actively participating in discussions and lectures are highly encouraged.
- 30% - coding exams
- 30% - final project
- 30% - assignments
Course Guidelines
Coding exams: "open-book" as any documentation within the MATLAB application is free to use. No external help, such as ChatGPT or asking other people, is allowed. Comments are required for all codes written. More detailed the better.
Assignments: any resources are free to use, but we encourage you to come up with your answers before using any resources. Please cite your source if you did not come up with the answer on your own. Comments are required for all codes written. More detailed the better. Assignments are due a week after the distribution.
This course follows the College credit hour policy for 4-credit courses. This course meets twice weekly for 3 hours (150 minutes) per week. The course also includes an out-of-class workshop for 1 hour (50 minutes) per week. These workshops allow students to work independently on the coding assignments as well as ask the instructors any questions. Attendance will count toward the participation portion of the final grade. The assignments will be due prior to class on the following Monday and will be counted towards the assignment grade. These workshops should not be considered "extra" activities, but rather required course sessions.
Course Aims and Objectives
The goal is to provide students with skills to program in MATLAB and to develop proper methodology in research-focused data analysis. By the end of the course, students should be able to perform basic data analysis and visualization on datasets of all kinds.
Academic Misconduct
All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester's Academic Honesty Policy. Please get in touch with your instructor if you have any questions regarding what constitutes academic dishonesty especially as it relates to exams and the final paper. University’s policy on Academic Honesty
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. Office of Disability Resources website or (585) 276-5075, Taylor Hall.