An introduction to programming and data analysis for the physical sciences. Topics include syntax, good coding practice, basic algorithmic structure, plotting, basic data analysis, numerical root-finding and integration.
2
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeTHIS IS NOT AN INTRO CODING CLASS. This is an intro to how to USE coding concepts to reflect complex statistical models in the context of physics research. Having already been very familiar with python, I was able to complete most HW without assistance, and was able to appreciate Hennawi's detailed and thorough explanations of statistics concepts.
I couldn't figure out the 1st homework and he said he designed it to be beyond our capabilities so we would use AI. I struggled a lot and went to every office hour, but the environment was stressful. He wants you to learn, and office hours were helpful, but the class took more time than all my others combined. (Didn't use AI until last assignment)
I've never taken coding before nor have I taken a stats class. Both of which I honestly feel should be pre reqs for this class. I have learned hardly anything and can't code anything without help from ChatGPT. I really do want to learn coding but the class went so fast the only way I could do the homework was mindlessly using ChatGPT.
Get ready to hop on the homework grind if you're new to coding. You won't really be needing the professor as you'll just end up using the internet because he just surfs through everything in lecture very quickly. The professor seems like a cool guy, but unfortunately the lectures aren't any good.
Your first homework assignment is on things you haven't even learned yet and all your next assignments will also be on things you haven't learned yet because the prof spends the whole lecture talking about ChatGPT. I cried through 5 assignments, contemplated sewer slide, then achieved happiness again when I decided to stop caring and just retake.
Class wasn't super well made tbh. Homeworks took forever and were daunting but they were graded fairly easily. Lectures were okay but I think he encouraged the use of AI a little too much to be honest. Not the worst class ever but it wasn't particularly well structured