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Introduction to Data Science
BST 260

Course Information

Description

This course introduces concepts and skills that can help you tackle real-world data analysis challenges. The skills include file organization with UNIX/Linux shell, version control with git and GitHub, R programming, data wrangling with dplyr and data.table, data visualization with ggplot2 and shiny, and reproducible document preparation with RStudio, knitr and markdown. We briefly introduce Monte Carlo simulations, statistical modeling, high-dimensional data techniques, and machine learning and how these are applied to real data. Throughout the course, we use motivating case studies and data analysis problem sets based on challenges similar to those you encounter in scientific research. We assume students have taken a probability and statistics course and have basic programming skills.

Course Note: Students not matriculated in an HSPH Biostatistics (HDS SM60, BIO SM80 / SM60 / SM1, and CBQG SM80) graduate program will be required to pass a diagnostic test testing basic math, probability, statistics, and programming to enroll in the course. Lab or section times to be announced at first meeting.

Class Notes

THIS CLASS HAS PRIORITY ENROLLMENT
 
Priority Wave Groups
Wave 1 | SM60-HDS
Wave 2 | BIO SM2 / BIO SM60 / BIO SM1 / CBQG SM2
Wave 3 | Open Enrollment
 
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Priority Wave Timing
Wave 1 | 8/13/2026 11:00 AM - 8/23/2026 11:59 PM
Wave 2 | 8/24/2026 12:00 AM - 8/26/2026 11:59 PM
Wave 3 | 8/27/2026 12:00 AM Enrollment Deadline (varies by session)

 
Any student who does not meet the Wave 1 or Wave 2 criteria can add themselves to the waitlist (if enrollment requirements are met) at any time during the enrollment period. At the beginning of each priority wave, students on the waitlist who meet the Wave’s criteria will be automatically enrolled into any remaining seats in the course (pending no time conflicts)
 
**Cross-Registrants and Non-Degree Students will be enrolled on a space available basis after the enrollment deadline for the course

School Harvard Chan School
Credits 5
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Biostatistics
Course Component Lecture
Instruction Mode In Person
Grading Basis HSPH Student Option (Audit, Ordinal, Pass/Fail)
Course Requirements Class priority to BIO SM1, BIO SM2, BIO SM60, PHD Biostatistics, HDS SM 60, CBQG SM80. Others may petition.