11-631: Data Science Seminar

Fall 2025

Course Learning Outcomes

This course introduces students to the breadth of data science—covering human-centered, analytic, and systems approaches—through exposure to a wide variety of research topics and literature. Emphasis is placed on developing core academic skills: reading, writing, presenting, critiquing, discussing, and researching in data science. Students will collaborate to analyze publications, synthesize ideas from diverse subfields, and effectively communicate their insights both individually and in groups.

Gain exposure to the breadth of data science literature, including human-centered, analytic, and systems-oriented research, as well as relevant application areas, venues, and writing styles.
Learn how to critically read, evaluate, and discuss data science publications, justifying academic assessments of specific works.
Develop skills for writing academic papers and reviews, by synthesizing research content from multiple perspectives.
Present research papers in a clear, comprehensive, and collaborative manner, connecting a given publication to related works and broader themes in the field.

Course Format

In-Person. The course opens with an initial overview of the Data Science literature and tutorials on how to analyze and critique Data Science publications. The course also provides tutorials on preparing and presenting reviews of Data Science publications and related literature.