The University of Arizona

6.5. DATA/MATH 363 Computing prerequisites

Math/SDS Majors and Minors → Curriculum Changes → DATA/MATH 363 Computing prerequisites

Course requisite and major curriculum updates

Data Science requires skills in computation, particularly Python and SQL. For majors in Statistics & Data Science, the courses listed below are required as of 2022. In addition, they have been added as pre- or co-requisites for MATH/DATA 363.

For students who plan to take 363 as part of a math or SDS minor, or another major, there are some online alternatives to the listed the University of Arizona courses. However, we still encourage all students interested in data science to take these courses for a more complete background in computing skills for data science. The online alternatives do not provide college credit; they will only serve as background for the MATH/DATA 363 course.

Python Programming

The SDS major already requires that students complete a Python programming course (CSC 110 or ISTA 130, typically) but to ensure that students are learning Python early and to give them more opportunities to use Python in other courses including 363, we are adding a Python programming course as prerequisite to DATA/MATH 363 effective Spring 2023. Having some programming background prior to 363 will also make it easier for students to learn R as part of the course - another important tool for Data Science.

Students who have already taken 363 are naturally exempt from this prerequisite, but are encouraged to take their Python course as soon as possible.

Are there other options to fulfill this requirement besides CSC 110 or ISTA 130? For SDS majors, the formal course is required, and for many students, a formal course will be the best way to really learn Python. Additional U of A courses that we can accept, but may need to be substituted in your advisement report:

Some of the above may not automatically fulfill prerequisites or major/minor requirements. Email the Math Center if you need assistance.

We also accept MIS 301 for the Python requirement, but this class is only available to MIS majors in Eller so it will not be added to the official requirements. Students may email the Math Center if they have taken this course for access to enroll in 363.

However, some students may find that an online course works better for their needs. The following courses have been approved (email the Math Center with proof of completion if you have finished one of them, or if you would like to inquire about a different course):

As of fall semester 2022, we are also looking at some newer U of A courses that now teach Python as possible options. If you find a course that you think might work, feel free to send us the syllabus - new courses seem to keep popping up!

Data Management/SQL

Effective in Fall 2023, we are adding a Data Management/SQL requirement to the SDS major AND as a pre- or co-requisite to DATA/MATH 363. ISTA 322 is available to our students and requires only a programming course (ISTA 130 or CSC 110) as prerequisite. The skills learned in this course will be useful to students as they work on their data projects in DATA/MATH 363 as well as in later courses. CSC 460 also works, but has additional upper-division CS courses as prerequisites, so is less accessible. We have also approved GIST 470 and MIS 331 - also courses that are likely to only be taken by majors in that field. Students who have taken the CSC, GIST, or MIS course will need to notify us so we can update your registration access. If you find other courses that you think may be similar, please let us know. 

Are there other options to fulfill this requirement besides ISTA 322? For SDS majors, the formal course is required, and for many students, a formal course will be the best way to really learn SQL. However, some students may find that an online course works better for their needs. The following courses have been approved (email the Math Center with proof of completion if you have finished one of them, or if you would like to inquire about a different course):

Students who have participated in the Coding for Data track of the Global Tech Experience can be exempt from this co-requisite; please contact the Math Center if you cannot enroll in 363 yourself. (These students still need to take a course as listed above to meet the Python programming requirement.)

Students who have already taken 363 are naturally exempt from this pre- or co-requisite, but are encouraged to still find time to take a course in Data Management/SQL since these are skills that potential employers will be looking for.

For Statistics & Data Science majors who have selected BS for their degree, we can replace 3 units of Application Course work with ISTA 322. Please let us know when you are enrolled in ISTA 322 so we can make this adjustment for you. (email math-mathcenter@arizona.edu and ask us to substitute ISTA 322 for an application course).

Knowledge Tags
SQL  /  Python  / 

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