This foundational course at UW-Madison serves as the introductory gateway for all aspiring computer scientists, focusing on fundamental programming principles such as variables, control structures, and data types. Students begin their journey by writing simple yet powerful code snippets, advancing to more complex programming tasks. This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, requiring meticulous attention to detail during coding exams. It’s designed to instill a deep understanding of basic programming concepts, ensuring students are well-prepared for upper-level computer science courses.

In STAT 340, I advanced my data analysis skills by exploring and applying sophisticated statistical methods using R. This course deepened my understanding of probability models, the central limit theorem, and Monte Carlo simulations. I mastered various statistical techniques including hypothesis testing, Bayesian inference, linear and logistic regression, ANOVA, and cutting-edge methods like bootstrap, random forests, and cross-validation.

A significant component of the course was the application of these methods in real-world scenarios. For our final project, we were tasked with analyzing complex datasets, requiring us to employ all the techniques learned throughout the semester. This hands-on project not only tested our analytical skills but also emphasized the importance of clear, reproducible presentation of findings. My ability to present detailed analyses in a clear and accessible manner was greatly enhanced, equipping me with the skills necessary to tackle professional data analysis challenges.