updated syllabus

README.md

@@ -20,17 +20,21 @@
 
 # Introduction to Agricultural Informatics
 
-We will overview current and emerging digital technologies with applications in agriculture and food systems. This course is a gentle introduction computing concepts to students across the College of Agriculture. Through seven 2-week modules with hands-on lab projects you will incrementally build your programming skills, comfort with finding, using, and customizing digital tools, and designing digital systems. These You will gain a practical understanding of digital technologies, including learning technical vocabulary, evaluating technology trends, and building your ability to debate opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. You will gain design thinking skills to engage in human-centered design of software, to be able to matching people and their problems with the appripriate technological solutions. This course will equip you with basic computational, design and software development skills for data-driven careers in your primary area of expertise.
+We will overview current and emerging digital technologies with applications in agriculture, environment, and food systems.  This course is a gentle introduction computing concepts to students across the College of Agriculture and beyond. Prospective students are expected to have a minimal computing and/or programming background, and those with no programming background should contact the instructor for guidance. Through 2-week modules involving hands-on course activities, you will incrementally learn user-centered technology design skills, computational thinking skills to evaluate, design, conceptualize, and implement informatics solutions to data-driven challenges. You will gain programming skills in current data science and web development technology stacks (Python, HTML, CSS, SQL, Django), and design an informatics solution to problem in their own area of interest. This course supports professional development for students in pursuit of careers in digital product design or data-driven research. 
+
+The audience for this course is undergraduate and graduate students looking to gain experience with digital technologies. This course is *not* just for students who eventually want to become domain-specific data scientists or software developers but is meant **to provide digital novices with a gentle on-ramp to learn digital agriculture skills so that they can better understand how technology works and is built**. By the end of this course, students should have both the vocabulary and experience to be able to identify more advance courses across the university for in-depth learning. 
+
+This course has been taken by students interested in digital agriculture and data science related minors and certificate programs. It can also be substituted to meet meet data, technology or elective requirements common to current programs.
 
-<!-- We will overview current and emerging technologies used in digital agriculture. You will be engaged in learning technology fundamentals (languages, concepts, methods), through seven 2-week projects. These hands-on exercises will allow you to gain a practical understanding of the technology itself, review research and development trends, and debate opportunities and challenges presented by each technology. This course will equip you with basic computational thinking and software development skills for Agricultural Informatics careers. -->
 
 ## Learning Objectives
-By the end of this course, you will be able to:
+By the end of the course, students will be able to: 
 
-1. Demonstrate an understanding of data-driven challenges in agriculture and food systems.
-2. Develop programming skills to create scripts and web applications to explore, store, manipulate, and view food and agriculture data.
-3. Develop computational thinking skills to select appropriate informatics approaches and digital technologies to solve a range of challenges in food and agricultural systems.
-4. Conceptualize and design informatics solutions to solving an open food system or agricultural challenge.
+1. Demonstrate core skills in user-centered technology design, exploratory data analysis, and programming for the web.
+2. Formulate a data science problem and implement a data science solution through collecting, integrating, analyzing, and synthesizing publicly available data. 
+3. Critique and experiment with informatics approaches to solving data-driven challenges in disciplines related agriculture, environment, and food systems
+4. Design and develop a web application through application of new knowledge on data modeling, user interface design, and programming.
+5. Design and conceptualize a novel informatics solution, applying design thinking and computational skills, to solve an open problem related to agriculture, environment, and food systems.
 
 # Instruction Team
 
@@ -40,7 +44,7 @@ Who are we and how are we here to support your learning?
 
 **Steven Doyle** is the Teaching Assistant (TA) for this course. He will lead all labs, grade all submitted materials, and will be available in-person for technical support, troubleshooting for code, and discussion of individual assignment grades.
 
-**Thirawat "Tam" Bureetees** is providing course content support. He is working with Ankita to update labs and technical content and will be available online if you are looking for specific resources. He will be most active in the FORUM, so if you need help finding a resource, post on github in Q&A.
+**Thirawat "Tam" Bureetees** is providing course content support. He is working with Ankita to update labs and technical content and will be available online if you are looking for specific resources. He will be most active in the FORUM, so if you need help finding a resource, post on Github in Q&A.
 
 Call me | slack | github | email | ask me about
 -----|-----|-----|-----|-----
@@ -59,8 +63,8 @@ Tam (he/his) | @Tam Bureetes | @tame0001 | N/A | finding resources
 - Instructional Modality: Face-to-Face
 
 # Course Resources
-**GET MATERIALS:** This GITHUB repository will contain **all course module content**, inclduing lectures, labs, and other materials** 
-This github repository will contain links to all slides, labs, etc. I will release a new module every two weeks. 
+**GET MATERIALS:** This GITHUB repository will contain **all course module content**, including lectures, labs, and other materials** 
+This Github repository will contain links to all slides, labs, etc. I will release a new module every two weeks. 
 
 **SUBMIT WORK & GET GRADES:** Use BRIGHTSPACE to submit all labs, quizzes, and projects. You can view all **submission deadlines**, view rubrics, and get your grades via Brightspace.
 
@@ -73,7 +77,7 @@ This github repository will contain links to all slides, labs, etc. I will relea
 - Show & Tell: Did something cool you'd like to share with us? Post in the [Show & Tell](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/discussions/categories/show-and-tell) section.
 
 **MEET for 1-1 SUPPORT** You can request office hour appointments, i.e., a consultation for support with the instructor, Ankita, and the TA, Steve.
-- Want to meet for course support? Send us a **Slack direct message** for quick questions and to request meeting appointments. In case we can't meet in person, we will use Zoom for a video-call meeting. We will try to provide in-person appointments within 2 working days of your request. We aim to respond to slack messages in approx 1 working day and provide meetings wtihin 2 working days.
+- Want to meet for course support? Send us a **Slack direct message** for quick questions and to request meeting appointments. In case we can't meet in person, we will use Zoom for a video-call meeting. We will try to provide in-person appointments within 2 working days of your request. We aim to respond to slack messages in approx 1 working day and provide meetings within 2 working days.
 - Grades, personal matters, and long/complex communication? Use email, for grades, personal matters, and other matters influenced by [FERPA policies](https://slack.com/trust/compliance/ferpa-compliance). If in doubt, contact us via email/in-person. Put **[ASM 591 AGINF]** in the email "SUBJECT" for better indexing. Reserve use of email for long and/or complex communications. We aim to respond to emails in less than 3 working days.
 
 
@@ -100,7 +104,7 @@ Module | Weeks | What's due?
 
 All parts of the **Project** description and submission instructions are available on Github. Each of the three parts will be evaluated based on a high-level rubric to be provided with the project description. -->
 
-**Late Policy:** You can have three "late days" where you submit work one weekday late with no questions asked. You can use these for quizzes, labs, and projects part 1 & 2. After that, you will be penalised 5% per day late. *The moment you have any issues, please contact me, and we can discuss options. See attendance policy for details*
+**Late Policy:** You can have three "late days" where you submit work one weekday late with no questions asked. You can use these for quizzes, labs, and projects part 1 & 2. After that, you will be penalized 5% per day late. *The moment you have any issues, please contact me, and we can discuss options. See attendance policy for details*
 
 Assessment | Description | Due Dates | Weight
 -----|-----|----- |----- 
@@ -109,7 +113,7 @@ Labs | Available in each module on Github. Each lab is due at the start of the n
 [Project Part 1](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/tree/main/module3) | Concept motivation: select 3 papers and write a combined reflection on an agricultural informatics problem | Due Week 6, Friday @ 11.59pm | 5%
 [Project Part 2](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/blob/main/project/Project-part2.pdf) | Concept proposal: a short proposal of a research/development concept | Due Week 10, Friday @ 11.59pm | 15%
 [Project Part 3.1](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/blob/main/project/Project-part3.pdf) | Concept presentation of your proposed approach/solution in class during lecture and lab time. | Week 15/16: in class + lab presentation | 10%
-[Project Part 3.2](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/blob/main/project/Project-part3.pdf) | Concept writeup to be submitted online | Due Week 16, Monday @ 11.59pm | 20% 
+[Project Part 3.2](https://github.com/ag-informatics/ag-informatics-course/blob/main/project/Project-part3.pdf) | Concept write-up to be submitted online | Due Week 16, Monday @ 11.59pm | 20% 
 
 ## Course Feedback & Evaluation
 This is the third offering of this "special topics" course, which means components are actively under development and there may be bugs! I would love to hear about your experience, get feedback on the course materials, and generally learn more about where and how this course fails/succeeds to meet your needs. No need to wait till the end!
@@ -142,17 +146,17 @@ F| 59.00 and below
 ## Academic Integrity
 Academic integrity is one of the highest values that Purdue University holds. Individuals are encouraged to alert university officials to potential breaches of this value by either emailing [email protected] or by calling 765-494-8778. While information may be submitted anonymously, the more information is submitted the greater the opportunity for the university to investigate the concern. More details are available on our course Brightspace under University Policies and Statements.
 
-Make sure your lab Github repositories are "private" for the duration of the course, to prevent others from simply copying your code. I trust that you will work independently, and will evaluate your work based on your "commit" history (i.e., you should NOT just commit the ENTIRE lab 5 minutes before the deadline). In general, writing code with the help of the internet is permissable, i.e., you can ask questions on Stack Overflow, discuss the problems with each other on Slack. Ultimately, I have a policy in which I trust that you are doing the right thing, unless I see evidence to the contrary.
+Make sure your lab Github repositories are "private" for the duration of the course, to prevent others from simply copying your code. I trust that you will work independently, and will evaluate your work based on your "commit" history (i.e., you should NOT just commit the ENTIRE lab 5 minutes before the deadline). In general, writing code with the help of the internet is permissible, i.e., you can ask questions on Stack Overflow, discuss the problems with each other on Slack. Ultimately, I have a policy in which I trust that you are doing the right thing, unless I see evidence to the contrary.
 
 ## Accessibility
 Purdue University strives to make learning experiences accessible to all participants. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at:  [email protected] or by phone at 765-494-1247. Learn more at at the [DRC website](https://www.purdue.edu/drc/index.php).
 
 ## Attendance Policy
-This course follows the University Academic Regulations regarding class attendance, which state that students are expected to be present for every meeting of the classes in which they are enrolled. I will not take attendance. We may sometimes meet remotely if (a) we have a guest speaker that is presenting virtually or (b) in case of instructor inability to provide in-person lecture due to illness, travel, or personal conflicts. You can likewise request remote attendance of a lecture, and if possible, we will make accomodations. When conflicts or absences can be anticipated, such as for many University-sponsored activities and religious observations, you should inform me of the situation as far in advance as possible. For unanticipated or emergency absences when advance notification to is not possible, contact me as soon as possible by email or phone. For absences that do not fall under excused absence regulations (see below), this course follows the following procedures:
+This course follows the University Academic Regulations regarding class attendance, which state that students are expected to be present for every meeting of the classes in which they are enrolled. I will not take attendance. We may sometimes meet remotely if (a) we have a guest speaker that is presenting virtually or (b) in case of instructor inability to provide in-person lecture due to illness, travel, or personal conflicts. You can likewise request remote attendance of a lecture, and if possible, we will make accommodations. When conflicts or absences can be anticipated, such as for many University-sponsored activities and religious observations, you should inform me of the situation as far in advance as possible. For unanticipated or emergency absences when advance notification to is not possible, contact me as soon as possible by email or phone. For absences that do not fall under excused absence regulations (see below), this course follows the following procedures:
 
 1.	Do not come to class if you are feeling ill, but DO email me at [email protected], with the subject line: "Class absence". I do not need details about your symptoms. Just let me know you are feeling ill and cannot come to class. If it is an emergency situation, please follow the University regulations on emergent medical care (see below).
 2.	Unless it falls under the University excused absence regulations (see below), any work due should be submitted on time via our course Brightspace.
-3.	If that day’s class involves assessed work such as a presentation, you and I will plan if and how you can make up the work, following the assignment guidelines. This plan must be done before the next class period, so again, email me immediately when you know that you will miss class.
+3.	If that day's class involves assessed work such as a presentation, you and I will plan if and how you can make up the work, following the assignment guidelines. This plan must be done before the next class period, so again, email me immediately when you know that you will miss class.
 4.	The most important consideration in any absence is how it will affect your achievement of the assignment objectives and the course learning outcomes.
 
 For cases that fall under excused absence regulations, you or your representative should contact or go to the [Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS)](https://www.purdue.edu/advocacy/students/absence-policies.html) to complete appropriate forms for instructor notification. Under academic regulations, excused absences may be granted by ODOS for cases of grief/bereavement, military service, jury duty, parenting leave, or emergent medical care. The processes are detailed, so plan ahead.
@@ -166,7 +170,7 @@ Your health and safety is important. If you must miss class at any point in time
 Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. There is no appointment needed and Student Support Services is available to serve students 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
 ## Emergency Preparation
-In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances beyond the instructor’s control. Relevant changes to this course will be posted onto the course website or can be obtained by contacting the instructors or TAs via email or phone. You are expected to read your @purdue.edu email on a frequent basis.
+In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances beyond the instructor's control. Relevant changes to this course will be posted onto the course website or can be obtained by contacting the instructors or TAs via email or phone. You are expected to read your @purdue.edu email on a frequent basis.
 
 A link to Purdue’s Information on [Emergency Preparation and Planning](https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/) is located on our Brightspace under “University Policies and Statements.” This website covers topics such as Severe Weather Guidance, Emergency Plans, and a place to sign up for the Emergency Warning Notification System. I encourage you to download and review the [Emergency Preparedness for Classrooms document](https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/docs/EPforClassrooms.pdf).
 
@@ -188,4 +192,4 @@ If you’re struggling and need mental health services: Purdue University is com
 Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. A hyperlink to Purdue’s full Nondiscrimination Policy Statement is included in our course Brightspace under University Policies and Statements.
 
 ## Notes on Syllabus Authorship
-Some of the generic statements and links to further infromation are provided via the Purdue Syllabus Template. We have tweaked them for applicability to this course, in some cases, adding course-specific language.
+Some of the generic statements and links to further information are provided via the Purdue Syllabus Template. We have tweaked them for applicability to this course, in some cases, adding course-specific language.