Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - STAT 240 D100

Introduction to Data Science (3)

Class Number: 4557

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, or ECON 233, and one of CMPT 102, CMPT 120, CMPT 125, CMPT 128, CMPT 129, CMPT 130, all with a minimum grade of C- or permission of the instructor. STAT 260 is also recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to modern tools and methods for data acquisition, management, and visualization capable of scaling to Big Data. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will use the statistical software R to acquire and clean data for answering data science questions. This class will focus on using SQL to query big data sets, handling text data from a webpage api, and scraping data from webpages.

Grading

  • Weekly Lab Assignments 20%
  • Midterm 40%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

Above grading is subject to change.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with Disabilities:
Students requiring accommodations as a result of disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.  


Tutor Requests:
Students looking for a tutor should visit https://www.sfu.ca/stat-actsci/all-students/other-resources/tutoring.html. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken related to tutors.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.