IITM BS Tools in Data Science (BSSE2002): Syllabus and Tips

Tools in Data Science (BSSE2002), often called TDS, is a 3 credit diploma level course in the IITM BS Data Science programme. It is a practical course on tools to get data, clean it, analyse it, show it as visual stories and put your work online. The course page lists no formal prerequisite. Machine Learning Practice (BSCS2008) is a corequisite, so take MLP before TDS or in the same term.

The instructor is S Anand, co-founder of Gramener, a data science company.

One thing to notice on the course page

The formal prerequisite field says "None". But the course description itself names Python, HTML, JavaScript, Excel and data science basics as prerequisites. Treat those as skills you are expected to bring, even if the portal lets you register without them.

What you learn

The course page describes the course as 9 modules over 12 weeks, but it names only 7 modules. Here is what those 7 cover, in four groups.

Build and publish

The first two modules cover development tools for building models and apps, and deployment tools for putting what you built online.

Large language models

One module covers using large language models to make your own work easier and your apps smarter.

Get and clean data

Data sourcing means pulling data from websites, files and databases. Data preparation means cleaning it and converting it to the right format. Each has its own module.

Find and show insights

The last two named modules cover data analysis to find surprising patterns, and data visualisation to tell those findings as visual stories.

How it is assessed

The course page lists online assignments for each module, 1 remote online exam, 2 take home projects and 1 in-person end term exam. It does not give the weights. The take home projects come with deadlines, so block time for them early.

Where it counts

TDS is one of the fixed courses in the Diploma in Data Science. The handbook lists it as 3 credits, which matches the course page. Every student in that diploma must pass it, whichever option you choose for the last 6 credits.

Who finds it hard

• Students who know only the Python taught in the foundation level. TDS covers many different tools, so you keep learning something new every few weeks.
• Students who have never touched HTML, JavaScript or the command line. Deployment and web data work lean on these.
• Students who start the take home projects late. Tool problems like installs, access keys and failed deployments take time to fix.

How to prepare

• Before the term, learn basic HTML and JavaScript. A few evenings of building one simple web page is enough to start.
• Get comfortable with the terminal and Git. System Commands (BSSE2001) covers both, so taking it first helps.
• Revise Python for reading files and working with tables of data. Our Python practice guide has tips on steady practice.
• Keep a setup log: every tool you install, every command that worked, every error and its fix. You will reuse it in both projects.
• Start each project on the day it is released. Get a rough version working end to end first, then improve it.

Academic integrity in the projects

The two take home projects must be your own work. You may use tools, including LLMs, only as the course allows. Do not submit a friend's code or a copied solution. Read the malpractice rules so you know where the line is.

What to take before and after

Take Machine Learning Practice (BSCS2008) before or with TDS, since it is the corequisite. The TDS projects also make good material for your project portfolio.

Common questions

Can I take TDS before MLP?

No. MLP is a corequisite, so you take it in an earlier term or in the same term as TDS. You cannot do TDS first and MLP later.

Is the remote online exam the same as an OPPE?

The course page calls it "1 remote online exam". It does not call it an OPPE, so do not assume the OPPE rules apply. Check the course announcements for its format.

Why does the page say 9 modules but list only 7?

The page does not explain this. Follow the module list shown in the course itself during your term.

Does TDS count toward the Diploma in Programming?

No. It belongs to the Diploma in Data Science. The Diploma in Programming has its own six theory courses, including System Commands.