COMP 521: Introduction to Scientific Computing and Data Science
San Diego State University | Fall 2026
Welcome to COMP 521¶
Build methods. Test their limits. Use them on real data.
You will implement core algorithms behind scientific software, including integration, root-finding, ODE solvers, and model fitting. You will also use and evaluate introductory machine-learning methods, then apply the course toolkit to real astronomical data from Gaia and Kepler.
By the end, you will not just use scipy.integrate; you will know what it is
doing, when it will fail you, and how to tell the difference.
How this course is structured¶
The semester has five two-week projects, two individual code review presentations, and a four-week solo final project. Every class meeting combines instruction and hands-on work, so bring your laptop.
Use This Week for current preparation, project connections, and links to earlier weeks. The Lecture Library collects class materials. The Schedule is the authoritative source for dates; Projects explains what you will build and submit.
Start here¶
Current preparation and materials, with earlier weeks available for review.
Class materials, worked examples, and project connections.
Course policies, expectations, and grading.
Weekly topics, readings, and firm due dates.
Project sequence, submissions, and collaboration.
What assistance is allowed for your current assessment.
Set up Python, use Git, and troubleshoot your project workflow.