STAT S-115 Course

SyllabusPanoramic ThinkingJoin Zoom Meeting with Randy
Statistics Overview
Beginner StatisticsIntermediate StatisticsAdvanced Statistics
Course Schedule
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Class Notes

Comprehensive notes from each class session with key concepts, insights, and takeaways

Class 1: Overview and Introduction

Data Science: An Artificial Ecosystem

Course Introduction

Course philosophy, defining data science, AI understanding, and ethical principles

Key Topics Covered
Course Structure & ThemesWhat Data Science Is NOTData Lifecycle PerspectivesAI Ethics & Principles

Class 2: Fundamentals of Generative AI

Large Language Models & Transformer Architecture

Session 2

Technical deep dive into transformer architecture, self-supervised learning, and the evolution from GPT to ChatGPT

Key Topics Covered
Self-Supervised LearningTransformer ArchitectureAttention MechanismsGPT Training PipelineRLHF & AI AlignmentNLP Applications

Class 3: AI Applications & Statistics

Probability, Inference, and Statistical Modeling

Session 3

Bridging traditional statistical concepts with contemporary AI challenges and real-world applications

Key Topics Covered
AI Applications & Use CasesSampling Methods & Data QualityProbability & Conditional ProbabilityStatistical Inference & P-ValuesAI Ethics in EducationData Context & Social Implications

Class 4: AI for Political Polling

Methods, Applications, and Ethics

Session 4

Guest lecture exploring AI's role in political polling, addressing traditional polling crisis and AI-based alternatives

Key Topics Covered
Crisis of Traditional PollingAI Polling MethodologiesSilicon Sampling vs Direct PredictionEthical ConsiderationsDemocratic ImplicationsFuture Research Directions

Class 5: AI Detection & Confidence Assessment

Statistical Methods and LLM Limitations

Session 5

Dual guest lecture on detecting AI-generated text with human edits and assessing confidence in large language model responses

Key Topics Covered
AI Text Detection MethodsStatistical Hypothesis TestingLog Loss & Higher CriticismLLM Overconfidence ProblemBootstrap ImpossibilityExpert-in-the-Loop Usage

Class 6: Student Presentations

AI Applications Across Diverse Domains

Session 6

Student-led presentations exploring generative AI applications in finance, education, creative writing, banking, emergency support, and more

Key Topics Covered
Stock Price PredictionBanking & Financial ServicesMathematical LearningCreative WritingEmergency Crisis SupportCustomer Service AutomationRecipe Generation & CookingCognitive Impact StudiesResume ScreeningLearning Design

Class 7: AI and Financial Advice

Human Behavior and Artificial Intelligence

Session 7

Guest lecture by Professor Andrew Lo (MIT) exploring human behavioral biases in financial decision-making and the potential for AI-powered financial advisors

Key Topics Covered
Financial Literacy CrisisBehavioral Finance ExperimentsLoss Aversion & Uncertainty AversionEvolution of AI SystemsChatGPT Financial AnalysisNarrative vs Facts ProcessingAI Financial Advisor VisionTechnical Implementation Challenges

Class 8: Conversational AI & Human Interaction

The Ethics and Psychology of Human-AI Dialogue

Session 8

Guest lectures exploring how conversational AI affects human relationships, cognition, and social behavior, with perspectives on algorithmic bias and epistemic humility

Key Topics Covered
Human-Computer Interaction ResearchCharacteristics of AI ConversationsImpact on Empathy & Social SkillsCognitive Offloading & MetacognitionAlgorithmic Bias & Data AccuracyResearch on AI Interaction EffectsEpistemic HumilityEthical Considerations

Class 9: Digital Humanities & The Intention Economy

AI Translation, Philology, and Economic Power Dynamics

Session 9

Dual guest lectures exploring AI's role in language translation and digital humanities, plus analysis of the emerging 'intention economy' and its implications for society

Key Topics Covered
Digital Humanities & PhilologyAI-Powered Language TranslationAncient Text Analysis with LLMsThe Intention EconomySurveillance Capitalism EvolutionTokenization & AssetizationAI Persuasion & Strategic DialogueInformation Environment PollutionSilicon Subjects & Societies

Class 10: Student Presentations - AI Applications & Challenges

Diverse Perspectives on AI Implementation and Ethics

Session 10

Student-led presentations exploring AI applications across languages, finance, research, creative writing, and security, highlighting both opportunities and emerging challenges

Key Topics Covered
AI Translation & Language PreservationEthics in AI Financial ServicesReframing AI Hallucinations in ResearchAI Prediction of Market PanicAI in Retirement PlanningVoice Preservation in AI-Edited WritingPrivacy & Security RisksCross-Cultural AI ChallengesCreative AI ApplicationsAI Fraud Detection & Prevention

Class 11: Algorithmic Governance in Medical Decision-Making

Ethics, Race, and Public Participation in High-Stakes Algorithms

Session 11

Guest lectures on kidney allocation systems and race-based medical algorithms, exploring the intersection of technical accuracy, ethical fairness, and democratic oversight

Key Topics Covered
Kidney Allocation Algorithm HistoryDemocratic Oversight of Medical AIRace-Based Medical AdjustmentsMDRD Study ControversyRegression Analysis & BiasProxy Variables vs. Direct MeasurementAlgorithmic TransparencyPublic Participation in Technical DecisionsCross-Cultural CommunicationTechnical-Ethical Trade-offs
Interactive Learning

Engage with guest authors and AI-assisted activities

AI Integration

First-of-its-kind course with direct AI interaction

Critical Thinking

Develop panoramic data science literacy

Course Files - Click to Download
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Materials Guides
Course Grading Breakdown
Participation40%
In-class participation and pre/post-class assignments
Essays (2)30%
Two essays worth 15% each
Presentations (2)30%
Two class presentations worth 15% each
Final grades will be determined based on the weighted average of all components. Attendance is mandatory for all presentation days.