📖 Syllabus
Table of Contents
About 🧐
DSC 198: Data Science Industry Technical Readiness Program is a course designed to bridge the gap between academic data science and industry practice. Each week combines algorithmic foundations with applied engineering topics relevant to working data scientists, machine learning engineers, and software engineers.
Over the 10-week course, we cover a wide range of technical topics paired with core data structures and algorithms concepts:
- Week 0 — Command Line, Git/GitHub, and AI in the Terminal
- Week 1 — Design Documents, Documentation, System Design, Logging, Testing, and Software Quality
- Week 2 — Docker, Kubernetes, Containers, and Cloud Foundations
- Week 3 — Cloud Engineering
- Week 4 — Databases and Storage Tradeoffs
- Week 5 — Data Workflows
- Week 6 — Data Visualization, Dashboards, and Spreadsheets
- Week 7 — Deployment, APIs, and Full-Stack Systems
- Week 8 — AI-Native Engineering Workflows, LLM Apps, and Agent Systems
- Week 9 — Hardware Fundamentals & Basics of Networking
Each week, we will aim to have a guest lecturer from industry or research who uses that week’s topics in their day-to-day work, giving you a real-world perspective on how these skills are applied professionally.
We will also have dedicated discussions on the recruiting process, including resume tailoring, behavioral interviews, networking, and everything else in that space — so you leave prepared not just technically, but for the full job search.
Homework assignments will provide interview-style practice and involve building hands-on projects using the tools and concepts covered that week. Office hours will be available throughout the week to support you as you work through assignments.
Grading 📊
Communication 💬
For questions, contact abhatnagar@ucsd.edu
Technology 💻
- Course Website: All content posted here
Course Structure 🍎
Schedule: Saturdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (including lunch) at HDSI MPR.
The course runs for 10 weeks (Week 0 through Week 9), beginning September 26, 2026.
Policies ✏️
Details coming soon.
Support 🤝
Accommodations
If you have accommodations through OSD, share your AFA letter with the instructor and dscstudent@ucsd.edu by the end of Week 1.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive learning environment. Honor and respect your classmates per the UCSD Principles of Community.