NDAB16012U Modelling and Analysis of Data (MAD)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

BSc Programme in Computer Science
BSc Programme in Physics

Content

The purpose of the course is to provide a basic and broad introduction to the representation, analysis, and processing of sampled data. The course will introduce the student to statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, machine learning and visualization for experimental data. Examples will be taken from real-world problems, such as analysis of internet traffic, language technology, digital sound and image processing, etc.

Learning Outcome

After the course, the student should have the following knowledge, skills, and competences.

 

Knowledge of

  • Descriptive statistical methods

  • Likelihood functions and maximum likelihood estimation

  • Least-squares methods, linear regression

  • Simple models for classification

  • Presentation and validation of machine learning results

  • Multivariate statistics

  • Presentation of analysis results, including visualization by simple plotting

  • Introduction to programming tools for data analysis

  • The student will also become familiar with the analytical derivation of algorithms for data analysis

 

Skills to

  • Apply the least-squares method for linear modeling and estimation.

  • Analysis of sampled data by appropriate mathematical modeling methods.

  • Describe certain useful multivariate methods and their use

  • Visualize low- and high-dimensional data with simple plots and images.

  • Implement simple data analysis and modeling methods.

  • Perform the analysis of experimental data using the methods learned during the course and evaluate the results.

 

Competencies in

  • Building and using simple statistical models, assessing their relevance for solving concrete scientific problems, and quantifying uncertainty about the conclusions drawn.

  • Performing basic data analysis tasks which include modeling, visualization, and interpretation of the results.

  • Assessing the limitations of the used methods.

  • Applying calculus tools, such as partial derivatives, gradients, and integrals.

See Absalon when the course is set up.

Basic knowledge of programming as obtained on PoP or similar. Skills in computational thinking as obtained on PoP, DMA, LinAlgDat, and MASD or similar. Mathematical knowledge equivalent to those obtained in the courses DMA, LinAlgDat, and MASD or similar.
Lectures, excercises and mandatory assignments.
The courses NDAB15001U Modelling and Analysis of Data (MAD) and NDAK16003U Introduction to Data Science (IDS) have a very substantial overlap both in topics and level, and it is therefore not recommended that students pass both of these courses.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 36
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 61
  • Exercises
  • 77
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Total
  • 206
Written
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester

There will be written feedback for the weekly assignments (comments via Absalon).

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
The exam will consist of theoretical and practical questions related to the course topics that require written explanations and derivations of equations.

The on-site written exam is an ITX exam.
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX)
Examination prerequisites

Five mandatory individual assignments written during the course, which may include programming tasks. 

Aid
Written aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Multiple internal examiners.
Re-exam

The re-exam is a 20-minute oral examination without preparation in the course curriculum. No aids allowed.

If the student is not qualified for the exam, qualification can be achieved by submitting and approval of equivalent written assignments or course assignments that have not previously been approved. The assignments must be submitted three weeks prior to the re-exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome.