MATH0001 Once Upon a Data – From Data to Artificial Intelligence and Human Decision

Course Code

MATH0001

Course Title

Once Upon a Data – From Data to Artificial Intelligence and Human Decision

Class Date

14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 July 2026

(22 July 2026 is reserved for class make-up in case there is any cancellation of classes due to bad weather or other unexpected factors.)

 

(23 July 2026 is reserved for class assessment, if any.)

Class Time

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Teacher

Dr. Jeff WONG Chak-Fu

Senior Lecturer
Department of Mathematics

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Medium of Instruction

English

Course Description

Experiments, observations, and numerical simulations in many areas of science nowadays produce enormous amounts of data. This rapid growth opens an era of data-centric science, which needs new paradigms addressing how data is acquired, processed, distributed, and analyzed. From a layman’s perspective, this course will cover simple but deep mathematical concepts and easy-to-learn algorithms that can solve some of the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, and turn data into useful information and real-life connections.

Course Content

Table of Contents

  1. Mathematics Beyond the Numbers
  2. Probability Moving from Chaos to Stability
  3. Number Patterns – Using Vectors to Explore Pattern Relationships
  4. Interpolation and Extrapolation – Difference between Observation and Reality
  5. Networks and Matrices – Connecting to the Real World
  6. Text Analytics – New Era of Networked World
  7. Visualization Tools – Applications of Computing Software

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the so-called ‘mathematics and data tradeoffs’ in terms of data analytics, from data to human decision-related stores and real-life connections. In particular, students must be able to:

  • Collect data and build a data analytics problem by hand.
  • Formulate a mathematical model in the form of a data analytics problem.
  • Obtain approximate solutions for the data analytics problem by means of any mathematical tools, computer algorithms visualization computing software.
  • Decipher whether or not the results can be explained in the real world.
  • Study the dual pair of data and reality

Course Assessment
  1. Class Participation and Classroom Activities (40%)
  2. Coursework (40%)
  3. Final (20%)

Pre-Requisite

Basic counting as well as basic experience in Excel will be required. Some basic knowledge in probability and statistics would be helpful but not required. The course itself will cover many basic mathematical topics, including probability, statistics, and matrix computations. This course targets Form Five students (with regard to DSE) or equivalent.
   

 

The above course information is subject to change and approval.
 

Last updated on 20 February 2026

 

 

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