CSE 5104
Data Mining
With the vast advancements in science and technology, the acquisition of large quantities of data is routinely performed in many fields. Examples of large data include various types of data on the internet, high-throughput sequencing data in biology and medicine, extraterrestrial data from telescopes in astronomy, and images from surveillance cameras in security settings. Analyzing a large amount of data through data mining has become an effective means of extracting knowledge from data. This course introduces the basic concepts and methods of data mining and provides hands-on experience for processing, analyzing and modeling structured and unstructured data. Homework problems, exams, and programming assignments will be administrated throughout the course to enhance students' learning. Prerequisites: CSE 247, ESE 326 (or Math 3200 or Engr 328), and Math 233.
Instructors
Reviews
Ma is very kind and CSE514 ended up very easy. I found her lectures incredibly boring though. The content itself is actually pretty interesting and not too hard - I just think she presents it in the wrong way. Ultimately, I think this class could benefit from a different teaching style other than lecture-based but still would recommend.
12/3/2025
Best professor I've had in this university. Lectures are clear and fun. Uses Kahoot for lecturing so it could be more interactive. Truly cares about students.
4/22/2025
Easiest upper-level class ever. You will get out as much as you put in. Cynthia is an angel and really puts a lot of effort into producing good materials for her class. The most annoying thing was when Cynthia would start lecturing and I couldn't hear her because other students in the lecture hall were blatantly talking loudly with no consideration
4/10/2025
She taught me data mining in the spring of 2024 and has instilled a deep passion for ML modeling since then. Although I didn't get an A, the seed she has instilled helped me decide into pursuing and furthering my studies in ML application. Now leading a ML team, I still come to her during her office hours to talk and discuss. SHE IS AWESOME :D
2/13/2025
Professor Ma has been one of my favorite CSE professors at WashU due to the Kahoot lecture style ensuring that everyone understands the content before proceeding. The course has a lot of callbacks/preparation for CSE417T, so it will be easier if you have taken/good to prepare for that class. Feedback on written assignments is somewhat slow.
5/11/2024
Amazing! The entire CS department should take notes on how to teach a class. Well-planned and engaging lectures. Clearly defined assignment requirements. Plenty of opportunities for extra credit. Fair exams that mirror actual activities from class and homework. I just can't do it justice with words. Take this class. Thank you, Professor Ma!
5/13/2023
Prof Ma did an awesome job with Data Mining. She was super kind, explained the content well, and gave lots of opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester. She also incorporated Kahoot into lectures, which was fun and increased student engagement. Other CS profs at WashU should take notes from her on how to teach a class properly.
12/20/2022
The lectures and notes have many errors. Quiz and exam didn't make the questions clear. Only answers as same as his could receive credit.
3/24/2021
He is the worst!! His Quiz is not related to the material. Also, the questions of the QUIZ is subtle, you don't know what should be included in your answer. Sometimes you don't even know why the points are deducted. If your answer is not exacted the same as his, you get 0.
3/23/2021
Disorganized lectures and assignments. Quizzes actually are almost irrelevant to the course materials while he usually says "It's straightforward". Let's make an assumption he can do logical thinking. However, why did he make CSE514A in mess? Don't take this if it's not a required course for you.
3/21/2021
I can understand almost everything in the lecture but his quiz is not relevant to the lecture.
3/17/2021
The course has no textbooks or other materials, just his lecture notes, but he left lots of blanks in them, saying that students will fill them in by listening to his lectures. But his lectures are so disorganized and inattractive. Also, questions in quizzes and exams are almost irrelevant to his lectures. Would not recommend.
10/23/2018
worst professor in the CS department at WashU. Very disorganized and unwilling to adopt to the modern style of teaching/learning/ doing anything. Such a hot topic in industry, really disappointed.
11/14/2017
Disorganized. Changed syllabus at least 3 times including grading criteria. Could have been a much better course.
12/11/2016
Important topic for present day software industry. Supplement the lectures with online material and attend all lectures since there may be a quiz anytime.
5/11/2015