This is a summary of survey responses from 1,257 of the 25,589 students who enrolled in this course in Spring 2013. This review may of interest to students considering to take the third offering of this course starting at coursera on August 16, 2013.
Reviews by others
Related articles
- Enroll in the course at coursera here.
- What students said about my MOOC (Spring 2013)
- New content for the Spring 2013 session
- Detailed demographics of the students who took this course
- Older review from Fall 2012
Overview
If you are considering to take the course, please take a look at the results of this survey. I believe they may help you decide if the course is right for you. Completing this course will require a significant investment of your time, and I want to be sure it is a good match!
Important: We assume you have strong programming skills and that you want to learn about finance.
We also use the results of https://citrusnorth.com/installment-loans/ to help us revise the course for the next offering, so some of the issues pointed out by the students will be take into account as we prepare the next session for Fall 2013.
Satisfaction with the course by students who completed the course
Students who completed the course were asked “How much do you agree with each of these statements regarding your learning in the course? (Please rate on a scale of Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree).” We report the percentage of students who selected Agree or Strongly Agree below improvement from last session in green:
- Considering everything, the instructor was an effective teacher: 87.9% up 26.8%
- For the amount of time I invested in this course, I’m happy with what I learned: 90.4% up 22.9%
- The course materials were presented in an engaging manner: 83.1% up 26.1%
- I would like to take a more advanced course on this topic: 94.5% up 2.3%
- I found the course personally fulfilling: 85.5% up 26.5%
- I learned what I was hoping to learn in this course: 76.4% up 33.6%
Satisfaction with the course by students who did not complete the course
- Did you find the course useful even though you didn’t complete it? Yes: 93.4% up 3.7%
What was the best thing about the course?
These answers are a combination of responses from the first session (Fall 2012) and the second session (Spring 2013). Overall the major groups of responses are similar across both sessions.
1. Participation, responsiveness, and engagement by the instructor and TAs in the forums: This was the most frequent positive comment. It seems that the students benefited from and appreciated the efforts by us to respond to questions and problems in the forms.
2. The software: The next most frequent response to this question had to do with QSTK (this is the software package we use for analysis in the course). Students thought both that the library itself was useful, and that using QSTK and the software tools taught in the course helped in applying the concepts in practice. Some relevant quotes:
“The QSTK software provides a great example for implementing quantitative trading.”“QSTK and the ability to apply the concepts directly in code. During the lectures (which were pretty good), I could see conceptually how to write a program. Having the toolkit handy that handed much of the computation (database load, data cleanup, graphing, event analysis, etc) helped me concentrate more on defining strategies and less on gathering data. ““There is tremendous value in sharing the software architecture of a quant finance system, and I appreciated this unique knowledge.”
3. Python and libraries: Students liked learning Python, and if they already knew the language, liked dividing office buildings with glass partitions used it to do analysis on financial data. Specific libraries that were mentioned included Pandas, CVXOPT, and Numpy. Some relevant quotes:
“Programming in Python with Yahoo data on stocks – very engaging, interesting”“Building the project was a fun hands on approach to learning the use of python, pandas and Numpy”“Getting a usable Quant framework, learning Pandas”
4. The assignments: Many students said they enjoyed the programming assignments, both for the way they were linked together in a course-long project, and as practical applications of the content from the lectures. Some relevant quotes:
“The practical homework and programming assignments based on real approaches.”“The assignments all helped building one final program, instead of being disconnected”
5. Practical applications: Students said they enjoyed learning about how algorithmic trading is done in practice.Learning about event studies and how hedge funds operate were mentioned specifically.
6. Understanding the stock market: Students also enjoyed learning about the mechanisms behind how the stock market actually works with help from resources like www.insidermonkey.com. Hedge funds were mentioned specifically, as well as High Frequency Trading, CAPM, Portfolio theory, and the Sharpe ratio.
Which aspects of the course need the most improvement?
1. Depth/rigor of finance components: Some students felt that the mathematical rigor of the finance component of the course was too “light.” This is a theme repeated from the first offering. Here are a few quotes:
“The materials on investing are too basic, most of which have been covered in CFA level 1 curriculum.”
“Needs more rigor and clarity in materials. For example first day return (=0) of any study should not be included in average or std. deviation.”
“I would like to see a bigger focus on the financial side rather than the programming side”
Instructor’s response: We absolutely need to fix any errors, (and there are some). However the primary audience for this course is experienced programmers who are interested in a hands-on application of computing to finance. There are other good courses that go into more depth regarding finance. So bottom line is that I’m probably not going to change the level of material with regard to finance.
2. More gentle introduction to Python and some of the libraries: Some students would like more assignments and video modules devoted to Python, Numpy, and Pandas:
“More support for those with limited programming experience.”
“I would say that the requirements for this course should be a little more clear about the importance of prior programming experience needed to satisfy the assignments and homeworks.”
“The first few weeks did not have enough work and then you get hit by the big homework. We should spend more time in the first few weeks doing Python and Pandas assignments so that the jump in difficulty isn’t as big”
Instructor’s response: I think part of this has to do with setting expectations correctly early on: Namely that you really need to be an experienced programmer. However, I also agree with the idea to have some Python programming exercises early in the course as well.
3. Video and sound production quality: Some students felt that the production quality could use improvement:
“a feeling of “unfinished”, some should be re-recorded (esp. the ones with audio problems) and others would greatly benefit from editing.”
“audio is either too loud or too low, especially when the music is at the beginning. You really need an audio compressor.”
Instructors response: I’ve learned a lot about video production over the course of this experience. We’ll be reshooting all of the course in 2014.
Participation in online forums
We found that participation in the forums was a strong predictor of success. Of students who completed the course 92.0% read the forums. Of those who did not complete the course, only 66.0% read the forums.
Acknowledgements
Fatima Wirth, Ph.D. assisted with instructional design, and the course was TA-ed by Sourabh Bajaj.
Nick Iversen
January 30, 2013
Of all the MOOCs I have taken (about half a dozen) Computational Investing, Part I was the one most in need of refinement. But fittingly, it has turned out to be the one that has been the BEST at seeking feedback from students posting feedback to students, and making changes. I anticipate that with this approach it will evolve to be one of the best MOOCs and I look forward to repeating it (in order to learn Python properly) and doing part II.
Tucker Balch
February 4, 2013
Thanks Nick. We’re working now to deliver on that. Thanks for the feedback.
Pop
September 17, 2015
@Nick
Can you pass on the top 2 or 3 Computational investing courses you like the best. Thanks.
omar sprandel
February 20, 2013
I was trying to locate the instructor e-mail for this question, but could not find it. I was looking over the prerequisite info and I do not have ANY programming experience. I do have some treading experience and a deep passion for the markets. Will I be able to get by w/o the programming background. I am a quick learner.
Tucker Balch
February 20, 2013
To complete the course you will need to have good programming skills.
Guilherme Hartmann (@lanevorockz)
February 21, 2013
Dr Tucker, Thank you for providing the course it was a really interesting course even for professionals from the field. I will be waiting for the next terms of your course.
Joan rojas
February 23, 2013
Dr Tucker, I’d like to know when is the course starting as I haven’t received any notification so far… and it was scheduled for the 22nd..
Tucker Balch
February 23, 2013
There was a glitch with coursera yesterday. We’re making sure everything is OK before we flip the switch.
Barry Railton
May 20, 2013
Tucker, this was an excellent course. You did a great job at condensing a lot of info from Grinold and Kahn into a few short lessons. Very well done and well presented. I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn some QSTK and Numpy. Will there be a more advanced follow up class? I sure hope so.
Nick Levenson
July 1, 2013
Dr. Tucker,
I would first like to say thanks for obviously being so involved in questions and feedback regarding this course. I really appreciate it.
I was just wondering: I have programming skills in java but plan to learn more languages. Would a one month introduction to python be sufficient for this course?
Thanks!
Tucker Balch
July 1, 2013
You should have strong programming and unix skills for the course. Here’s a link to a quiz that can help you determine if you have strong programming skills: http://wiki.quantsoftware.org/index.php?title=Compinvesti-prog-quiz
Dipesh
July 18, 2013
I am intrested in taking this course. But looking at the details and FAQ I couldn’t find iwhether the programming would be done in Python2.x or Python 3.3. I would appreciate if some one can provide me with the insight
Tucker Balch
July 18, 2013
I’m not sure why that matters. Do you believe that what you learn would be more or less valuable if it were Python 2.7 or Python 3.3?
In any case the answer is Python 2.7
Lucero del Alba
July 18, 2013
Prof. Balch, you clearly are a very committed and thoughtful instructor, I’m very looking forward taking your course next month.
beatume
August 7, 2013
Dr Tucker ,
I am really interested in this course.I already have some programming background , but I doubt about my level and the prerequisite.
By the way I will do the test you just posted in a comment.
But if my level is not “good” enough , will this course be available on another date ?
Tucker Balch
August 7, 2013
Yes, it will be offered again. Likely in Fall 2014, but maybe Spring 2014 also.
withheld
August 7, 2013
Hi. I’m considering taking this course. It’s been a long time since I used Unix and I don’t have Linux installed on my PC. I was wondering if it would be possible to do the course using the Windows version of Python? Are there Unix-only functions or libraries that we’ll be using, or some other reason why Linux would be required?
Tucker Balch
August 7, 2013
Yes, we’ll have a windows solution available.
Ken Brantferger
August 10, 2013
Just an FYI, I use Parallels Desktop 8.0 on my IMAC, usually to run windows, but after reviewing the requirements for this course I noticed that Parallels now comes with Ubuntu. It was very easy to load Ubuntu, and then following the wiki instructions, I’ve loaded QSTK and Python without issue. It took about 2 hours.
Tucker Balch
August 10, 2013
We have windows and mac distributions now.
Ed Williams
August 20, 2013
Is there a way to get the lectures as video files so I can watch them off-line?
Ram
August 21, 2013
Will there be a part II for this course?
nick
August 24, 2013
Yeah, when will Part-II be available ?
Will it be an extension (application wise) to Part-I (i.e. will we get to build a bigger and better algo application) ?
Tucker Balch
September 2, 2013
Probably Fall 2014, as part of the new GT Online Masters Degree.
Kunal
August 25, 2013
I know to program in java to quite an extent but I have never used python before.Is it an issue? Should I dedicate extra hours to learn python?
Tucker Balch
September 2, 2013
Yes.
Hemanth Ks Arcot
October 21, 2013
Prof Balch. Thanks for such a insightful program when is you Part 2 starting?????
Tucker Balch
October 22, 2013
Part 2 will be in Fall 2014
Jose R
May 21, 2014
Is the part I of the course going to be repeated at some point? Thanks.
Tucker Balch
May 23, 2014
Yes, it is scheduled for Fall 2014.
mintegration
May 23, 2014
Part 2 is still scheduled for this year Tucker?
Peter Reif
July 16, 2014
Hi Tucker –
any updates on your “Computational Investing I”-course given on Coursera?
At the moment they show courses up to Oct 6th, with CompInvest not being amongst them…
Best, Peter.
selim
December 21, 2014
Hi,
Will part II be available on coursera?
Thank you,
Tucker Balch
December 22, 2014
I’m putting together a proposal for Coursera on that.
Javier Bosch
January 16, 2015
greetings Dr. Balch,
Any Idea on when the 2015 course is scheduled to start? I have competent programing knowledge in Matlab, and I am currently working on python synthax and semantics to prepare for this course. Is there any opportunity to see past courses/videos to start early?
Tucker Balch
February 2, 2015
August 2015.
Andy
May 28, 2015
I’ve taken C and Fortran programming courses LONG LONG ago.
Do you think the Coursera Python programming classes from Rice University (https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython1 and https://www.coursera.org/course/interactivepython2) will provide a solid enough base for this course?
Thanks
Andy
Tucker Balch
May 28, 2015
Those look good.
Andy
May 28, 2015
Thanks for the quick reply – I’m really looking forward to taking the course later this summer, either in it’s current version or the new version you’re working on
Tucker Balch
April 27, 2015
a post to come soon
tom bath
August 5, 2015
Hi Tucker
Any news on the next course for 2015/2016 please. I plan to take the Python courses mentioned above, could you indicate if this would be ‘enough’ to handle the programming aspects within the course. I am a Network professional (IP) so I’m hoping I can pick up enough Python prior to the next start Date?
Regards Tom
Tucker Balch
August 10, 2015
We’re getting it launched via Udacity now for enrolled online students. Once it has been rolling for a few weeks I’ll see what we can do about opening up to a larger audience.
O
July 28, 2016
Hello Tucker,
I just started Computational Investing Part 1 on Coursera after having started your Machine Learning for Trading on Udacity. I’m trying to ascertain the difference(s) between the two. Should I do both? I work as a trader in an Investment Bank and I’m using your courses as hone my Python skills following some online courses.
Tucker Balch
July 28, 2016
Use only the Udacity one.
O
July 29, 2016
Thank you!
Ioan Williams
January 6, 2017
Why only Udacity? Is there something wrong with the Coursera one?
Tucker Balch
January 6, 2017
The Udacity is newer/updated and more comprehensive.