SOC GEN 131
Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithms in the Biosciences
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Introduction to historical, ethical, and political aspects of data, artificial intelligence, and information in the biosciences. How data are produced, analyzed, and used in the biological and medical domains. How artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning is being deployed in contemporary biosciences. Students learn to think at a high level about the values and goals of data, AI, and information practices; the political economy of data and AI; and some concrete details and practical limitations of these approaches. Letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Most Helpful Review
Winter 2026 - TAKE THIS CLASS! I loved Dr. Kelty. He is engaging, passionate, and genuinely a joy to have as a professor. This class opened my eyes to how interesting data can be, especially the ethics and implications of AI and data in healthcare. The material applies to real life even if you are not pursuing a healthcare career, and he also discusses everyday examples of AI and data you wouldn't even think about, like grocery shopping. Participation is required for lecture and discussion, but there are flexible ways to participate for students who may not feel comfortable speaking in class. This can be as simple as showing up to discussion or being the note-taker during group activities in lecture. There are also online quizzes based on assigned readings. Late work is not accepted, but there are extra credit opportunities. My favorite assignment was a quarter-long scavenger hunt where you find and reflect on examples of AI and data in everyday life. The final is a Shark Tank-style pitch for an AI-based healthcare product that you can do individually or in a group. I had Skye as my TA, and she was the sweetest and most passionate TA I have had at UCLA! She was always responsive to questions and genuinely loved talking with students, whether it was about a career in data or your favorite TV show. Overall, a super interesting and relevant class with an amazing professor and TA!
Winter 2026 - TAKE THIS CLASS! I loved Dr. Kelty. He is engaging, passionate, and genuinely a joy to have as a professor. This class opened my eyes to how interesting data can be, especially the ethics and implications of AI and data in healthcare. The material applies to real life even if you are not pursuing a healthcare career, and he also discusses everyday examples of AI and data you wouldn't even think about, like grocery shopping. Participation is required for lecture and discussion, but there are flexible ways to participate for students who may not feel comfortable speaking in class. This can be as simple as showing up to discussion or being the note-taker during group activities in lecture. There are also online quizzes based on assigned readings. Late work is not accepted, but there are extra credit opportunities. My favorite assignment was a quarter-long scavenger hunt where you find and reflect on examples of AI and data in everyday life. The final is a Shark Tank-style pitch for an AI-based healthcare product that you can do individually or in a group. I had Skye as my TA, and she was the sweetest and most passionate TA I have had at UCLA! She was always responsive to questions and genuinely loved talking with students, whether it was about a career in data or your favorite TV show. Overall, a super interesting and relevant class with an amazing professor and TA!
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