Overview
Why did we make this workshop?
AI tools are here and people are using them.
When first learning how to code, there is a lot of new vocabulary to learn (what people call parts of code and data types) along with actually generating code that will get you the desired end result. This is difficult to do for everyone, but AI tools can help with some of this.
In this workshop series, we aim to 1) help people who are uncomfortable using AI tools feel equipped to try them out and 2) to help experienced AI users examine how they could use AI tools to code more efficiently.
About the series
The AI for Coding: Data Analysis with Cursor series consists of three 30-minute workshops designed to help you use Large Language Models (LLMs) to support exploratory data analysis. We will introduce fundamental concepts, practice breaking down problems into actionable components, and use the Cursor IDE to integrate AI and code more efficiently.
Each workshop focuses on a single topic with 30 minutes of teaching, followed by an optional 15 minutes for questions, discussion, and practice. Whether you’re new to AI-assisted coding or looking to refine your skills, these hands-on sessions will show you practical techniques using famous Palmer Penguins data and modern tools.
To build on other UBC Library Research Commons workshops the coding examples use Python, but the ideas apply to other languages too. Complete beginners are welcome, and participants who have used Python before and are comfortable with pandas will find it easier to follow along.
Learning objectives
By the end of these three workshops, you will be able to:
- write effective prompts for AI tools using the prompt formula:
Context + Task + Constraints + Format
- create data visualizations with matplotlib & pandas library by describing your intent to an AI
- build a complete data analysis workflow from data loading to visualization using Cursor
Workshop structure
| workshop | focus | duration | key skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fundamentals | how to ask good questions | 30 min | writing better prompts |
| 2. Data analysis & visualization | creating charts with ai | 30 min | building visualizations |
| 3. building with AI | complete analysis | 30 min | end-to-end workflow |
For more detail see the Workshops page.
Get ready!
The first workshop introduces concepts; in the second and third we invite you to practice with hands-on activities. Follow the Setup page to install Cursor, and check Palmer Penguins data before we begin.
Only use Cursor with files that can be made public. All files in a Cursor workspace may be indexed and shared with AI tools, even if you don’t enter them into the chat. Never use Cursor with personal or confidential data.
More detail: UBC AI guidance.
Loading last updated date...