How to learn with this course
A practical routine for study, practice, and feedback
Start with the current module
DACT is a beginner course. The seven modules build on one another, from computational problem formulation and Excel analysis to Python programs, files, testing, and simulation. Work through them in order.
University of Twente students should begin each week in the DACT Canvas module. Canvas tells you what has been released, what you need to prepare, and where to submit work. Independent learners can begin with Module 1 and follow the modules on this site.
Your weekly routine
Monday: module launch
The Monday session introduces the module through an operational problem. Make your own first attempt before seeing a worked approach. Record the information you have, the result you need, your assumptions, and how you would check a solution.
Keep that first attempt. It gives you something concrete to improve during the week.
Learn during the week
A room is available for one 105-minute study session on Tuesday. You may study there with classmates and ask questions. Complete the remaining independent study on the days and in the places that suit your week.
Follow the released material in order:
- Read the explanation and make the requested predictions.
- Work through the examples and account for each result.
- Complete the inline checks before moving to the longer exercises.
- Complete the Canvas quiz, which is available by Wednesday and must be completed before the Friday session, and the programming exercises, which are due before the next Monday session.
When an example contains code, an algorithm, or a formula, predict its result before running or calculating it. Compare the result with your prediction and explain any difference.
Friday: paper practice and discussion
Complete the paper exercise during the 105-minute Friday session and hand it in before leaving. The completed paper earns its own binary bonus credit. Attendance alone does not earn bonus credit, and there is no makeup. The TAs are present to help during the session.
The Canvas quiz is available by Wednesday and must be completed before the Friday session. During the plenary, the class discusses the closed quiz questions, compares methods, and reviews the paper solution.
Use the learning material actively
Worked examples and checks
Worked examples show both the method and the decisions behind it. Pause when a page asks you to predict, trace, complete, or explain. Write down an answer before opening a hint or continuing to the solution.
Use hints one at a time. After reading a complete solution, close it and reconstruct the reasoning without copying.
Practice and programming exercises
Inline checks deal with one idea close to its explanation. Longer exercises require you to retrieve and combine ideas independently. Both forms matter.
Programming exercises check observable behaviour against expected behaviour. Use failed checks to diagnose a mismatch. A passing check confirms the tested behaviour. You still need readable code, appropriate design choices, and your own tests.
When your program does not work
Run the smallest relevant part. Read the error message, inspect intermediate values, and compare the observed state with the state you expected. Change one cause at a time and run the relevant test again.
For a new program, write down the inputs, outputs, assumptions, and examples first. Divide the work into small steps or functions, then test normal, boundary, invalid, and extreme inputs where they make sense.
Check your understanding
Before moving to the next module, check that you can:
- explain the main capability without reading its definition;
- trace a representative example and explain each step;
- solve a new problem without copying a worked solution; and
- choose tests that could reveal a plausible mistake.
If one of these checks is difficult, return to the first unclear prerequisite. Practise that part and attempt the larger problem again.
Refer to a page or exercise
Course references show where an item belongs. For example, 5.2 is page 2 in Module 5, 5.2.Q3 is its third open question, and 2.2.M4 is the fourth multiple-choice question on page 2.2. Q identifies an open question and M identifies a multiple-choice question.
Use the full reference when asking a question or reporting an error. The copy icon beside a page, section, or exercise number copies the reference and its direct link.
Course administration
Use Table 1 to find the source that controls the information you need.
| Information | Source |
|---|---|
| Readings and stable learning material | This course site |
| Weekly instructions, releases, submissions, feedback, bonus rules, and confirmed changes | DACT Canvas module |
| Scheduled times and rooms | TimeEdit |
| Course format, workload, assessment structure, policies, and support | 2026-2027 syllabus |
| Official course and examination rules | OSIRIS and the applicable BMS regulations |
The 3-hour written examination consists of multiple-choice questions worth 60% and an open question worth 40%. Canvas quizzes, Friday paper exercises, and completed programming exercises can earn separate bonus credit, up to a maximum of 0.5 points on the final course grade. Canvas publishes the conversion.
Use the shared Canvas route for questions whose answers may help the class. Email Breno Alves Beirigo for individual or private matters. Check Canvas and TimeEdit before attending a session.