IEOR E4100

Simulation (IEOR 3404): We were given coding assignments on a nearly biweekly basis. They were not extremely difficult. On the other hand, they tested just the right aspects of content taught and were not at all impossible to complete. Homework was given in the format of python code completion given a scaffold and a prompt relating to simulative modeling. The exams were also nothing to be terribly afraid of because you will feel very well prepared if you do the work. Statistics (IEOR 4544): We had coding assignments similar to simulation but on a greater scope of moving parts. These are more comparable to mini-projects in my head, but to another person they may be the equivalent of an assignment. Nonetheless, these, while a bit harder, were absolutely doable. Exams questions in this class were one of my favorite parts about it. They test your conceptual ability to metabolize the critical nuances of statistical decisions as opposed to churning out number on paper. Prof. Dolan also will prepare you very VERY well for these exams. Spoiler alert: you are basically told exactly what will be asked of you on the exam. Prof. Dolan also required us to complete weekly review questions which were graded in a large part on a completion basis as opposed to accuracy. However, this does not mean you just get an A if you did it. If you did the work, and it shows you put thought into your answ…

I had Prof. Dolan for two classes: Simulation (IEOR 3404) and Statistical Methods for Analytics (IEOR 4544). While I was scared at first of the rigor and pace of the material, I can now hands down, say Prof. Dolan is the pinnacle of educator essence at Columbia. Despite the intimidating nature of the subject matters as well as the overall Zeitgeist cohesive to behavioral tendencies and empathetic incapacities of the IEOR department, I felt seen by my instructor. I was not the smartest, nor the most quickly abstractive, or even the most nuanced in class, but I always tried my best to be able to ask questions during class and be able to give answers to what was asked of us in parallel. I entered both classes having faced academic setbacks previously, and was predisposed to deficient academic self-image, but Prof. Dolan did not form a prejudicial approach to me due to the aforementioned. I was given the same expectations as anybody else would have been given, and I know its shocking that this was a revelation to me, but this is what I'm used to in IEOR. I expect to sit in class and be intrinsically ridiculed by my classmates and instructors alike for my unconformity. I felt insecure in IEOR and SEAS for a long time, but Prof. Dolan's pedagogy changed everything for me. Prof. Dolan places great emphasis on being able to engage in dialogue with his student audience during lecture.…