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BSc in Data Science

Faculty of Engineering & Computing

Learn programming, mathematics and communication, and apply those skills to solving problems in the real world.

The DCU BSc in Data Science is a unique programme focused on the combination of programming, mathematics, communication and data analytics to train students with highly valuable insight and professional expertise.

The degree has been developed in close collaboration between the university, global centers of research excellence (Insight, ADAPT), and major industry players. Students will cover both theory and practical skills in mathematics, statistics, programming, cloud technologies and machine learning.

They will then apply these skills to industrially- and socially- relevant scenarios using real-world data, and learn to communicate the results. The qualification is very marketable, with global demand across numerous sectors, employable at high levels in commercial and other organisations.

The Data Revolution

In the next minute, over 500 hours of video will be uploaded to youtube, 140 000 trades will be made through the NASDAQ stock exchange, and Facebook users will make more than 4.7 million likes.

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As everyone moves through the digital world, and increasingly the physical world, they generate data. Sensors measure air pollution, GPS tracks footballers, your phone records your daily steps, computer chips track food production plus all the information gathered by companies, charities and the government. Changing the modern world can be done by exploring and understanding data collected about it.

This Data Revolution is built on three pillars: first this is a technology revolution. Computers and electronics are increasingly our companions and our tools in everything from how we listen to music, to how we travel, but that’s not enough on its own. Understanding data means being able to comprehend the mathematical models that separate the signal from the noise; statistical and numerical analysis is the second key part of Data Science. Finally, Data Science is about impact: making meaningful decisions and bringing about real change through effective communication and analysis. Data Scientists practice Data Analytics, and are the front line in the next wave of improvements in society, commerce, and industry.

Our Programme

  • Theory
    Theory

    Learn to program, learn mathematics, and learn to tell convincing stories with data. The BSc includes detailed modules on the most important topics, such as machine learning, cloud technologies, statistics, visualisation and ethics.

  • Applications
    Applications

    Make a difference with data in areas like Retail, Health, Marketing, Manufacturing, Games, Language, Economics, Finance and Society. The BSc includes direct, hands-on experience with real data.

  • Employment
    Employment

    There are predicted to be in excess of 20,000 positions in Data Science available in Ireland through 2020. Data Science is one of the fastest-growing areas of employment with high value jobs in the knowledge economy.

  • Industry
    Industry

    Direct partnership with major data companies. Guaranteed Internships, direct interaction with Data Science teams during third and fourth year.

Course Structure

First year

Study the fundamentals: mathematics, statistics, programming, and get a taste of the excitement of data analytics.

Computer Programming; Data Science & Databases; Collaboration & Innovation; Linear Mathematics; Calculus; Probability; Digital Innovation Management & Enterprise

Second year

Adds more data and more problem solving, including machine learning, visualisation, and data mining.

Computer Programming (Data Structures & Algorithms, Object Oriented Programming); Data Processing & Visualization; Probability; Statistics; Calculus of Several Variables; Data Warehousing & Data Mining; Introduction to Machine Learning; Programming for Data Analysis

Third year

You will put these fundamentals to work on large data sets, on complex problems, and on real-world scenarios in our unique data science ‘pods’, where you will work with enterprises and cultural institutions on their data and with their people. The second half of third year is dedicated to an INTRA, where you will join a Data Science team in a large, data-driven organisation and gain real understanding of your future role.

Research & Professional Practise for Data Science; Data Exploration Using Graph Theory; Software Engineering: Building Better Software; Application Domains; INTRA - paid work placement

Fourth year

You will bring your skills and learning to tackle creative and practical solutions to complex problems. This will include more ‘pods’, the latest developments in programming, mathematics and data science, and a significant individual project showcasing your potential to the many interested employers.

Data Analysis at Speed and Scale; Natural Language Technologies; Advanced Machine Learning; Building Complex Computational Models; Application Domains; Final Year Project

Apply now via CAO, or contact us for more information.