From natural science, through the business, finance and retail sectors to social networking and mobile devices, computer-based systems now generate huge volumes of data almost continuously. Large data sets have become the norm in a wide variety of disciplines and applications. While it represents a phenomenal resource, the rapid emergence of ‘Big Data’ brings challenges: there is now an urgent need for graduates skilled in the sophisticated mathematical and computational techniques required for large-scale data analysis. In response to this need, the new discipline of Data Science is emerging at the interface between computer science and statistics. A recent study estimates that the US alone will face a shortage of up to 190,000 data scientists by 2018. The BSc Data Science, one of the first undergraduate courses in this area in the UK, produces graduates with the core mathematical and computer science knowledge and skills needed to present, analyse and ultimately understand large data sets. The course is the result of a partnership between the School of Computer Science and the School of Mathematical Sciences, and draws on staff expertise available in each School. Course content is equally split between Mathematics and Computer Science modules, with an emphasis on statistical and computational data analysis methods, many the result of work in Artificial Intelligence. These are supported by a strong software development theme, providing the skills needed to both understand and apply key techniques. The final year project provides an opportunity to bring this skills together to address real data analysis problems in a rich and supportive environment.

You will graduate with: general knowledge and understanding of computers and computer science; specialised knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of artificial intelligence; an understanding of a variety of approaches, techniques and tools needed to solve the different types of problem encountered in computer science in general and artificial intelligence in particular; and an understanding of the professional, legal and ethical aspects of the discipline.