BSc

Data Science

Data Science Code 7G73

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Key Facts

7G73

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course Length

    3 Year

Further details on entry requirements

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The BSc Data Science degree at Aberystwyth University combines mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to equip you with the essential skills you will need to make sense of large amounts of data and forge a successful career in this arena.

Data science is entrenched in many aspects of modern society, and as the world generates increasing amounts of information about scientific research or our online shopping habits and social media usage, there is a rapidly growing global demand for people who can analyse and interpret such ‘Big’ Data. Data science is a stimulating area of study with strong employability prospects in a field which is currently experiencing a shortage of suitably qualified graduates.

Experts from our Departments of Mathematics and Computer Science will train you in programming and database design, data modelling, probability and estimation, statistical techniques and methods for testing software systems. A wide range of optional modules throughout the course enables you to focus your interests in particular areas or maintain a breadth of study. On graduation you will be well-positioned for a career in a range of industries which demand quantitative analysis or to pursue further study.

Course Overview

Why study Data Science at Aberystwyth?

  • This course is taught jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics. Mathematics has been taught at Aberystwyth University since 1872, making the university the first in Wales to teach this subject. Our established heritage alongside our strong research based teaching ensures an innovative and stimulating experience.
  •  The combination of the modules delivered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics will give you a strong grounding in the underlying theory of Data Science as well as the practical skills to be able to apply that theory in real world data analytics.
  • Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be able to design and carry out analysis of large sets of data and can draw implications from the results.  This course will allow you to understand how data collected by companies can have a large effect on their operations.
Our Staff

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Almost all of the Department of Computer Science lecturers are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new lecturers are required to obtain the PGCTHE, and hence are Senior Fellows or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The department also employs a number of part time demonstrators and tutors and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Research fellows and research assistants (mostly PhD qualified) may also be involved in delivering occasional teaching when it is appropriate.

Modules

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Algebra * MA10510 10
Calculus * MP10610 10
Further Algebra and Calculus * MP11010 10
Introduction to Computer Infrastructure CS10220 20
Introduction to Programming * CS12020 20
Mathematical Analysis * MA11110 10
Probability MA10310 10
Programming Using an Object-Oriented Language * CS12320 20
Statistics MA11310 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Algorithm Design and Data Structures CS21120 20
Applied Statistics MA26620 20
Distributions and Estimation MA26010 10
Introduction to Numerical Analysis and its applications MA25220 20
Linear Algebra * MA21410 10
Modelling Persistent Data CS27020 20
Software Engineering * CS22120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Agile Development and Testing CS31310 10
Linear Statistical Models MA36510 10
Major Project * CS39440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Comparative Statistical Inference MA36010 10
Graphs and Networks MA32410 10
Probability and Stochastic Processes MA37410 10
Stochastic Models in Finance MA37810 10
Topics in Biological Statistics MA35210 10

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Career Prospects

There is a shortage of skilled Data Scientists, which means that graduates in this area are in demand! One study estimates that around 200,000 Data Scientists will be needed in the future.

 Forbes Magazine labelled Data Scientist as “the sexiest job of the 21st century.”

The role of Data Scientist is finding and interpreting patterns in big data, and needs an excellent understanding of statistics and good computing skills. 

Our graduates have found employment with employers such as:

  • IBM
  • HP
  • Gloversure
  • Plymouth Marine Laboratories
  • CERN
  • Walt Disney
  • GCHQ 

Transferable skills:

During your first year, you will have the opportunity to take part in a weekend of activities in Gregynog hall nearby Aberystwyth. This residential weekend will focus on:

  • Group activities
  • Communication skills
  • Good time management 
  • Creative thinking 

Work experience opportunities

Students who are interested in completing a work experience placement should consider our sister course BSc Data Science with integrated year in industry (7G74). This sister course has an identical syllabus to 7G73, however you will have an additional year to undertake a year in industry. 

As a student here, you will be able to take advantage of the various opportunities that exist such as AberWorks, AberForward, YES and Go Wales.

The department supports students seeking voluntary work, particularly in the teaching of mathematics in all sectors. Further information can be obtained from the department. 

Course Content

What will I learn?

  • In the first year, you will combine modules in programming and software with fundamental mathematics and statistics.
  • In the second year you will extend your knowledge of statistics alongside data analysis and databases.
  • In the final year you will bring your study together in a major individual project, covering a realistic data analysis problem, in addition to core and elective modules in statistics and computing.

How will I be taught?

  • You will be taught by enthusiastic staff through a complementary set of teaching and learning methods and approaches, ranging from formal lectures, seminars and tutorials to practicals and individual and group-based project work.
  • You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, projects, workshops and examinations.
    You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.
  • You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in Mathematics

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with B in A level Mathematics

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Mathematics at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Mathematics

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits, and offers can vary. If you are studying a qualification not listed on this page, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice. For further information, contact ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk

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