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About
Data Science Foundations introduces the fundamentals of data science, including terminology and concepts, core models and algorithms, technologies, and application scenarios. It considers the key technologies used in data collection, processing, integration, analysis, and visualisation, applied to a variety of data types.
Additionally, students will be introduced to concepts including ethics, security, reliability and Sustainable Development Goals in relation to data science. Material covered will be contextualised by providing examples of the latest research within the area.
Students will also be introduced to programming with Python. You will learn the basics of syntax, and how to configure the development environment for the implementation and testing of algorithms related to data science. This is an established module and has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Why Study This Course?
In a world driven by data, understanding data science is crucial. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to work with data confidently.
What Will You Gain?
You will acquire skills in data handling, from collection to visualisation, along with an understanding of ethical and security considerations. This course equips you with both technical abilities and creative problem-solving skills.
Relevance to Industry/Job Market
With demand for data science professionals rising across all industries, this course provides the essential skills employers are looking for, giving you a competitive edge in various fields.
The module upskills learners with fundamentals skills in data collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation, opening doors to roles such Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Business Intelligence Analyst. These skills are highly transferrable across industries, including finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education. The module emphasises real-world applications, integrating industrial contexts and project work to enhance your employability. Data Analysts are in high demand across sectors, from large consultancies and financial firms to marketing agencies and the public sector, making this course a valuable step toward a dynamic and versatile career.
Who is This Course For?
The course is ideal for beginners, professionals looking to upskill, or anyone interested in data science.
Delivery format
- Teaching will be delivered face-to-face on the Derry~Londonderry campus.
- Teaching is delivered through lectures and practical laboratory sessions.
- This 20 credit module consists of 200 effort hours as follows:
- 60 contact hours (5 hours per week) in total comprised of lectures and practical laboratory sessions.
- 140 hours of independent study is expected outside of the contact hours.
- The course is assessed by 100% coursework.
The course is taught by a team of experienced educators, who bring both academic excellence and practical industry knowledge to the classroom. They have a strong background in data science, with research published in respected journals and experience working with leading organisations. Committed to student success, our instructors ensure the course material is relevant, up-to-date, and grounded in real-world applications, providing you with a high standard of teaching and support as you build your data science skills.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Term Dates
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Derry~Londonderry campus, on Mondays, during Semester 2 in 2025.
The short course is timetabled each Monday from:
Monday 27 January 2025, 4:15pm – 9:15pm to Monday 14 April 2025, 4:15pm – 9:15pm
Dates may be subject to change.
Further Information
Modules
This is a 20 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry requirements
You must have:
(i) an Honours or non-Honours degree in the subject areas of computing, engineering or related discipline from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard;
or
(ii) an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification in the subject areas of computing, engineering or related discipline;
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) , where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements above.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
