Master of Data Science (MC-DATASC) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a detailed technical understanding of the key advanced tools and methods used in data science;
• Demonstrate expertise in machine learning methods and strategies for advanced data mining, expertise in database systems, and expertise in computational statistics.
• Integrate and apply this expertise to produce solutions for real-world problems using public and private data sources.
• Communicate findings from analyses clearly and effectively, including to an audience with a diverse background in science and/or industry;
• Demonstrate a sophisticated awareness of ethical implications relevant to the use of data, and particularly “big data”;
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of algorithms in computer science and machine learning;
• Demonstrate skills in the evaluation and synthesis of information from a range of sources and the ability to apply these skills to understand the international peer-reviewed scientific literature and primary research in data science and disciplines relevant to data science; and
• Adapt to the different domains of application and to a rapidly evolving field.

Generic skills

Graduates will:

• Have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection
• Have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specialist area
• Reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication
• Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
• Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• Have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment; and
• Be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces

Graduate attributes