| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This Major is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Data Science (DS). This emerging field has the potential to transform the way science, business, healthcare, government, are carried out. The growing use of computers and of the internet in many aspects of our lives generate a deluge of data that conventional techniques are not capable of handling. Data science which studies specialised computational and statistical techniques to analyse such "big data", is considered one of the key skills of the 21st century and there is a skills shortage in this field. This program will provide students with the range of technical skills necessary to work as competent data scientists.
The emphasis in all units is on concepts, insights and skills that enable graduates to use current technologies and also evaluate and adapt to new technologies as they emerge. Central to the learning of the conceptual material is extensive practical experience where non-trivial problems are analysed, solutions designed, both individually and in groups. Students will undertake a range of core units that introduce databases concepts and technologies, programming and problem solving skills, and statistics. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. Extract data from a variety of database systems (K, P)
2. Organise data in a way that facilitates prediction of future trends (K)
3. Demonstrate competence in employing specialised data management strategies pertinent to big data technologies on and off the cloud (K)
4. Employ pertinent mathematical/statistical modelling techniques (K, P)
5. Apply machine learning and data mining techniques for analysing both small and large quantities of data (K)
6. Engage with clients and the community in a professional, ethical and socially responsible manner. (C, E, A, J)
7. Communicate ideas and solutions to a range of audiences (C, E)
8. Conduct a data science project applying industry-standard methods and practices, including as part of a team (K, T, P,
I, C, J) |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Major in Data Science is designed to prepare graduates as professionals for work in industry, research organisations and academia. The program is intended to meet the Australian Computer Society professional standards for ICT courses which includes the underlying core body of knowledge in IT and the professional and ethical responsibilities relevant to working in the IT industry.
The learning activities in the degree are designed to provide opportunities for students to meet all of these standards. The academics involved with this program are active researchers, which enables them to integrate cutting-edge research into the units that they teach. The majority of the units in this program have practical components supported by small-group teaching sessions in our computing laboratories. Some units utilise small groups in which students work in teams to achieve a goal. Communication skills are developed through oral presentations.
The theoretical components of units are presented in lectures and develop the underlying theory, in addition to developing analytical and problem solving skills. All units have weekly face-to-face activities. Assignments are used for formative and summative purposes. As knowledge in IT is continually evolving, learning and teaching methods support the capacity for students to become independent learners.
The major culminates with a Capstone unit that involves students being part of a small team assigned to an industry partner to carry out an industry relevant project. Students work autonomously under the guidance of academic staff and using industry staff as 'clients'. The project allows students to apply in an integrated manner the knowledge and skills they have developed in their studies on a substantial design, analysis or development problem.
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| Assessment |
Units in the Major in Data Science all have at least three different types of assessment. These assessments are designed not just to test discipline-specific knowledge, but all aspects of professional competency include professional practice, project work, design and communication skills. In addition to formal assessments, students are provided with informal feedback from staff and their peers throughout the semester.
Assessment types are very diverse and include:
Assignments – test the understanding of a learning outcome by means of small size problems
Programming Assignments - allow students to demonstrate their competency in developing programs of varying complexity.
Reports and documents – beside essay style questions to analyse and critique different topics they also assess relevant skills involving documentation such as requirements documentation and project plans.
Oral presentations - these test students ability to communicate the results of their work
Group reports – are used when group projects or group laboratory work is conducted.
Final exams - The majority of the units will have a final examination where the ability to synthesize and apply knowledge is assessed.
Quizzes and in-class tests assess student learning part-way through the unit and provide feedback to students on learning progress.
Tutorial assessment – assess students work in formal tutorial sessions where students receive the support of tutors and other staff |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The career opportunities lie in the area of data science and more broadly in data analytic and data mining. There is currently significant demand for employees in these areas, often identified by the keyword "Big Data". Potential employers of data science practitioners include the following industries: IT, consulting, retail, automotive, and hospital/medical.
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| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
