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Career focused

The core component of the BDatSci degree consists of compulsory modules on all four year-levels. During the first year, the compulsory modules are Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematical Statistics and Data Science. In the second year, the compulsory modules are Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Computer Science and Data Science. In the third year, the compulsory modules are Mathematical Statistics, Computer Science, Datamining and Data Science. During the fourth year, the Statistical Learning theory module is compulsory plus a Data Science research project. The research project forms the core of the fourth year where students will submit a supervised project in one of the focal areas that completes the data cycle as a keystone project in Data Science.

Note: The module combinations mentioned under the different focal areas are not final yet. This will be finalised once the programme has been accredited by SAQA, hopefully before the end of 2020. We, however, expect at most minor changes to the current programme.

The focal areas are career driven and to assist our students, certain module combinations are suggested. BDatSci offers subject combinations for the following focal areas:

1. Statistical Learning (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

Statistical learning entails identifying trends and patterns in data, and using these to construct mathematical models which can be used to predict or classify

outcomes. It is used in diverse fields such as computer vision, speech recognition, sport and finance.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Mathematical Statistics, with home Department: Statistics and Actuarial Science

2. Computer Science (Faculty of Science)

Computer Science studies the principles and practice of computation and data processing; it considers problem-solving techniques and data manipulation for

everything from routing data over the Internet and powering your social media feeds, to controlling GPS satellites, manufacturing robots, or even your computer.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Computer Science, with home Department: Computer Science

3. Analytics and Optimisation (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

Operations researchers use analytics and optimisation techniques to make a difference in the world. Mathematics is applied to complex problems to find

meaningful, data-driven insights and improvements. Operations research: the science of better, evidence-based decision making.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainy from Opreations Research, with home Department: Logistics

4. Applied Mathematics (Faculty of Science)

Applied mathematics looks at real world applications of mathematical methods in fields such as science, engineering, business, computer science and

industry. It is therefore a combination of maths, science and domain knowledge.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Applied Mathematics, with home Department: Applied Mathematics

5. Behavioural Economics (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

Behavioural economics studies how psychological and economic factors affect the decisions we make as investors, consumers, voters and workers. Applying

these theories to data provides data scientists with the opportunity to understand, predict and influence human behaviour.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Economics, with home Department: Economics

6. Statistical Genetics (Faculty of AgriSciences)

Statistical genetics is the field of study where statistical methods are used to make inferences of genetic data. It is used in fields such as population

quantitative genetics by for example plant breeders and conservation geneticists and in genetic epidemiology where the effects of genes on diseases are

studied.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Biology and Statistical Genetics, with home Department: Genetics

7. Geoinformatics (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)

Geoinformatics is the science and technology dealing with the structure and character of spatial information, its capture, its classification and qualification,

its storage, processing, portrayal and dissemination.

Electtive modules in this focal area are mainly from Geoinformatics, with home Department: Geography and Environmental studies

8. Statistical Physics (Faculty of Science)

Statistical physics uses sophisticated maths and simulations to explore and understand the physics underlying everything from quantum mechanics to phase

transitions to factory nuts and bolts.

Elective modules in this focal area are mainly from Statistical Physics, with home Department: Physics