Data Science
James Quinlan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
jquinlan@une.edu
Mission
The Data Science Bachelor of Science degree program inspires students to become innovators who make impactful contributions through data analysis, modeling, computation, and simulation. The program fosters flexible and creative approaches for problem solving and the ability to gain insights about complex relationships and interdependencies, and to describe and communicate these insights for prediction and decision making.
Major Description
In recent years the explosion of data in a wide range of fields has created a wealth of opportunities for data science professionals, and the demand for people with the right skills continues to grow. The Data Science B.S. program at UNE gives you the opportunity to apply your passion for mathematical modeling and computing to problems involving the analysis of data and the design of models for extracting information, making predictions, and decision-making.
Beginning with foundational mathematics, statistics, and computing, you will develop techniques in visualization, machine learning, and data mining.
Industry partnerships with local employers provide opportunities to apply these techniques and refine your expertise through project-based learning experiences throughout the curriculum as well as in a senior practicum.
Curricular Requirements
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| DSC 110 - Survey of Software Tools | 1 |
| DSC 130 - Exploring Data | 3 |
| DSC 225 - Programming I or MAT 225 - Computer Programming w/ MATLAB | 3 |
| DSC 260 - Data Visualization | 3 |
| DSC 301 - Introduction to Database Design/SQL | 3 |
| DSC 344 - Machine Learning | 3 |
| DSC 480 - Data Science Practicum | 3 |
| MAT 120 Statistics or MAT 150 - Statistics for Life Sciences | Credits included in Core Requirements |
| MAT 190 - Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 220 - Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Total | 26 |
| Elective Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| DSC 205 - Introduction to Data Analysis and Modeling | 3 |
| DSC 270 - Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| DSC 325 - Programming II | 3 |
| DSC 410 – Data Mining | 3 |
| DSC 420 – Predictive Modeling | 3 |
| DSC 490 – Topics in Data Science | 3 |
| GIS 364 – Spatial Data Analysis | 3 |
| MAT 195 – Calculus II | 3 |
| MAT 212 – Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 323 – Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MAT 340 – Graph Theory with Applications | 3 |
| MAT 405 – Introduction to Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| Program Elective Courses* | 15–17 |
| Open Elective Courses (needed to reach 120) | 35–37 |
| Total | 52–54 |
*Select at least five courses from the list, with at least one selected from among DSC 410, DSC 420, and DSC 490.
| Totals | Credits |
|---|---|
| CAS Core Requirements | 42 |
| Program Requirements | 26 |
| Elective Requirements | 52–54 |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
Learning Outcomes
Students successfully completing the B.S. in Data Science will:
- Develop, test, and deploy mathematical and statistical models for data analysis, prediction, and decision making
- Use current field-standard digital tools for data management, manipulation, organization, analysis, and visualization
- Effectively communicate quantitative information to technical and non-technical audiences orally, in writing, and through visual formats
Minors
A student with a major in another program may minor in Data Science with the approval of the academic director. A minimum of 18 hours of approved course credit is required.
Students wishing to declare a Data Science minor should complete a course plan in consultation with a Mathematical Sciences faculty member.
Students may earn a Minor in Data Science by completing 18-19 credits in the following:
| Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| DSC 130 - Exploring Data | 3 |
| DSC 225 - Programming I or MAT 225 - Computer Programming w/ MATLAB | 3 |
| DSC 260 - Data Visualization | 3 |
| DSC 344 - Machine Learning | 3 |
| MAT 120 - Statistics or MAT 150 - Statistics for Life Sciences | 3 |
| Elective Credits* | 3–4 |
*Select at least one course from among DSC 205, DSC 301, DSC 410, DSC 420, DSC 490, and GIS 364.
Honors Program
At this time, Data Science does not offer Honors Program.
Transfer Credit
Courses previously completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program beginning in Fall 2020. Transferred mathematics courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the mathematics courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they will transfer as general electives.
All Science/Math courses previously completed must be no older than five years.
See Undergraduate Admissions also.
Admissions
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.