Course Catalogue

Data science is an emerging discipline that extends the field of statistics to incorporate advances in computing, especially with large quantities of data. It is a growing area of demand at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with a predicted scarcity of expertise forecast over the next decade. There is a need for a level 7 programme to serve as a specialisation and conversion course aimed at numerate graduates aiming for industrial and academic positions in the Data Science marketplace. To satisfy this need, the programme needs to combine data analytics with big data computing. These areas of expertise are covered by the Astrophysics Research Institute and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics. The MSc is therefore founded on a strong foundation at LJMU of research activity in data analysis and big data computation.

The aim of the programme is therefore to provide training in the skills and techniques of modern data science and give the student the ability to apply those skills and techniques to create solutions to research and business problems. The students will gain an understanding not just of how to apply the techniques and skills, but also their limitations and how to synthesise their combination to gain greater insights.

Acquisition of knowledge through lectures, seminars, practicals, directed reading, focused literature review exercises, coursework assignments, student discussion groups and tutorials.

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of continuous assessment methods, short and extended computer based assignments, formal written examinations, project report or dissertation, and oral presentations.

Analytic, mathematical and problem solving skills are developed through self-learning assessments, focussed literature review exercises, written assignments and tutorials.

The Research Project will involve both experimental and literature research, further developing skills of research methodology, critical analysis and discussion.

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through computer based assignments and written examinations. Experimental and analysis research skills are assessed in the presentation of the Project together with an oral defence.

Practical experimental skills, preparing a high-level technical report and giving a technical presentation are developed through the Research Project and Research Methods modules.

Computational and programming skills are embedded in every module and will be developed throughout the programme.

Project proposal and report, computer based coursework assignments and examinations, oral presentation.

Transferable skills are embedded on the programme. Skills are learned through completion of written assignments, participating in tutorials and collecting and transferring data via computer networks and from on-line databases, and through the Data Science Project.

As part of the research methods and project modules, the students will be encouraged and assisted to develop a professional on-line presence.

Skills are developed through self-assessment exercises, coursework and the oral and written "pitches" of research proposals and projection management plan. Tutorials and feedback assist and improve the level of skill achieved.

There are no external placements during the programme. However business skills of project development, management, implementation and presentation are embedded throughout the course. As part of the Research Methods (7020DATSCI) module the students will have developed a business case/research proposal and project management plan which they will have “pitched” both in oral and written form. The subsequent three month research project (7030DATSCI) can be viewed as a placement within an academic department to carry out research. Each student will be allocated to one or more supervisors who will act as their line manager(s) for the project. The supervisors can have complementary skill sets in the problem domain and the data science methods. Weekly one hour meetings of the supervisors and student will monitor progress and provide opportunities for developmental feedback. The aim is to run the projects in the same fashion as either an academic or industrial project is done externally. As part of the research methods and project modules, the students will be encouraged and assisted to develop a professional on-line presence. The Work Based Project (7031DATSCI) module will help consolidate knowledge and skills required to apply data science to real-world problems.