Data Science with Industrial Placement

The BSc Data Science is an innovative inter-disciplinary taught course designed with industry and aimed at students wishing to work or research in data science. The course will cover the core areas of mathematics (discrete maths, fundamentals of machine learning and computational maths) and computer science (programming; object-oriented programming; software development; database theory and design). It will also include new modules which will introduce students to applied data science (e.g. machine learning, data structure & algorithm, AI & applications, computational intelligence, HPC, Big Data, Cloud) as well as social context (e.g. governance, ethics, business applications).   Research projects in each academic year will allow students to develop research and project management skills in an area of interest, using real world datasets, guided by a leading academic supervisor. Through the provision of extensive practical work experience in a business or commercial setting, contributing the students’ development as experienced computer scientists.

The programme aims to:

a) provide a high-quality general education in data science comprising a balanced core of key knowledge together with the opportunity to study a range of selected topics in more depth;

b) develop the analytical abilities of students so that they can identify and apply appropriate data science techniques and methods to solve problems in a range of application areas;

c) equip students with knowledge and experience of theoretical and practical data science techniques and practices;

d) develop in students appropriate subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills in order to prepare them for a wide range of employment opportunities



;

e) generate in students an enthusiasm for the subject of data science and involve them in a demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating learning experience reinforced by appropriate academic and pastoral tutorial support.

Your BSc Data Science with Industrial Placement programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook. 

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in hall and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the Faculty has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Facultyand an extensive range of web-based information (see https://student-harrison.emps.ex.ac.uk/index.php) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is general open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work.  Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier.  Also available are core texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources.  Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal.

Staff Student Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs). There are currently no specific accreditations associated with this programme.