Computer Science with Data Science
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you have an interest in technology and trends, this degree could be for you. At its core, data science is about extracting insights from data that can transform the way a company operates. For example, understanding data can match millions of businesses with new customers around the world in the areas of advertising and e-commerce. Mining large-scale data sets based on our health can inform pharmaceutical companies when choosing new medicines to develop and capturing data streams from wearable devices can improve our understanding of our habits and routines. Agri-food, energy, transport, government and education are all examples of industries on the verge of being transformed by the power of data-driven methods.
This degree follows the same first two years as the BSc in Computer Science, which will give you an excellent foundation in Computer Science and Mathematics. The in-depth focus on Data Science begins in Third Year, when you will study Statistics, Data Management and Data Analytics. The aim is to provide the technical depth and the practical experience that you will need to stand out in an increasingly demanding market place. Modules will include hands-on experience with contemporary data science tools such as Hadoop, NoSQL, Python, SciPy, SciKit.Learn, Matplotlib, Numpy and Pandas.
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Computer Science with Data Science. Sample topics include Machine Learning, Probability Theory, Introduction to AI, Networks & Internet Systems, Data Science in Python, Data Mining, Information Visualisation, and Programming for Big Data.
First Year
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Elective Module
Second Year
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Elective Modules
- Five-month internship or software engineering project
Fourth Year
- Computer Science
- Data Science (Includes a research project)
Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why I chose to study Computer Science at UCD.
Universities that students have visited to date include the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the University of California, Irvine, USA, and Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Graduates with training in Computer Science with Data Science work in fields such as:
- Banking and financial services
- Consultancy (e.g. Accenture, Deloitte, PWC)
- Internet companies such as Google, PayPal and Facebook
- Established ICT companies such as IBM, Microsoft and Intel
- ICT Startups
Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD programmes such as the MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) or the MSc Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation.
“Growing up I loved taking things apart, understanding how they worked and then enjoyed the challenge of putting them back together again. I loved Mathematics in school and studying Computer Science has given me an outlet to apply these problem-solving skills. During my first two years, I had an opportunity to gain a better understanding of my strengths and interests, which led me into opting for Computer Science with Data Science. A degree in data science provides endless career opportunities and studying in UCD makes it all the more enjoyable. UCD’s elective modules have given me the ability to extend my love for sport to an academic level, completing modules in exercise and performance. As a GAA scholar, UCD has given me the best opportunity to perform and succeed with access to world-class facilities and services.”
Chloe Foxe, Student
Dr. Derek Greene
UCD School of Computer Science
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: computerscience@ucd.ie
