Every industry is using the increasing availability of large volumes of data to grow - from predicting weather patterns and optimising harvesting in agriculture, to improving patient diagnosis and treatment in the health industry and enhancing the management of remote infrastructure in mining. Central to harnessing the power of data to drive innovation is the Data Scientist. This Data Science major is multidisciplinary with fields of study in computing, statistics, emerging internet technologies and media studies.

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high performing students to pursue their interest in Science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying Data Science with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. The major culminates in a capstone experience in which students will have the opportunity to pursue Physics projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) provides opportunities through second and third year to undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience, sourced by the student, which can be used for course credit.

Students in this course gain practical experience programming in both R and Python and exposure to data science professionals. Work-based learning is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience.

Foundational studies in programming and statistics form the basis of higher level studies in data mining, data security and computer simulation. The major builds students’ capacity to extract, analyse and visualise large volumes of data and communicate analytical outcomes to a range of audiences.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).

Why study

The majors in Curtin’s Advanced Science (Honours) are unique in Western Australia in their combination of discipline focus, capacity to specialise within that discipline or pursue other interests, and research and work experience within the course. You will have a distinctive set of skills and experience that lay the foundation for a career as a scientist able to work across the range of ‘science’ jobs.

How this course will make you industry ready

The data science major develops skills across disciplines and allows students to focus their analytical and data visualisation skills through electives and minor programs. It has been developed and with industry and is reviewed annually by external advisors to ensure that the skills and knowledge are up to date and relevant to employers in this dynamic field.

Graduates from the major will be equipped to enter a range of industries where data science is key to data-driven innovation. You will have highly transferable skills that enable career flexibility and international employment opportunities.