Bachelor's Degree in Data Science
Overview
The analysis of large amounts of data—for example, using artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to extract useful information—is the focus of the Bachelor’s program in Data Science. The program provides students with the necessary knowledge in programming (Python, R), mathematics (algebra, statistics), and modeling, as well as methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning, database systems, and the ethical and legal foundations of data handling.
Profile
This degree program is ideal for individuals interested in the methods and achievements of data science. These play a crucial role not only in well-known IT companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc., but also in all other areas of business, industry, public administration, and academia. An affinity for computer applications, as well as analytical, mathematical, and programming skills, are beneficial. In Giessen, students benefit from particularly strong academic support and establish personal contact with their instructors early on. They can choose from a wide range of courses and focus in particular on numerous practical applications. A series of lectures introduces the diverse application areas of data science across the entire university. Accordingly, the topic of the bachelor’s thesis can be chosen with considerable freedom from among the JLU departments that focus on data science.
Outlook
As the methods and results of data science become increasingly important across all sectors of business, industry, and government, the career prospects are strong. The term “digitalization” alone makes the excellent career prospects for students in the field of data science abundantly clear. In addition to the obvious opportunities in IT companies, knowledge of data science is also in demand in many other sectors, such as insurance, banking, consulting, industry, and public administration.
Structure
During the first two semesters, students lay the mathematical and programming foundations: linear algebra, Fundamentals of Computer Science I and II, Fundamentals of Programming with Python, Fundamentals of Statistics, Discrete Structures, and Mathematical and Scientific Modeling. In the third semester, in addition to required courses such as the Data Science lecture series, Fundamentals of Stochastics, and Artificial Intelligence I, students can choose one elective-required course. Semesters 4 and 5 include Fundamentals of Data Analysis with R, Advanced Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence II, Statistics and Simulation with R, and two elective-required courses. The final sixth semester includes another required elective module, the student project, and the bachelor’s thesis.
Preparation
We recommend that all incoming students in the Bachelor’s program in Data Science take the introductory mathematics course. The course reviews and reinforces high school material.
Academic Advising
The academic advisor for this program is:
Prof. Dr. Christian Heiliger
Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Christian.Heiliger@physik.uni-giessen.de
Please schedule an appointment by email.