Data Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)

Data science is a new, exciting area that has emerged in the last few years. The bsc (hons) data science with artificial intelligence degree at robert gordon university has been designed to provide you with the practical computing skills that you'll need to be part of our exciting data-driven future. 

You will learn about how to store and manage different types of data, how to draw insights from data using a range of techniques including Machine Learning, and how to present insights to your target audience with data visualisation tools. The course particularly emphasises the use of Artificial Intelligence for extracting meaning from data, amongst other uses, and builds towards cutting edge, research led approaches to Machine Learning and other aspects of Artificial Intelligence.

Year 1

• You will take part in a common Foundation Year with the rest of the School of Computing, which will introduce you to fundamental Data Science topics including programming, problem solving, databases and data analysis. You’ll be introduced to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and look at their impact on society.

Year 2

• You will expand the knowledge you gained in the first year, studying more advanced methods for managing data and analysing it. You’ll learn about using data in a web application, and apply your knowledge in a project. You’ll be able to select electives from a wide range of computing topics.

Year 3

• You will expand your Data Science skills to cover Big Data, Machine Learning and Data Visualisation. Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial project-based modules will let you apply what you’ve learned so far and improve your soft skills. Elective modules will let you extend your breadth of computing knowledge.

Year 4

• In the first semester, you will learn about several cutting edge, advanced topics in Artificial Intelligence. In the second semester, you will undertake a large, individual capstone project on a suitable topic of your own choice, which will allow you to demonstrate all you have learned throughout the course.

Learning methods

• There are two semesters per year. You will typically study 4 modules each semester, with 3-4 hours contact time per module. Modules often have a 1-hour lecture, supported by 2 hours of practical work and sometimes a 1 hour tutorial.

Methods of teaching vary and are chosen to be appropriate to the topic.

• The School places strong emphasis on practical computing skills. Most modules involve practical labs with exercises to complete, assisted by staff and demonstrators.
• Assessment is frequently by the demonstration of practical skills, either in a time-limited lab session or carried out over a longer period as coursework.

Placements

• Optional, paid short (3 months, Summer) or long (12 months, Year long) placements can be undertaken in this course.
• You are supported in finding a placement through the University Placements Office. You will be supported during the placement by a dedicated Placement Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement modules. You will be assigned an Academic Tutor, who will conduct regular communications with you and your employer.
• The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Job Prospects
Is Data Science with Artificial Intelligence a good career choice?

The course prepares you for a career in Data Science. Job openings include:

• Data Scientist,
• Data Engineer,
• Data Visualisation Specialist,
• Data Manager,
• Database Designer/Manager,
• Data Mining Expert,
• Machine Learning Engineer

The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary to be effective researchers. The School of Computing has extensive research strengths in topics related to the course, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Computational Intelligence. Suitable graduates may apply to continue to PhD programmes within the School.

Depending on the electives you select, you may be able to pursue a career in more general computing areas, including software development.

• Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups, so graduates can seek employment locally. RGU is also involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood Group PSN, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies, and you may benefit from the university’s links with some of these companies when it comes to securing placements or employment.