New B.Sc. Degree Examines Data Science through Interdisciplinary Lens
Data Science B.Sc. to address growing demand across industries and sectors, equipping students with skills and hands-on experience working with real-world datasets
Trent University has launched a new degree program, Bachelor of Science in Data Science, to equip the next generation of data scientists with the skills and experience to make significant contributions to the complex area of data analysis across a variety of industries and sectors.
Trent University is known for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. The Bachelor of Science in Data Science will provide students with opportunities to put theory into practice through experiential learning opportunities, preparing students for a career in the growing field of data science.
“Our program is unique in the sense that we have this notion of a focus area,” said Dr. Richard Hurley, chair of the Department of Computer Science at Trent University. “Students will be required to take four credits (one per year) in an area or discipline where they want to focus. For example, if your interest is in health data, maybe you take courses in Sociology, or if you are interested in social media data, maybe you do courses in Cultural Studies. If you’re interested in stock markets, you might take Business or Economics courses, or focus on Physics if you are interested in astronomy.”
Professor Hurley explains that blending a foundation in data science with insights into a specific focus area creates an interdisciplinary lens through which students will be able interpret and value diverse datasets.
Application in real-world scenarios
Students in this program will dive into both theoretical study and hands-on exploration of data analytics, statistics and information management techniques, including programming, visualization, and predictive modelling.
“In their fourth year, students will work under faculty supervision to propose, develop, implement and evaluate a data science solution from a real-world dataset,” added Prof. Hurley. “The goal is to bring students closer to how the whole process comes together in a work environment, where they have to pull the raw data, clean it and then analyze it using a variety of techniques.”
The Data Science degree program will cover a wide range of topics—from techniques for data gathering, cleaning and manipulation to ethics in the discipline of computing—equipping students with the skills to extract data from structured and unstructured datasets, and apply their knowledge and insights across a broad range of application domains.
Learn more about Trent’s Data Science degree
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Celia Grimbly, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or celiagrimbly@trentu.ca