Aims and Learning Outcomes

Aims

Launched in the Academic Year (AY) 2019-20, the LEO Dr David P. Chan Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science (BScDS) programme is hosted by the Department of Computing and Decision Sciences (CDS), Faculty of Business, Lingnan University. Subsequent to the establishment of the School of Data Science (SDS) on 2 May 2024, the existing BScDS was relocated from the Faculty of Business’s Department of Computing and Decision Sciences to SDS’s Division of Artificial Intelligence (DAI).

The Programme is designed to educate students about the rigorous scientific process of data science, so that they can objectively study and analyse a given problem with data and formulate novel questions that can be answered by analysing data, with the aims to train students in the fundamental principles and practical applications of data science. Students will learn the scientific process and computational, mathematical and statistical methods in data collection, analysis and presentation. They will learn how to apply the data science process and methods appropriately and creatively to solve problems that arise in science, social science, arts and business. Students will be able to effectively deliver the results and communicate with different stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds. Graduates should satisfy the expectations of their current and future employers by working in different roles (e.g., as business analysts, data analysts, project managers, database administrators and data scientists) for various organisations. The programme also prepares graduates for professional IT examinations and further studies at the Master’s and Doctoral levels. In summary, the Programme educates data scientists, data analysts and IT professionals for the job market and research societies.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs)

On completing the BScDS programme, students will be able to:

PILO 1): Recognize the fundamental principles and practical applications of data science, especially in the domains of science, social science, arts and business.

PILO 2): Describe and effectively apply the data science process and techniques to problem solving.

PILO 3):Apply critical thinking skills to analyse problems, collaborate in teams, and provide data/information/knowledge for decision making.

PILO 4):Formulate problems creatively as data science problems.

PILO 5): Recognize the fundamental principles and practical applications of data science, especially in the domains of science, social science, arts and business.

PILO 6): Collect, store, manage, process, analyse and visualise data from different data sources with various characteristics to address society needs.

PILO 7): Evaluate and validate the results obtained in a data science process, with an understanding of their limitations and ethical, legal, security and social responsibilities.

PILO 8): Deliver the findings and communicate with different stakeholders with a variety of diverse backgrounds.

PILO 9): Implement and deploy recommendations in different kinds of information systems and/or intelligent systems, with appropriate consideration for social well-being, safety and environmental implications, and recognize the need for continuous learning and professional development.