What is Data Science?
Data science is a union of statistics, computer science and domain application. Its goal is to extract information from data to advance knowledge across industry, business, and societies and support key decision making.
As technology evolves, so, too, does data science. This burgeoning field presents almost limitless opportunities for professional development and lifelong discovery.
Increasingly, industries are collecting and using data to gain insight into their domain. For example, many retail companies use a rewards program to collect information on their customers and use the data to obtain insights into their behaviours and habits, in order to design products and experiences to more completely meet their needs.
Storing, wrangling and analysing large and complex data sets (also known as data mining) is a key skill increasingly demanded by employers across the contemporary workplace. Those with this skillset, and the analytical abilities to interpret the results, are becoming more and more valuable. Numerous businesses are beginning to incorporate data into their key decision-making process.
Data science and statistical modelling may be used to analyse human behaviours and patterns to optimise a range of scenarios including transport routes, urban planning, health services, crime prevention and more.
Big data, algorithms, data visualisation, analytics and more are all terms you hear regularly in the corporate world, but currently, few people have the expertise to really understand data science and apply it to help businesses discover new potential. The sector is ripe for career growth as potential applications continue to develop.
What does a data scientist do?
Data scientists work first and foremost with computers; however, they are very much dealing with real-world challenges and providing insights that enable the design of highly practical solutions.
As a data scientist, you will have a natural affinity for statistics and mathematics. Don’t worry if it wasn’t your best subject in high school, it’s more about having a genuine interest in the different and widespread applicability of numbers.
Your daily working life as a data scientist may see you calling upon your skills in data analytics.
You may also find yourself working in the field of data visualisation, one whose popularity and applicability to industry is rapidly expanding. Data scientists who work in data visualisation have the ability to take large swathes of data, understand it, process it, extract value from it and use it for storytelling. They may employ software such as Tableau to analyse and visualise data and create interactive and accessible data models. The stories data tells could be related to consumer patterns, business evolution or employee efficiency. This can be a highly creative part of data science, focused on interpretation and communication, as you analyse data and actively communicate it to stakeholders.
The opportunities within data science are broad, meaning there is a role to suit every personality type. Whether you excel working with statistics or communicating with people, there’s a place within data science for you.
Explore your study options in Data Science
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Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Singapore: January, May, September
Learn from world-renowned lecturers and engage with experts in your chosen field with an Advanced Science degree from JCU. Develop strong research and communication skills as you investigate the role of science in creating sustainable futures within the Tropics. Model solutions to case studies from an array of biophysical contexts and extend your hands-on learning by completing a research internship or practical placement.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, September
- Cairns: January, September
Embrace the exciting world of science. Pair your scientific study with experiences like no other — explore environments like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest or conduct research in state-of-the-art labs. Learn how to train an AI algorithm to identify flora and fauna species or dig into the earth’s history to find prehistoric remains. Graduate career-ready with advanced practical skills and a drive for discovery.
Download Brochure- Townsville: January, September
- Cairns: January, September
Unlock a world of potential with the Master of Data Science at JCU and become an authority in the roaring big-data industry. Develop innovative solutions to contemporary problems in data science and mastermind database systems, programs, models, and projects.
- Cairns: March, September
- Brisbane: March, July, November
What jobs are there in data science?
From defence departments to internet start-ups, and financial institutions to sporting teams, almost every industry and profession in the world now uses data and data science to enhance its operations and outcomes.
While Silicon Valley is certainly an option, you may also find data science jobs in businesses and locations far removed from the stereotypical technology hubs.
As a data scientist, you may begin your professional life in a practical and tactical role, executing data queries and creating reports; however, your ability to deliver invaluable business insights may also give you the opportunity to move into highly strategic jobs, either in-house or as a consultant.
With a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Data Science, from JCU, you can embrace careers such as:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Business analyst
- Strategic advisor
- Researcher.
Why study Data Science at JCU?
When you study Data Science at JCU in the Bachelor of Science, or in one of JCU's postgraduate Data Science programs, you will acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills you need in statistics, science and computer science to qualify for a range of data science and analytics roles.
JCU Data Science includes subjects covering the latest areas and developments in the field, including data visualisation, big data and machine learning.
You will also undertake projects, programming and modelling throughout your data science studies that will enable you to provide practical work examples to potential employers that are relevant across a range of industries.
JCU’s small class sizes mean you’ll benefit from personalised learning and one-on-one engagement with your lecturers. Explore opportunities to gain experience before graduation with the JCU Work Integrated Learning program, as well as other internships and industry networking events.
With options to study at our Townsville, Cairns or Singapore campuses, you can consider the domestic and international implications of this rapidly expanding field. Gain experience from across Europe, America or Asia by taking advantage of our Study Abroad programs, to see up-to-the minute developments in your field from an international perspective. The connections and knowledge you gain can carry you into a variety of career opportunities.
Rishitha Asam
Alumni
JCU Data Science
“This course is helping me to build a career that I was always keen on. I strongly believe that after completion of this course, I will be able to synthesise and evaluate complex information, concepts, methods, and theories from a range of sources. I am certain that this course will be a bridge to fulfill my ambition in becoming a Data Scientist. There’s just so much to learn in this course and I have always been intrigued by it. This is a pretty vast subject and it is often said to be the future of AI. There are plenty of opportunities in this field. I enjoy the challenges in this course.”