It's quite an understatement to say that data has become part of our everyday lives. Global companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon rely heavily on increasingly large amounts of data to produce tailored content and personalised advertisements. Mass manufacturers like Nestle or PepsiCo are relying on data science to calculate their production capabilities and efficiency. Today's overwhelming increase in the use of data has transformed the day-to-day operations of nearly every business and industry in the world.

Along with the immense amount of big data being generated today comes an increasing need for trained data scientists and statisticians who can gather, analyse and interpret that data. In 2021, we can expect millions of new job postings for professionals with data science and analytical skills.

Hence, a data science course or a data science degree, such as the Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Data Science) degree from James Cook University, will enable you to enter the booming field of data science with the hands-on experience and training sought after by today’s most innovative companies!

What skills and knowledge will I learn from a data science course?

Data scientists are big data wranglers, gathering and analysing large sets of structured and unstructured data. A data scientist’s role combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They analyse, process, and model data, then interpret the results to create actionable plans for companies and other organisations.

You’ll graduate with in-demand software techniques and big data skills, and will be ready to join the ranks of top data scientists, data analysts and statisticians across industries. Some of the skills you'll learn include:

• Integrating and applying a coherent body of theoretical and technical knowledge, including underlying concepts and principles, within the domain of data science
• Critically appraising the role and relevance of science in society, particularly in creating sustainable futures worldwide
• Demonstrating a broad understanding of the methods of science, including the creative processes involved in developing scientific knowledge, and its contestable and testable nature
• Retrieving, analysing, synthesising and evaluating information from a range of sources
• Planning and conducting reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools, as appropriate to one or more scientific disciplines
• Organising, analysing, and interpreting scientific data using mathematical, statistical and technological skills
• Conveying scientific ideas, arguments, and conclusions clearly and coherently through well-developed written and oral communication skills and a variety of media
• Identifying, analysing, and generating solutions to unpredictable or complex problems by applying scientific knowledge and skills with initiative and well-developed judgment
• Critically reviewing regulatory requirements, ethical principles and, where appropriate, cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly, and safely in diverse contexts
• Reflecting on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others

After all, technical skills are not the only thing that matters. Data scientists often exist in business settings and are charged with communicating complex ideas and making data-driven organisational decisions. As a result, it is highly important for them to be effective communicators, leaders, and team members, as well as high-level analytical thinkers.

Experienced data scientists and data managers are tasked with developing a company’s best practices, from cleaning to processing and storing data. They work cross-functionally with other teams throughout their organisation, such as marketing, customer success, and operations. They are highly sought-after in today’s blooming data and tech-heavy economy, and their salaries and job growth reflect that.

What are the different career paths available when I complete a data science degree?

Most graduates of data science degree programs go on to careers in one of the four job categories:

• Data Analyst: A career as a data analyst consists of transforming data into information that can be easily read, which offers actionable insights into business decisions.
• Data Architect: The job of a data architect is to help companies create database structures based on their particular data storage and retrieval needs. Data architects also use data software and computer programming skills to monitor and troubleshoot database issues.
• Data Scientist: A career as a data scientist involves turning data into value. Job responsibilities include retrieving and analysing data to improve business performance, and building AI tools that can automate tasks.
• Information Officer: The job of an information officer is to manage, maintain, and organise databases and digital resources. Information officers also use their data science expertise to ensure that data is both highly-protected and easily-accessible.

Many of today’s problems rely on understanding and analysing data to solve them. From community health and tracking activity in social networks, to understanding our environment and climate change, data scientists are increasingly in demand.

How long do you need to complete a Data Science degree?

Around the world, an undergraduate degree that makes use of the two-semester academic calendar typically takes three years. Of course, this is dependent on whether you're taking the degree on a full time or part-time basis.

However, at James Cook University, we have advanced from the typical two-semester system of the academic calendar. This gives rise to our trimester system, which expedites the learning pathway for students of our Bachelor of Science degree to just two years for full-time students.

Gain a head start in your career with a Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Data Science) degree at James Cook University.

At James Cook University, you'll receive a high-calibre Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Data Science) degrees in Singapore, with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in advanced technology, allowing you to pursue studies that create a meaningful impact in your field.

Deepen your industry knowledge and attain a globally-recognised Australian degree to expand your employability opportunities or pursue entrepreneurship. But don’t just take our word for it — hear from our academics!

Take charge of your future and the countless opportunities that await you! Enquire with us today!