Applied Data Science (Environment and Sustainability) MSc draft

Program Overview

The MSc Applied Data Science (Environment and Sustainability) program at the University of Exeter equips students with advanced data analysis skills and knowledge in environmental sustainability. Based at the Penryn Campus, the program provides exposure to cutting-edge data science techniques and research on environmental change. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as data scientists, sustainability consultants, and environmental researchers.

Program Outline

MSc Applied Data Science (Environment and Sustainability) - Detailed Extraction

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: Develop an understanding of state-of-the-art modelling, emergent data science techniques, and explore economic, environmental, and societal issues surrounding sustainability practices and policies.
• Program Description:
• Based at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, hosted by the University's Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), which leads cutting-edge research on problems of environmental change.
• Provides exposure to a wide variety of data and data analytics approaches with opportunities to work with industry, charities, or the public sector.
• Aims to equip students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the demanding and fast-growing data analytics sectors, particularly in relation to sustainability.

Outline:

• Program Structure:
• Full-time, 1-year program.
• Divided into three terms.
• Course Schedule:
• Term 1:
Students develop core skills through the fundamentals module in data science and explore foundational concepts and transdisciplinary methods for sustainability science.
• Term 2: Students are exposed to state-of-the-art data science methods in the "Trends in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" module and put their data science and modelling skills into practice by completing the interdisciplinary module "Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models."
• Term 3: Students undertake an advanced data science and modelling project.
• Modules:
• Compulsory Modules:
• MTHM601: Fundamentals of Data Science (30 credits)
• MTHM602: Trends in Data Science and AI (15 credits)
• MTHM603: Data Science and Modelling Dissertation (60 credits)
• MTHM604: Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Fundamentals of Environment and Sustainability (Choose 15 to 30 credits):
• GEOM418: Marine and Coastal Social-ecological systems (15 credits)
• GEOM407: Perspectives on Sustainable Development (15 credits)
• GEOM408: Transdisciplinary Methods on Sustainable Science (15 credits)
• Choose 15 to 30 credits:
• LESM005: Applied Data Analysis (15 credits)
• LESM006: The Art of Science (15 credits)
• BIOM409: Biodiversity and Conservation (15 credits)
• Choose 15 to 30 credits:
• BIOM4031: GIS in Conservation Science (15 credits)
• BIOM4030: Planning and Leading Conservation Projects (15 credits)
• HPDM029: Nature, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)
• HPDM030: Environmental Science and Population Health (15 credits)
• MTHM606: Applied AI and Control (15 credits)

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Seminars
• Use of state-of-the-art facilities and software
• Active involvement in a research project
• Faculty:
• Program Director: Dr Markus Mueller
• Professor Stuart Townley: Professor in Applied Mathematics
• Unique Approaches:
• Taught in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC).
• Students become part of Exeter's Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability, a vibrant and supportive postgraduate community.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Sustainability Consultant
• Environmental Researcher
• Policy Analyst
• Opportunities:
• High demand for qualified professionals in the UK's data analytics sector, predicted to grow by 177% over the next 5 years.
• Strong investment in renewable energy in the UK and internationally, creating opportunities in the sector.
• Outcomes:
• Develop skills in data science, modelling, and essential programming.
• Develop advanced team-working skills in complex organizations.

Other:

• The program is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds who want to enhance their understanding of and confidence in using real-world data and mathematical models to address the big environmental, social, and economic issues of our time.
• The program taps into and skills up for the "Big Data revolution" in the field and in general.
• The University of Exeter has significant teaching and research interests in the field of Data Science and is home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI).
• Students have access to excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems.

• UK fees per year:
£12,100 full-time
• International fees per year:
£27,500 full-time