What is data science and what careers are available?

What is Data Science?

Data Science starts with the data.  It requires an understanding of how to capture, source, prepare and analyse data in order to gain insight. This insight within the data is important to solve problems, develop business processes or simply in its findings.  We may look for predictions, trends or relationships between the data.  

Visualisation is key not only in communicating these findings but also in helping us to see information which is not obvious by looking a set of numbers.

Advanced data science encompasses artificial intelligence, which is just that - training the ‘computer’ using algorithms and historical data to be intelligent. This is commonly used in spell checkers, search recommendations and in more cutting-edge areas such as health monitoring, crime predication and smart cities.

How can data be used?

Data is used in businesses to help companies evaluate, innovate and develop. It can be used to help inspire and drive how people work and improve business practices or find trends in consumer behaviour. Analytical techniques are selected according to the investigation, such as market basket analysis, which looks to see what items people will buy with other things. Based on this retail companies position items in the store to encourage buyers to buy these items together behaviour.

As businesses are considering their data and data strategy, to include data engineering, data analytics and data governance, they are also developing their digital strategy, because it is the technology that is capturing the data.

Whilst we, as individuals are becoming savvier with our own data. Perhaps using fit bits or food apps to do our own analysis. We also see sharing of data by companies or clubs. Sports data is a good example of this, by giving their fans a chance to interact with their data the clubs can learn more about their customer base and better target them for events and promotions.

How do we communicate this information?

The data and statistics are valuable, but how the findings are presented is significant. This is usually done through visuals and infographics so people can understand the findings better. Data journalism and data stories are told through visuals over time, for example, looking at a table of data on a spreadsheet doesn’t have the same effect as an infographic displaying the findings in colour and with images. Visuals and storytelling are essential parts of data science.

Why is technology so important?

Technology and computer science are key to data science because it’s the technology that captures the data. For example, sensors, phones, apps and systems, so alongside this comes the need to govern the data to ensure it’s being used ethically, otherwise known as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As technology keeps evolving, so does data and data science so we can gain more diverse data, which means that machine learning and artificial intelligence will grow.

Why study BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Leeds Beckett University?

This course will allow you to study key topics, from data management and analytics to statistics and programming. You’ll develop the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and confidence to convert data into valuable insights. Your ability to understand how to work with data to gain insights and create narratives will make you an asset to any organisation or individual seeking to make evidence-based decisions. You’ll be able to apply your expertise to a wide range of areas, including marketing channels and scientific innovations. 

Leeds is a city full of excellent industry links. The course was developed in consultation with our industry partners, so you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge that employers seek and will be provided with many work and placement opportunities. 

The career prospects from studying this degree include Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Journalist, Software Developer or Researcher, to name a few. 

To find out more information watch the video below of Jackie answering questions about Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and what careers are available after graduating.