C6004 Master of Data Science

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies, Part B. Core master's study, and Part C. Advanced practice. All students complete Part B and Part C. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of data science at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of data science practice and research. You will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues relating to data science. 

Part C. Advanced practice 

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options: 

• a research pathway including a thesis. If you wish to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research you should take this first option. 
• a program of coursework involving advanced study and an industry experience studio project. 

Master's entry points

If you are admitted at:

• entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

If you intend to specialise in Bioinformatics, you must complete the three BMS level 5 units in Part B (18 points) and one BMS level 5 elective unit (6 points) from Part C.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced practice (24 points).

If you are admitted at:

• entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies (24 points)

You must complete four units (24 points):

• FIT9132 Introduction to databases
• FIT9136 Algorithms and programming foundations in Python
• FIT9137 Introduction to computer architecture and networks
• MAT9004 Mathematical foundations for data science

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

You must complete:

a. five units (30 points)

• FIT5125 IT research methods
• FIT5145 Introduction to data science
• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• FIT5196 Data wrangling
• FIT5197 Statistical data modelling

b. three units (18 points) selected from:

• FIT5149 Applied data analysis
• FIT5201 Machine learning
• FIT5202 Data processing for big data
• FIT5212 Data analysis for semi-structured data
• BMS5021 Introduction to bioinformatics
• BMS5022 Advanced bioinformatics: techniques for efficient genome, transcriptome and proteome analysis
• BMS5xxx Computational network medicine: data integration, analysis and modelling

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Minor thesis research:*

• FIT5126 Masters thesis part 1
• FIT5127 Masters thesis part 2
• FIT5128 Masters thesis final
• one elective unit (6 points) from any FIT or BMS-coded level 5 unit, or any level 5 unit offered by any other faculty of the University with faculty approval, if you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolments.

Enrolment in the research units is dependent on available supervisors and projects. Eligible students will be ranked based on their entire academic record and assessed for suitability to undertake the research component of this program.

* To be eligible for the research option, you must have successfully completed 24 points of level 5 FIT-coded units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75% across all completed FIT-coded level 5 units, and have achieved at least a distinction in FIT5125 IT research methods.

* For research projects in Bioinformatics, you must have successfully completed 24 points of level 5 units, and have achieved an overall average of at least 75% across all completed level 5 units, and have achieved at least a distinction in FIT5125 IT research methods and BMS5021 Introduction to bioinformatics.

b. Industry experience:

• FIT5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• one elective unit (6 points) from any FIT or BMS-coded level 5 unit, or any level 5 unit offered by any other faculty of the University with faculty approval, if you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolments.