With the current data deluge, companies, governments, and non-profit organizations alike are striving to convert information into actionable information and insight. The sheer “volume”, “velocity” and “variety” of today’s data pose unique challenges and also create unique opportunities. Present data sets require more programming, mathematics/statistics, modelling skills, and domain knowledge than a traditional undergraduate curriculum offers.
In every facet of modern life, from online shopping and social networks to scientific research and finance, we collect immensely detailed information. Data scientists are concerned with turning this data into intelligence through the application of cutting-edge techniques in Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Global demand for combined statistical and computing expertise outstrips supply, with evidence-based predictions of a major shortage in this area for at least the next 15 years. For graduates of Data Science, this shortage presents opportunities to forge careers in a large number of areas involving quantitative data analysis and computational skills. These include commerce (e-commerce), finance, government, genomics, and other areas of “big science”, entertainment and sport, education, and academic research. Career opportunities include business intelligence analyst, data mining engineer, data architect and data scientist. Graduates will also be highly adaptable to new data-related challenges as they arise, perhaps in hitherto unforeseen fields.
In line with the guidelines provided by HEC Pakistan, the BS (Data Science) program has been designed in such a way that it focuses on computation, simulation, visualization, prediction of complex phenomena (e.g., customer behavior, economic trends, and medical data) and complex mathematical models to facilitate interpretation of data. The School of Computing and IT at IMSciences has a highly research-active faculty, who encourage students to be involved in their applied/research work. BS-Data Science degree is excellent preparation for the job market of the future and Data Science majors take up careers in every imaginable field. Our graduates have enjoyed excellent job placements, both within Pakistan and internationally. Many have chosen to make their own successful companies.
Program Structure
BS (Data Science) has a dual emphasis on basic principles of statistics and computer science, with foundational training in statistical and mathematical aspects of data analysis. This program develops foundations on broad computer science principles, including algorithms, data structures, data management and machine learning. This program will prepare graduates for a career in data analysis, combining foundational statistical concepts with computational principles from computer science.
Eligibility Criteria
- FA/F. Sc or Equivalent qualifications with at least second division, securing 50% marks in aggregate.
- The students who have not studied Mathematics at intermediate level must pass deficiency courses of Mathematics of 6 credit hours within one year of their regular studies.
- Qualifying for the admission test and interview is compulsory. A candidate scoring less than 40% marks in the test and interview will stand disqualified for admission.
- Candidates who have secured at least 40% in the NTS-NAT are also eligible to apply.
- The merit of a candidate shall be measured by a 50 % weight age to the marks obtained in HSC or equivalent, 40 % to the marks obtained in the written test, and 10% to the marks obtained in the interview.
- A candidate shall be given a special credit of thirty marks for admission in each program mentioned above if he/she has studied Computer Science and/or statistics at intermediate level (for BS-Data Science program only) at intermediate level or has done A level.
- The Hafiz Quran shall be given a special credit of 20 marks.
- The credit marks shall be added to the marks obtained at HSC or equivalent, subject to fulfilment of basic eligibility criteria of 50% marks.
Degree Requirements
For a BS-Data Science 4-year degree, a student is required to complete a minimum of 130-140 credit hours including a 6-credit hour research thesis/project. The normal duration for completion of BS-Data Science degree is 8 semesters over a period of 4 years. The maximum duration for obtaining BS-Data Science degree shall be 7 years.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for BS-Data Science
PEO 1: To Enable a competitive learning environment to encourage critical thinking for evidence-based policy making and to develop students’ data analytical, programming and machine learning skills by providing them theoretical and practical knowledge of data analysis, data analysis software’s and computer language applicable in wide variety of domains.
PEO 2: To groom its students to communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership qualities and professional integrity.
PEO 3: To inculcate the ability in its students to continue enhancing their computing knowledge and skills after graduation and excel in their careers as researchers, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
PEO 4: To groom its students to be effective, after graduation, in society and diverse professional environments maintaining high ethical standards.
Graduate Attributes (GAs) for BS Data Science Program
The Graduates Attributes (GAs) are exemplars of the qualities and attributes expected of a graduate from an accredited program. Graduates Attributes (GAs) are the components indicative of the graduate’s potential to acquire competence to practice at the appropriate level.
The following GAs for undergraduate computing programs has been adopted from the Seol Accord as recommended by the National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC).
GA 1: Gain an understanding of the underpinning theories of fundamental principles and technologies within the area of computer science (Academic education).
GA 2: Apply knowledge of computing fundamentals, knowledge of a computing specialization, and mathematics, science, and domain knowledge appropriate for the computing specialization to the abstraction and conceptualization of computing models from defined problems and requirements (Knowledge for Solving Computing Problems).
GA 3: Identify, formulate, research literature, and solve complex computing problems reaching substantiated conclusions using fundamental principles of mathematics, computing sciences, and relevant domain disciplines (Problem Analysis).
GA 4: Design and evaluate solutions for complex computing problems, and design and evaluate systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations (Design/ Development of Solutions)
GA 5: Create, select, adapt, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern computing tools to complex computing activities, with an understanding of the limitations (Modern Tool Usage)
GA 6: Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings (Individual and Teamwork)
GA 7: Communicate effectively with the computing community and with society about complex computing activities by being able to comprehend and write effective reports, design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and understand clear instructions (Communication)
GA 8: Understand and assess societal, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues within local and global contexts, and the consequential responsibilities relevant to professional computing practice (Computing Professionalism and Society)
GA 9: Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of professional computing practice (Ethics)
GA 10:Recognize the need, and have the ability, to engage in independent learning for continual development as a computing professional (Life-long Learning)
Curriculum Model for Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The generic structure for computing degree program given before is mapped with the BSCS program in the following tables.
Structure for BS Data Science Program
Areas | Credit Hours | Courses |
Computing Core |
46 | 14 |
Domain Core |
18 | 6 |
Domain Elective |
21 | 7 |
Mathematics & Supporting Courses |
12 | 4 |
Elective Supporting Courses |
3 | 1 |
General Education Requirement |
30 | 12 |
Totals |
130 | 44 |
Mapping of BS Data Science Program on the Generic Structure:
# |
Sem # |
Code |
Pre- Reqs |
Course Title | Dom | Cr Hr |
Computing Core (46/130) 14 Courses | ||||||
1 |
CS1xx |
Programming Fundamentals |
Core | 4 (3-3) | ||
2 |
CS1xx | PF |
Object Oriented Programming |
Core | 4 (3-3) | |
3 |
CS1xx |
Database Systems |
Core | 4 (3-3) | ||
4 |
CS1xx |
Digital Logic Design |
Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
5 |
CS2xx | OOP |
Data Structures |
Core | 4 (3-3) | |
6 |
CS2xx |
Information Security |
Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
7 |
CS2xx |
Artificial Intelligence |
Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
8 |
CS2xx |
Computer Networks |
Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
9 |
CS2xx |
Software Engineering |
Core | 3 (3-0) | ||
10 |
CS2xx | DLD |
Computer Organization & Assembly Language |
Core | 3 (2-3) | |
11 |
CS3xx |
Operating Systems |
Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
12 |
CS4xx | DS |
Analysis of Algorithms |
Core | 3 (3-0) | |
13 |
CS4xx |
Final Year Project – I |
Core | 2 (0-6) | ||
14 |
CS4xx | FYP-I |
Final Year Project – II |
Core | 4 (0-12) | |
Domain Core (18/130) 6 Courses | ||||||
15 |
CS2xx |
Introduction to Data Science |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
16 |
CS2xx |
Advanced Statistics |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
17 |
CS3xx |
Data Mining |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
18 |
CS3xx |
Data Visualization |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
19 |
CS3xx |
Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
20 |
CS3xx |
Parallel & Distributed Computing |
Domain Core | 3 (2-3) | ||
Domain Elective (21/130) 7 Courses | ||||||
21 |
CS3xx |
Advanced Database Management Systems |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
22 |
CS3xx |
Big Data Analytics |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) |
23 | CS3xx |
Machine Learning |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
24 | CS3xx |
Artificial Neural Networks & Deep Learning |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
25 | CS3xx |
Business Process Analysis |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
26 | CS3xx |
Theory of Automata |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
27 | CS4xx |
HCI & Computer Graphics |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||
Natural Language Processing |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||||
Text Mining |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||||
Simulation and Modeling |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||||
Multimedia Technologies |
Domain Elective | 3 (2-3) | ||||
Mathematics & Supporting Courses (12/130) 4 Courses | ||||||
28 | MT1xx | CAG |
Multivariable Calculus |
Maths | 3 (3-0) | |
29 | MT1xx | CAG |
Linear Algebra |
Maths | 3 (3-0) | |
30 | MT2xx |
Probability & Statistics |
Maths | 3 (3-0) | ||
31 | EW4xx | ECC |
Technical & Business Writing |
EW | 3 (3-0) | |
Elective Supporting Courses (3/130) 1 Course | ||||||
32 | SS1xx |
Social Science (Example: Introduction to Marketing) |
SS | 3 (3-0) | ||
. | SS1xx |
Social Science (Example: Financial Accounting) |
SS | 3 (3-0) | ||
General Education Requirement as per HEC UG Education Policy (30/130) 12 Courses | ||||||
33 | GE1xx |
Application of Information & Communication Technologies |
GER | 3 (2-3) | ||
34 | GE1xx |
Functional English |
GER | 3 (3-0) | ||
35 | GE1xx | ECC |
Expository Writing |
GER | 3 (3-0) | |
36 | GE1xx |
Quantitative Reasoning – 1 (Discrete Structures) |
GER | 3 (3-0) | ||
37 | GE1xx |
Quantitative Reasoning – 2 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry) |
GER | 3 (3-0) | ||
38 | GE2xx |
Islamic Studies |
GER | 2 (2-0) | ||
39 | GE4xx |
Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan |
GER | 2 (2-0) | ||
40 | GE2xx |
Social Sciences (Example: Introduction to Management) |
GER | 2 (2-0) | ||
41 | GE2xx |
Natural Sciences (Applied Physics) |
GER | 3 (2-3) | ||
42 | GE4xx |
Arts & Humanities (Professional Practices) |
GER | 2 (2-0) | ||
43 | GE4xx |
Civics and Community Engagement |
GER | 2 (2-0) | ||
44 | GE4xx |
Entrepreneurship |
GER | (2-0) |
Semester/Study Plan for BS Data Science
# |
Code |
Pre-Reqs |
Course Title |
Domain |
Cr. hr (Cont hr) |
Semester 1 | |||||
1 |
CS1xx |
Programming Fundamentals |
Core |
4 (3-3) |
|
2 |
GE1xx |
Application of Information & Communication Technologies |
GER |
3 (2-3) |
|
4 |
GE1xx |
Calculus and Analytic Geometry – QR 1 |
GER |
3 (3-0) |
|
5 |
GE1xx |
Functional English |
GER |
3 (3-0) |
|
22 |
GE2xx |
Islamic Studies |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
Total Cr Hrs |
15 (13-6) |
||||
Semester 2 | |||||
6 |
CS1xx |
Object Oriented Programming |
Core |
4 (3-3) |
|
18 |
CS2xx |
Introduction to Data Science – Domain Core 1 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
10 |
MT1xx |
Linear Algebra |
Maths |
3 (3-0) |
|
42 |
GE4xx |
Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
21 |
GE1xx |
Expository Writing |
GER |
3 (3-0) |
|
28 |
GE2xx |
Social Science Course |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
Total Cr Hrs |
17 (15-6) |
||||
Semester 3 | |||||
11 |
CS2xx |
Data Structures |
Core |
4 (3-3) |
|
23 |
CS3xx |
Operating Systems |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
3 |
GE1xx |
Discrete Structures – QR 2 |
GER |
3 (3-0) |
|
9 |
MT1xx |
Multivariable Calculus |
Maths |
3 (3-0) |
|
44 |
GE4xx |
Civics and Community Engagement |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
8 |
CS1xx |
Digital Logic Design |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
Total Cr Hrs |
18 (15-9) |
||||
Semester 4 | |||||
36 |
CS4xx |
Analysis of Algorithms |
Core |
3 (3-0) |
|
17 |
CS2xx |
Computer Organization & Assembly Language |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
7 |
CS1xx |
Database Systems |
Core |
4 (3-3) |
|
16 |
MT2xx |
Probability & Statistics |
Maths |
3 (3-0) |
|
15 |
CS2xx |
Software Engineering |
Core |
3 (3-0) |
|
20 |
GE2xx |
Applied Physics — Natural Science |
GER |
3 (2-3) |
|
Total Cr Hrs |
19 (16-9) |
Semester 5 | |||||
14 | CS2xx |
Computer Networks |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
13 | CS2xx |
Domain Elective 1 |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
19 | CS2xx |
Domain Core 2 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
24 | CS3xx |
Domain Core 3 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
39 | EN4xx |
Technical & Business Writing |
EN |
3 (3-0) |
|
43 | GE4xx |
Professional Practices — Arts & Humanities |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
Total Cr Hrs | 17 (13-12) | ||||
Semester 6 | |||||
25 | CS3xx |
Domain Core 4 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
12 | CS2xx |
Information Security |
Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
26 | CS3xx |
Artificial Intelligence |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
27 | CS3xx |
Domain Elective 2 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
38 | SS1xx |
Social Science Course |
SS |
3 (3-0) |
|
40 | GE4xx |
Entrepreneurship |
GER |
2 (2-0) |
|
Total Cr Hrs | 17 (13-12) | ||||
Semester 7 | |||||
35 | CS4xx |
Final Year Project – I |
Core |
2 (0-6) |
|
31 | CS3xx |
Domain Elective 3 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
32 | CS3xx |
Domain Elective 4 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
33 | CS3xx |
Domain Elective 5 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
29 | CS3xx |
Domain Core 5 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
Total Cr Hrs | 14 (8-18) | ||||
Semester 8 | |||||
41 | CS4xx |
Final Year Project – II |
Core |
4 (0-12) |
|
30 | CS3xx |
Domain Core 6 |
Domain Core |
3 (2-3) |
|
34 | CS3xx |
Domain Elective 6 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
37 | CS4xx |
Domain Elective 7 |
Domain Elective |
3 (2-3) |
|
Total Cr Hrs | 13 (6-21) |