So, you’re thinking about studying a Bachelor of Applied Data Science at Monash but are looking for some more insight on what it’s really like?
Look no further — we’ve asked Sai, an Applied Data Science student at Monash University, to share his thoughts about the best and worst parts of this degree.
Let’s jump into it!
Why should you study a Data Science degree at Monash University?
Top 3 Pros of a Data Science Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Data Science Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Monash Data Science
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Monash Data Science
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study an Applied Data Science degree at Monash?
If you’re a fan of both maths and computer science, Applied Data Science is a great degree to get the perfect blend of the two subjects and advance your knowledge of data science.
Teaching both practical and theoretical knowledge, the course map for the degree is quite unusual as the core programming units are taught in the second semester, so you are required to pick up some programming skills on your own when you first begin. While semester 1 of your first year focusses on developing your mathematical understanding through subjects like Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science and Techniques for Modelling, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of programming in your second semester with the unit Algorithms and Programming Fundamentals in Python.
Top 3 Pros of a Data Science degree
#1: Career opportunities
“While I’m not completely sure of how the industry is in Australia, data science is a lucrative area and doing this degree can set you up with lots of career opportunities,” said Sai.
As a unique and specialised degree, Applied Data Science at Monash sets you up with the scientific and technical skills to tackle data analysis in a range of high-demand fields. The diversity of career areas you can enter includes engineering and robotics, digital humanities, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, banking and cybersecurity!
#2: Modern course structure
When studying a Bachelor of Applied Data Science at Monash, you can expect to become very familiar with data-related information and study the most recent technologies and programming skills that are available.
You will develop practical knowledge of programming and modern machine learning in IT subjects like Algorithms and Programming Fundamentals in Python and Deep Learning, and learn to apply mathematical models to new technologies in Mathematical science units like Random Processes in the Sciences and Engineering.
#3: Practical experience
“Project-based units are pretty good for teaching you actual management skills and providing good programming practice in a collaborative space,” said Sai.
Unlike a regular computer science degree that doesn’t have many group projects, a data science degree gives you a good snapshot of what it’s like working in the industry by providing you with realistic and hand-on experience in teams. The 5 core units of Data Challenges are project-based units that explore the importance of data in a variety of fields through scientific thinking, problem solving and data analysis.
Top 3 Cons of a Data Science degree
#1: Difficult content
“It can be very difficult if you’re a first-time programmer and if you haven’t studied the highest level of maths during high school,” said Sai.
While an Applied Data Science degree is quite a rigorous course and can be confronting for new students, persistence is key, and support is available through peer mentoring!
#2: Unreliability of team members
“Sometimes with team projects, you may be bogged down with bad team members, and you have to deal with that each semester,” said Sai.
As with all group projects, your team members can make or break your experience. However, working in teams provides great experience to build on your communication and collaborative skills in preparation for the workforce.
The good thing is that each semester you get to work with new team members (who may be better than the last)!
#3: Not as intensive as a Computer Science degree
“It definitely covers the core units, but it doesn’t have the extra subjects of a Computer Science degree,” said Sai.
If you’re solely interested in Computer Science, this degree may not be the best fit for you as Applied Data Science covers a range of specialised mathematical and statistical subjects centred towards data analytics.
Any regrets?
“Initially, it was annoying doing the project-based units and collaborating online was really messy as you had people muted on Zoom and not doing anything. It was hard to pay attention.
“I considered transferring to Computer Science, but the degree eventually grew on me,” said Sai.
So in this instance, Sai was kind of regretting the degree with having to collaborate online for projects, but over time, he learned to stick with it!
What do you wish you had known before starting Monash Data Science?
As a fairly new degree, there is not much information available for students to access and the course structure is still being developed as it goes along.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
Offering an advanced blend of computer science and maths, a Bachelor of Applied Data Science at Monash is a relatively new and cutting-edge degree within Australia.
Sai told us that studying this degree at Monash is “good for getting a job in the computer science industry as they offer a lot of internship related stuff and the lecturers at Monash teaching maths do a really good job in comparison to other unis”.
What inspired you to choose Monash Data Science?
Beginning his experience with Monash during Year 12 while undertaking a university extension maths course, Sai says that Monash’s reputation for having a great maths department inspired him to choose this degree.
“I was pretty familiar with Monash, and I thought it would be beneficial as I know this place, it’s close to me, I know that the math staff are good and a lot of people from my school went there,” he shared.
What are the possible career paths?
As Data Science represents a step towards advancements in technology, the degree prepares you for working in lucrative fields that use machine learning, deep learning, AI (artificial intelligence) and more! Some of the many career paths that you’re able to explore include:
- Data scientist
- Forecast modeller
- Data analyst
- Research scientist
- Data engineer and developer
- Software engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
Ashley Sullivan is a Content Writer for Art of Smart Education and is currently undertaking a double degree in Communications (Journalism) and a Bachelor of Laws at UTS. Ashley’s articles have been published in The Comma and Central News. She is a film, fashion and fiction enthusiast who enjoys learning about philosophy, psychology and unsolved mysteries in her spare time.
