Overview

The volume of data produced every day keeps growing, and turning it into usable knowledge depends on having the right theories, tools and technical judgement. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science) at the University of Liverpool builds a strong computer science foundation and then focuses on analysing, discovering and applying knowledge drawn from large data sources. The first year covers programming, computer systems, data structures, algorithms and introductory artificial intelligence. From the second year, students move into data science modules and choose from topics such as big data analytics, data mining and visualisation, neural networks and knowledge-based systems. Teaching comes from a School of Computer Science and Informatics with a history stretching back to the 1960s, where 100% of research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest national assessment. Learning combines lectures, small-group tutorials and supervised laboratory sessions, alongside individual and group projects that build problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills. The degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and students can add a year in industry or a year abroad. It suits students who want rigorous computing foundations together with a specialist route into data science, finishing with a substantial individual project.

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What You’ll Learn

• Programming, object-oriented programming and the paradigms behind different programming languages

• Data structures and algorithms, including how to analyse the complexity of algorithms

• Computer systems and the analytic techniques that underpin computer science

• Introductory artificial intelligence, followed by advanced artificial intelligence in the second year

• Database development and the fundamentals of software engineering

• Core data science, covering how to extract meaningful knowledge from different types of data

• Scripting languages and the principles of C and memory management

• Specialist final-year options such as big data analytics, data mining and visualisation, neural networks, image processing and ontologies and the semantic web

• An individual computer science project exploring a substantial problem in depth

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply core computer science principles across programming, algorithms, computer systems and databases to build effective software. They will be equipped to use data science techniques to analyse, discover and apply knowledge from large and varied data sources, supported by a working understanding of artificial intelligence. Optional modules in areas such as big data, data mining and neural networks let students deepen their specialism in the final year. Through group software work and a guided but independent individual project, students will develop the ability to tackle a substantial problem using the principles and methods learned across the programme. Graduates will leave with a BCS-accredited, technically grounded skill set, with strong analytical, teamwork and presentation abilities, well prepared for careers in data science, software development and technical consultancy.