【JUPAS Selected Courses】PolyU’s Reform System Launches BSc Combined Course in Data Science

In the era of "Data is King", data analysis has become the basic equipment for victory. The more resources the business community invests, the more it can promote the establishment of data analysis as a new subject in colleges and universities.

The Department of Applied Mathematics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has reformed the two major subjects of "Investment Science and Financial Analysis" and "Data Science and Analysis", and integrated it into a combined BSc (Hons) in Data Science (BSc (Hons) Scheme in Data Science, JUPAS) No.: JS3020).

Dr. Shi Nengsheng, associate professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics: "I hope that students will be able to divert from the basic academic year to the best subjects, so as to develop their studies towards their careers."

Dr. Shi Nengsheng analyzed the new admission system. Students are enrolled in the department rather than a traditional discipline.

In the first year, students enroll in the "Bachelor of Science (Honours) Combined Course in Data Science". After getting to know their personal interests and strengths, they decide to major in the future. In short, it is a "Y"-shaped course selection route.

He pointed out that students take basic courses in the first year, and in the second year, they can choose to major in Investment Science and Finance Analytics (ISFA) or Data Science and Analytics (Data Science and Analytics, according to their personal expertise). DSA).

The two major subjects have their own focus:

1. Investment Science and Financial Analysis (ISFA) Combines mathematical statistics, financial theory and computer programming knowledge, focusing on the training of analytical skills in financial data.

2. Data Science and Analysis (DSA) focuses on data analysis and computer programming, and its application in different fields such as medical information technology and smart cities.

The design of the two majors covers the assessment scope of many professional qualifications in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Statistical Society (HKSS) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). Graduates can apply for exemption from some assessment requirements and obtain relevant professional certification faster.

Investment Science and Financial Analysis (ISFA) also covers the scope of professional qualifications related to the financial industry, including the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI) Securities and Futures Practitioner Qualification Examination, and the CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Examination, graduates will be able to quickly Taking these two professional qualifications in one step will give you more advantages in the investment or financial industry.

In addition, ISFA has been recognized by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts and included in the University Affiliation Program, which proves the practicality of course design, and graduates who take the Chartered Financial Analyst exam in the future can apply for CFA scholarships.

In addition to the regular minor option, Dr. Shi revealed that students can be diverted to their preferred major in the second year, and there are two major minor options, namely "AI and Data Analytics (AIDA)" and "AIDA". Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE)", students can follow their own ambitions, build basic artificial intelligence and data science knowledge, and cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Sze Nengsheng said that under the new system of combined courses, students can choose their major subjects according to their personal interests.

Dr. Shi believes that data science can help the new generation of young people gain an advantage in starting their careers: "I believe that in the next decade, in addition to biliterate and trilingualism, programming languages ​​will be the necessary fourth language. JS3020 requires graduates to achieve mathematical analysis and programming skills. High-level skills, combined with excellent logical thinking training, lay the foundation for becoming a regional leader or core management. The department also focuses on training students' communication skills, training students to use public speaking skills, and concisely analyze data to audiences. This kind of soft skills is suitable for Any environment, any industry, let students integrate into the business society.”

Emphasis on both theory and practice Encourage internship and exchange

PolyU’s courses teach theory while focusing on practical knowledge. Dr. Sze Nengsheng said that PolyU always encourages students to participate in work placements: “We hope that students can complete at least one internship within four years. The Department of Applied Mathematics also provides abundant internship opportunities, such as banking, Financial institutions, reinsurance companies, IT, retail or market research companies, etc. At the same time, overseas exchanges and internships are provided, including the mainland, Europe and Southeast Asia, and students are encouraged to actively participate. In addition, the department also supports students to go to overseas universities as exchange students , to experience multiculturalism.”

The Department of Applied Mathematics encourages students to participate in the "Exchange Student Program" and go to overseas universities such as North America, Canada, Singapore, Finland, Germany and other places as exchange students for one semester to broaden their horizons and social circles.

At present, data analysis plays an increasingly important role in all walks of life. Dr. Shi believes that data science will become a major trend in global development: "The job market has an increasing demand for data science talents, biotechnology, finance, medical care and emerging smart cities. The management industry needs to deal with a large amount of data. Data analysis departments have been established in all walks of life, and there is a strong demand for talents who are familiar with data, understand analysis and grasp the important information behind it. In addition, the government encourages entrepreneurship and promotes the development of science and technology parks and cyberports. Data analysis talents are in high demand. Graduates of the department have always had ideal career development, and many of them have joined start-up companies.”

Dr. Shi’s message to fresh DSE candidates in choosing subjects, not only considering their grades, but also choosing subjects they are interested in: “According to personal observation, even if you have excellent grades, if you choose the wrong subject or do not fully understand the subject, you will inevitably feel uncomfortable during the study process. It is boring and laborious. Only when you find a subject that you are interested in and grasp, will you be willing to take the initiative to study, enjoy the learning process, and graduate with honors.”

If you want to know more about this subject, you can email: ds.info@polyu.edu.hk

or visit the website: https://bit.ly/hk01_JS3020

(Information and photos provided by customers)