Master of Data Science

The Master of Data Science will prepare graduates for a career in data science giving them the skills needed to deal effectively within the areas of data analysis, data management or big data processing. The course includes topics in statistical and exploratory analysis, data formats and languages, processing of massive data sets, management of data and its role and impact in an organisation and society.

The course has two streams to choose from:

• Data science - a broader range of units related to data science
• Advanced data analytics - more depth in data analysis and machine learning.

In either stream you will be able to apply your learning to your own context as part of the assessment process and have the opportunity to complete either a research project or an industry experience studio project.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

1. analyse the lifecycle of data through an organisation
2. apply the major theories in the field of data analysis and data exploration to some characteristic problems
3. plan a data science project on a new application area using knowledge of the data lifecycle and analysis process
4. investigate, analyse, document and communicate the core issues and requirements in developing data analysis capability in a global organisation
5. demonstrate an understanding of data science to a level of depth and sophistication consistent with senior professional practice
6. review and evaluate data science projects
7. review, synthesise, apply and evaluate contemporary data science theories through either a significant research thesis component or research-grounded industrial project
8. document and communicate ethical and legal issues and norms in privacy and security, and other areas of community impact with regards to the practice of data science.

Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

The course is structured in three parts, A, B and C. All students complete Part B (core studies). Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A (foundation studies) or Part C (advanced studies) or a combination of the two.

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 (24 points)

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 (48 points)

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. Your study will focus on your choice either of data science or advanced data analytics.

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

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

The first option is a program of coursework involving advanced study and an Industry experience studio project.

The second option is a research pathway including a thesis. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this second option.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to data science, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete the research project option as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

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).

• Students admitted at Entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at Entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C or Part A and Part B.
• Students admitted at Entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies 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)

Students complete:

a. three units (18 points):

• FIT9131 Programming foundations
• FIT9132 Introduction to databases
• one approved mathematics or statistics unit or FIT5197 Modelling for data analysis*

* Students who have not completed an approved University level mathematics or statistics unit must complete one in PART A, a.

b. one unit (6 points) from the relevant stream:

Data science stream

• FIT9059 Algorithms and data structures
• FIT9123 Introduction to business information systems
• FIT9134 Computer architecture and operating systems
• FIT9135 Data communications

Advanced data analytics stream

• FIT9059 Algorithms and data structures

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

Students complete:

a. three units (18 points):

• FIT5145 Introduction to data science
• FIT5196 Data wrangling
• FIT5197 Modelling for data analysis, or if already completed in Part A, one unit from the approved data science elective list.

Data science stream

b. four units (24 points) selected from:

• FIT5097 Business intelligence modelling
• FIT5146 Data curation and management
• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• FIT5148 Distributed and big data processing
• FIT5149 Applied data analysis
• FIT5205 Data in society
• FIT5206 Digital continuity

c. one elective unit (6 points) selected from any unit in b) not already completed, or from the approved data science elective list below

Advanced data analytics stream

b. four units (24 points):

• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• FIT5148 Distributed and big data processing
• FIT5149 Applied data analysis
• FIT5201 Data analysis

c. one unit (6 points) selected from the approved data science elective list below

Data science electives list

• FIT5046 Mobile and distributed computing systems
• FIT5047 Intelligent systems
• FIT5087 Archival systems
• FIT5088 Information and knowledge management systems
• FIT5097 Business intelligence modelling
• FIT5106 Information organisation
• FIT5107 Managing business records
• FIT5139 Advanced distributed and parallel systems
• FIT5146 Data curation and management
• FIT5166 Information retrieval systems
• FIT5195 Business intelligence and data warehousing
• FIT5201 Data analysis
• FIT5204 Heritage informatics
• FIT5205 Data in society
• FIT5206 Digital continuity
• FIT5207 Data for sustainability

Note: not all units will be offered every year.

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

Students complete either a. or b. below:

a. Minor thesis research:*

• FIT5125 IT research methods
• FIT5126 Masters thesis part 1
• FIT5127 Masters thesis part 2
• FIT5128 Masters thesis final

* NOTE: To be eligible for the research option, students must have successfully completed 24 points of level five FIT units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75 per cent across all these units.

b. Industry experience:

• FIT5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• one additional elective unit from the approved data science elective list in Part B, section c.

Students entering at Entry levels 1 and 2 can complete a research pathway (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research. Students entering at Entry level 3 will normally already have an honours degree, however, students in this group who wish to complete a research thesis in data science should discuss the options with the course coordinator.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements indicated for that award during their enrolment in this masters course:

• Graduate Certificate of Data Science after successful completion of 24 credit points of study, including FIT5145 Introduction to data science, FIT5196 Data wrangling and FIT5197 Modelling for data analysis and one unit (6 points) from Part B
• Graduate Diploma of Data Science after successful completion of 48 credit points of study including FIT5145 Introduction to data science, FIT5196 Data wrangling, FIT5197 Modelling for data analysis and five units (30 points) from Part B.