Bachelor of Data Science (Honours)

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Data Science (Honours)
Course Map	The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	Yes
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	109275A Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course code	S479
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Explore the entire lifecycle of data to develop a deep understanding of how information is used to generate insights that inform strategic decisions in the competitive business world in the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours). You’ll undertake a professional placement, work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges using real-world data sets, hone your skills through focused studies in an area that interests you most and complete a research project in your final year.

Propel yourself into the thriving field of data science. You will study the latest data science trends, insights and emerging topics to ensure you graduate with a highly relevant skill-set that is sought-after by employers across the globe. Explore different analytical methods, tools and techniques as you learn key concepts and deep dive into advanced topics in machine learning, AI and predictive analytics.

Want to hone your analytical skills for a rewarding career in data science?

The Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You’ll explore fundamental concepts across maths, stats and programming at the beginning of the course, before diving into more advanced topics in data wrangling, capture and mining; machine learning; deep learning and AI. You’ll also have opportunities to undertake a professional placement as part of studies, work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges using real-world data sets as part of a capstone project, focus your studies towards the area that interests you most by undertaking minor studies in a topic of your choosing, and culminate your knowledge in your final year through completion of an honours research project.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Career opportunities

Skilled data professionals are in high demand as organisations increasingly rely on skilled specialists to unlock hidden patterns in big data to provide meaningful insights to make better-informed decisions, drive business growth and increase their strategic advantage in the competitive business world.

As a graduate, you will have the skills, knowledge and industry connections to build a varied and sustainable career as a data analyst, data scientist, business strategist, data engineer, data architect, data visualisation specialist, information analyst or reporting analyst in the public and private sectors. Depending on what industry or sector you choose to find employment, you could be optimising digital marketing campaigns, develop new and innovative products and services, predict customer sales patterns, or increase productivity in areas such as sales or supply chain management.

Graduates from the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) are highly sought-after by employers for their investigative, exploratory and lateral thinking approach to complex data challenges. By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you’ll acquire advanced technical expertise in your chosen specialisation, as well as the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of data science.

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Equipment requirements

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology's website, www.deakin.edu.au/information-technology/students or telephone 03 9244 6699.

Alternative exit

S379 Bachelor of Data Science

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop a coherent and advanced knowledge of data science, with detailed knowledge of the data analytics principles and approaches and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice and research.
Communication	Communicate in a professional context to inform, motivate, and effect change, and to drive sustainable innovation, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.
Digital literacy	Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information in data science projects and research.
Critical thinking	Evaluate information and evidence, applying critical and analytical thinking and reasoning, technical skills, personal judgement, and values, in decision making processes.
Problem solving	Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative data analytics solutions.
Self-management	Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in research and professional practice and/or further learning in the field of data science with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.
Teamwork	Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team, applying specific knowledge and skills and using professional practices associated with the information technology industry.
Global citizenship	Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and the preparation, handling, and analysis of data.

Approved by Faculty Board 17 February 2022

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) students must complete 32 credit points comprising:

Seventeen (17) credit points of core units
Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
Completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
3 credit points of Data Science capstone units
4 credit points of Data Science Research Training capstone units
And one of:
- Two minors (8 credit points) OR
- One minor (4 credit points), and four elective units (4 credit points)
level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels
level 7 – minimum 4 credit points

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Minor sequences

Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

Course structure

Core

Year 1 - Trimester 1

STP050

Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

SIT010

Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SIT111

Computer Systems

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

SIT112

Data Science Concepts

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SIT103

Database Fundamentals

SIT191

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

SIT292

Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

SIT220

Data Wrangling

SIT221

Data Structures and Algorithms

Plus one (1) minor unit (one (1) credit point)

Year 2 - Trimester 2

SIT223

Professional Practice in Information Technology #

SIT343

Feature Generation and Engineering ¥

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

One (1) minor unit (one (1) credit point)

Year 3 - Trimester 1

SIT330

Natural Language Processing ¥

SIT307

Machine Learning

One (1) minor or elective unit (one (1) credit point)

Plus, one (1) credit point from the following capstone options:

SIT374

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^ ~

One (1) SIT elective unit (1 credit point)

Year 3 - Trimester 2

SIT319

Deep Learning

One (1) minor or elective unit (one (1) credit point)

Plus, two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^ ~ AND

SIT306

IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+

SIT344

Professional Practice (2 credit points)^+

Year 4 - Trimester 1

SIT723

Research Training and Project (2 credit points) (Research Training capstone)^

Plus two (2) electives or minor units (2 credit points)

Year 4 - Trimester 2

Plus two (2) electives or minor units (2 credit points)

Plus two (2) credit points from the following Research Training capstone options:

SIT724

Research Project (2 credit points)^

SIT746

Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^*

¥ available from 2024

^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3

# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)

+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in IT.

~ Note: Students are recommended to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.

* Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

Electives

Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement (conditions apply, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.)

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Details of minor sequences

Cloud Technologies

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000011

Overview

In today’s data-driven digital world, cloud technologies are an area of significant business interest and their adoption and integration into business practices is growing at a rapid pace. This minor focuses on providing you with the knowledge, skills and expertise required to construct solutions using virtualisation, enterprise networks, system security and cloud infrastructure.

Units

SIT233

Cloud Computing

SIT325

Advanced Network Security

SIT323

Cloud Native Application Development

SIT314

Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things

Cyber Security

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000015

Overview

This minor sequence provides an insight into cyber security and equips you with skills in secure coding, security management and ethical hacking. In today's digital world, cyber security threats are a major challenge across many sectors. As cyber-attacks become everyday occurrences, IT professionals with the ability to identify, analyse and manage cyber security challenges are in increasing demand globally.

Units

SIT182

Real World Practices for Cyber Security

SIT218

Secure Coding

SIT284

Cyber Security Management

SIT379

Ethical Hacking

Cyber Security Analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000016

Overview

In today's digital world, cyber security threats are a major challenge across many sectors. As cyber-attacks become everyday occurrences, IT professionals with the ability to identify, analyse and manage cyber security challenges are in increasing demand globally. This minor sequence provides an insight into the analysis of data associated with cyber security attacks.

Units

SIT182

Real World Practices for Cyber Security

SIT282

Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT384

Cyber Security Analytics

Plus one (1) unit from:

SIT326

Advanced Network Analytics and Forensics

SIT327

Network Forensics

Education

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-A000066

Overview

Explore topics like the sociology, politics and policy of education, the history and philosophy of education, how psychology is applied to the work of educators to better understand how people learn and become motivated, and how we teach each other about inclusivity and diversity.

Units

To complete a Minor sequence in Education studies, select any four (4) units from below, including no more than one (1) credit point at level one, and at least one (1) credit point at level 3.

EDU101

Education, Knowledge and Society

EDU102

From Aristotle to ATARS: the History, Philosophy and Future of Education

EDU201

Educational Psychology

EDU202

Educators and Learners

EDU203

Literacy, Numeracy and Education

EDU301

Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education

EDU302

Education and Humanitarian Development

EDU303

Education, Communication and Technology

Embedded Systems

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000005

Overview

This minor will focus on developing solutions that use hardware, software, sensors, actuators, prototyping platforms and systems software. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems in smart-homes, the Internet of Things and Robotics.

Units

SIT122

Robotics Studio

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT329

Advanced Embedded Systems

Finance

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-M30005

Overview

This minor will provide students with an understanding of the basic principles of business finance and the operation of money and capital markets. This knowledge is extended into practical application in domestic and international equity and debt markets.

Units

MAF101

Fundamentals of Finance

Plus three (3) units from:

MAF203

Business Finance

MAF202

Money and Capital Markets

MAF306

International Finance and Investment

MAF307

Equities and Investment Analysis

Full Stack Development

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000012

Overview

Web development is one of the fastest-growing careers in today’s economy, with growing demand for full stack web developers who are proficient in both front-end and back-end web development. Throughout this minor sequence, you will explore responsive web apps, full stack development across frontend applications and backend services, and mobile programming for Android and iOS.

Units

SIT120

Introduction to Responsive Web Apps

SIT331

Full Stack Development: Secure Backend Services

SIT313

Full Stack Development: Secure Frontend Applications

SIT305

Mobile Application Development

Health Analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000017

Overview

This minor provides specialisation in health data analysis, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools in the area. Students who are interested in the field of health and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor. HSH302 (Policy, Politics and Health) is recommended as an elective for those wanting to extend their studies in this area.

Units

HBS107

Understanding Health

HBS108

Health Information and Data

HSH205

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

HSH216

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2

Human Resource Management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-M30012

Overview

This minor will equip students with the skills, knowledge and abilities in order perform basic workplace tasks in human resource management. Human resource management is a critical area that is relevant to all organisations, it encompasses employees working effectively within and for organisations.

Units

MMM132

Management

Plus three (3) units from:

MMH230

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management

MMH231

Human Resource Practice

MMH232

Human Resource Development

MMH349

Employment Relations

Information Technologies Research

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000018

Overview

This minor provides students with hands on experience in research and publishing scientific papers. This minor is designed to help support students aiming to pursue a research higher degree.

Units

SLE761

Professional Research Practice

SIT718

Real World Analytics

SIT747

Research Project (Publication) (2 credit points)+

+ Entry to SIT747 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

Marketing

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-M30008

Overview

This minor focusses on developing discipline knowledge and industry-relevant practices in marketing. There is a strong focus on industry-relevant insights, the latest marketing practices, future market trends and strategy development in an ever-changing business landscape. The knowledge and skills developed within the marketing minor are complementary to anyone looking to better understand drivers to successful business outcomes, irrespective of which sector a business may sit within.

Units

MMK101

Marketing Fundamentals

Plus three (3) units from:

MMK251

Services Marketing

MMK266

Consumer Behaviour

MMK295

Integrated Marketing Communications in the Digital Age

MMK368

Business Marketing

Psychology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000019

Overview

This minor provides specialisation in Psychology, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools in Psychology. Students who are interested in the field of Psychology and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.

Units

HPS104

Foundations of Psychological Science

HPS111

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS201

Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)

HPS301

Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)

Retail Management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-M30009

Overview

This minor provides you with an understanding of what underpins management and operations in today’s retailing sector. Retail business are finding it increasingly difficult to compete without adopting innovation as new retailers (e.g. Amazon), increasingly impact the retail landscape at the expense of more traditional bricks and mortar stores. There is a strong emphasis in the minor on the dynamic nature of retailing including evolving trends through the increasing prevalence of digital marketing technologies, which are changing every aspect of the retailing landscape.

Units

MMK101

Marketing Fundamentals

Plus three (3) units from:

MMK217

Retail Management

MIS313

Strategic Supply Chain Management

MMK280

Brand Management

MMK317

Advanced Retail Management

Security Management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000003

Overview

This minor will provide the opportunity for you to use your gained managerial and cyber security skills to assist companies in their planning, governance and change policies to help ensure their resilience and defence of related threats.

Units

MIS211

Cyber Security and Governance

MMH356

Change Management

MMM132

Management

SIT284

Cyber Security Management

Sports Analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000020

Overview

This minor provides specialisation in Sports and Exercise data analysis, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools in Sports and Exercise. Students who are interested in the field of Sports and Exercise and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.

Units

HSE010

Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit points)

HSE104

Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport

HSE202

Biomechanics

HSE311

Applied Sports Science 1

HSE314

Applied Sports Science 2

Sustainability and Environmental Science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000021

Overview

This minor provides specialisation in Sustainability and Environmental Science, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools. Students who are interested in the field of Sustainability and Environmental Science and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.

Units

SLE101

Environmental Techniques and Monitoring

SLE121

Environmental Sustainability

SLE207

Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment

SLE239 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SLE245]

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000009

Overview

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are revolutionising business processes, disrupting the way companies work with complex data sets, and enhancing educational and training practices. They contribute to novel therapies and treatments, allow access to opportunities despite physical and geographical restrictions and have redefined the way we represent and interact with digital media whether it be our holiday souvenir snapshots or the latest interactive gaming experience.

Units

SIT183

Interactive Application Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT283

Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT253

Content Creation for Interactive Experiences

SIT383

Assembling Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular learning opportunities, such as internal and external competitions and challenges, industry projects within the Deakin Incubator Group, and international study tours.