Computer science studies that lead to expertise in big data and machine learning

14 Oct 2019

The exponential growth of new computing technologies like big data, cloud computing and machine learning are redefining the field of computer science.

Data science is affecting every single industry as companies move further into digital technology for their businesses to run, grow and stay organised.

According to Medium, “Primarily smart data technologies were actively applied only by huge enterprises and corporations. Today, big data has become available to a wide range of small businesses and companies.

“Both big enterprises and small companies tend to rely on big data in the questions of the intelligent business insights in their decision-making.”

Machine learning is the backbone of modern artificial intelligence. Deep learning, in particular, has transformed the meaning of AI completely over the last five years.

Due to the rapid growth of these new technologies, more experts in modern computer science are needed to analyse and solve data-driven problems.

Since these technologies affect all industries around the world, there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to diversify and work in other fields.

Linna Kirjasto,Tampere University

That’s why universities today are offering specialist degrees, where students work across different departments on interdisciplinary research, connecting AI to real world problems where computer science experts regularly collaborate with other departments.

At Tampere University in Finland, the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences offers graduate computer science studies where students are trained in niche areas of computer science, becoming experts and changemakers in the field.

These degrees help students specialise on their area of interest while developing the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Although the programme’s official language is English, students are required to complete a course in the Finnish language to introduce them to the culture and learn the local language.

Study tracks for specialised computer science studies

The new Master in Computing Sciences is offering seven study tracks for students to further delve into their specialisation, beginning in August 2020. Out of these, three study tracks specifically focus on big data.

These tracks involve analysis, modeling, prediction and computation with big data, preparing students for jobs in the industry.

This course is ideal for those who aim to become experts in analyzing data, whether to create intelligent search engineers, find data-driven insights into a particular industry, create data-driven solutions for medical problems, or enable self-driving cars.

The Statistical Data Analytics (MSc) track emphasises certain aspects of data science such as statistical understanding and modeling of data variation and uncertainty.

Students develop a deep understanding of data analysis while mastering skills such as data cleansing, integration, modelling and prediction, and interactive exploration of data and models.

Through various methods such as probabilistic approaches through efficient data mining algorithms and flexible deep learning with neural network, students become well-equipped to work with companies to make sense of their data.

They also learn how to effectively present data analysis results to clients with visualisations and descriptive summaries.

The Data Science (MSc) track shares many similar topics, with more focus given to the algorithmic and computational aspects of data science. The track is appropriate to those with computer science in their background studies.

The Machine Learning (MSc Technology) track targets those looking to learn more about engineering predictive machine learning models.

As Machine Learning falls under engineering, this study track places emphasis on implementing machine learning algorithms with an application-oriented focus, with applications related to imaging, audio or other sensor data.

Linna Kirjasto,Tampere University

Students learn both classical and novel deep learning models, as well as the software and hardware implementations of machine learning.

As one of the hottest topics in information technology, this course allows students to develop niche expertise in the field.

Preparing students for jobs of the future

Students who graduate from Tampere University enjoy successful careers due to their qualification in different fields of technology.

As the skills of data-driven problem solving are highly in demand and will continue to be in the future, experts in machine learning and big data who possess the relevant skills have a wide range of job opportunities available to them.

Graduates typically gain employment in research, design, development, production and operating tasks, or commercial and administrative tasks relating to the field, or can work as researchers, teachers and managers.

Surveys have shown that data and machine learning engineers and experts are among the highest-paid of all computer programmers globally.

A specialised graduate degree such as the one offered by the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences is a major stepping-stone to a stable career with excellent job prospects and exciting opportunities.

Tampere is the home for many world-leading companies in intelligent machines – including Sandvik, Cargotec, John Deere and Valmet – who are actively seeking new data-driven solutions for increasing the level of automation.

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