First generation of data scientists begin studies at ITU

The first 70 students have begun their studies in the IT University of Copenhagen’s brand-new bachelor programme in Data Science, Denmark's first of its kind. Over the next three years, they will learn to derive knowledge from big data, and their skills will be in high demand.

Computer Science Department Education big data Natalie Schluter

Written 29 August, 2017 08:07 by Vibeke Arildsen

The data revolution is here. Every time we buy goods online, use internet-connected devices, check our social media, and in countless other contexts, we produce data that powerful computers and sophisticated algorithms are able to process. There is, however, is a lack of human specialists who can translate these vast amounts of data into innovation and useful knowledge.

The new Data Science programme at ITU was born to address this lack of data specialists.

New Data Science students getting to know each other during the intro week.

"The possibilities for creating new knowledge and new products based on data analysis are virtually infinite and range across all industries, from healthcare to transportation and retail. Things are developing very quickly at the moment," says Natalie Schluter, Head of the Data Science programme.

Despite being a new field, Data Science is already popular with 391 education-seekers applying to the programme at ITU this year, one third of whom chose the programme as a first priority. 70 students were admitted.

Danish data pioneers
The new students can look forward to three years with a steep learning curve and subjects like machine learning, statistics, programming and data visualization on their schedule. They will also learn to apply their knowledge in for instance the business world and receive instruction in the ethical issues associated with the use of big data.

This is the first time that a Danish education programme brings together all the techniques needed for a data scientist in one package, so these students will become pioneers of the field here in Denmark.
Natalie Schluter, Head of the Data Science programme.

"This is the first time that a Danish education programme brings together all the techniques needed for a data scientist in one package, so these students will become pioneers of the field here in Denmark," says Natalie Schluter. She continues:

"The students will learn to work with problems in society, organizations, and companies that can be solved by filtering and analysing large amounts of data. For example, they might look at how to predict and improve the diagnosis of diseases in hospitals or investigate how schools can predict and prevent dropouts."

Interest from companies
During their education, the students will also get the opportunity to test their skills on real-life cases from companies and organizations. Interest in collaborating with - and eventually hiring - the new data scientists is great, says Natalie Schluter, who has previously worked with data analysis for Danske Bank’s MobilePay before joining ITU.

"We often hear from companies who want to get in touch with the new students. By now, everyone has heard that big data is coming, but most companies are only scratching the surface in terms of exploiting the possibilities. Now the pressure is growing for companies to actually do something with their data is growing. So I am sure that the interest in data science specialists will skyrocket in the coming years."

Further information

Natalie Schluter, Associate Professor, email nael@itu.dk

Vibeke Arildsen, Press Officer, phone 2555 0447, email viar@itu.dk