| Unit name | Data Science Group Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMTM0044 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Joshi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
The Data Science Group Project unit is one of two options for the capstone of the MSc Data Science: it will enable you to showcase your competencies as a data scientist who can capably work in a team on a real problem. This unit is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. By collaborating with stakeholders who might be based in industry, academia, or other sectors, you will engage with real world challenges and solve problems that require data-driven solutions. This unit will provide you with the opportunity to apply the data science techniques and strategies learned throughout the programme to solve practical, complex questions posed by the stakeholders. The hands-on experience of working on real-world projects will not only enhance your technical and analytical skills but also develop your ability to work collaboratively, think critically, and communicate effectively in a professional setting.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
The Data Science Group Project is the culmination of the MSc Data Science integrating the diverse knowledge and skills acquired across all units. This unit is strategically positioned as an optional final capstone (the other option being an individual project), allowing you to synthesise and apply your learning in a comprehensive and impactful way. By working with stakeholders, you will be exposed to the nuances and practical challenges of decision-making processes informed by data. The unit emphasises the importance of data strategy, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the need to provide actionable insights and recommendations that are relevant and feasible in the business context. Through formal presentations and group reports, you will demonstrate the ability to translate complex data science concepts into practical solutions, making this unit an essential step in preparing you for a successful career in the field of data science.
An overview of content
In the Data Science Group Project, you will collaborate with external partners from various sectors toaddress real-world challenges. Guided by feedback from academic supervisors and stakeholders,you will develop a data-driven strategy to solve an assigned real-world problem. You will apply data science techniques toanalyse relevant data, generate insights, and present your findings in a group report and presentation. This unit emphasises practical application, teamwork, and the ability to deliver actionable business recommendations.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
On completing this unit, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of how to apply data science in solving real-world problems. You will have developed the ability to work effectively in a team, manage complex projects, and communicate their findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. This experience will enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional communication skills, preparing you for the demands of the real world.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
The unit is intended to promote self-directed and collaborative group-based learning and inquiry, under guidance of a problem owner and academic supervisor. You will be supported in setting up your teams and ways of working by your supervisor. Additionally,support, guidance, and formative feedback will be provided through a series of regular group meetings that every group member must attend. You may also get some support and feedback from the problem owners.
The School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology will run Community and Integrity Training at the beginning of the academic year. Attendance at a Community and Integrity training session is a must-do component to be awarded credit for the unit.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
4 weeks into the project, each group is required to deliver a formative short presentation to a review panel in order to receive feedback on their current progress, plans and their presentation delivery. This will link to both the summative group written report and summative group presentation. At the same time, student groups can also (optionally) submit a formative written assessment consisting of the structure/skeleton planned to be used in the summative report.
All groups will also receive regular formative feedback through supervised group meetings.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
This unit is assessed by coursework.
The outputs will be:
Students within a group are all expected to contribute and engage with the group project throughout the duration of the unit. You may be given individual marks for your group assessments based on peer moderation and/or on your engagement in supervised group meetings.
When assessment does not go to plan:
If reassessment is required, you will prepare an individual written report worth 100%. This will involve working with the dataset that was originally given to your group. For the individual reassessment, you may be asked to develop and critique your group’s individual submission (including highlighting improvements that could be made to the group report) and/or you may be given a different task or goal associated with the original dataset. The precise form of the reassessment will depend on which learning outcomes were not successfully demonstrated in the your original assessments.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SEMTM0044).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
