BSc (Hons) Biology and Data Science

Our Data Science graduates are trained from first principles in computer science and mathematics. The two disciplines are blended seamlessly throughout your degree. You will study fundamental mathematical and statistical techniques alongside modern software development methods. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning using authentic datasets in our computing laboratories. You will undertake significant development projects, including a final year data science dissertation led by academics with research specialties which currently include artificial intelligence, big data, and statistical modeling. You’ll explore a range of advanced technical topics which may include cloud computing, academic research, industry-focused professional skills, and practical problem-solving to ensure you are fully equipped for an exciting and intellectually stimulating journey as a data scientist.

Year 1

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Physiology and Anatomy
• Fundamentals of Biology
• Core Practical Skills
• Programming I – Programming Fundamentals
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Communication, Confidence, and Competence

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Cybercrime
• Systems and Architecture
• Computer Animation and Multimedia
• Natural Computation
• Introduction to Interaction Design

Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Microbes, Viruses, and Parasites
• Environmental Biology
• Practical Skills in Bioscience
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Software Engineering

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Human Impact on the Environment, scientific perspectives
• Current Topics in Biology
• Biodiversity Crisis
• Health and the Environment
• Web Technologies
• Programming II – Data Structures and Algorithms
• Mobile Application Development
• Computational and Artificial Intelligence I
• Database Systems
• Advanced Programming Practices
• Individual Study Topic in Computer Science
• Forensic Anthropology and Taphonomy

Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Third Year Double Project – ISP

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
• Applied Insect Ecology
• Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Conservation Biology
• Double Applied Life Sciences Placement – ISP
• Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
• Life Sciences Single Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) – ISP
• Life Sciences Dissertation
• Human Evolution
• Plant Science and Sustainability
• Software Engineering Project Management
• Games Computing
• Advanced Information Systems
• Advanced Databases and Applications
• Communications and Networks
• Advanced Web Technologies
• Computational and Artificial Intelligence II

Employability

From programming in Python and R to large-scale data engineering and working on the latest deep-learning research in applied settings, Keele’s program delivers the necessary skills to choose a pathway through this career with confidence. Graduates can go on to work in diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, transport, business intelligence, and e-commerce, as well as further academic study. Additional experience in research and self-directed learning gives our students the broader abilities needed to respond to the latest developments in this fast-changing field in the years ahead.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• IT Consultant
• Database Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Multimedia Programmer
• Games Developer
• IT Technical Support Officer
• Network Engineer
• Information Systems Manager
• Secondary Teacher
• IT Trainer
• Forensic Accountant
• Animator
• Operational Researcher
• Air Traffic Controller