Department of Natural Sciences | Master of Data Science in Earth and Environment

Master of Data Science in Earth & Environment (MDS) at Durham University

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Gain the skills and knowledge to harness the fast-growing streams of environmental data produced by industry, science and government. The course examines the data science techniques being used to address key environmental issues.

From security cameras and satellite transmission to our mobile devices, homes, cars, and in the workplace, we are surrounded by data. At the same time, developments in technology have made the field of data science more accessible than ever, creating new opportunities to gain insight into the interactions between people and their environment. This has led to a significant increase in demand for skilled data scientists, and this demand is predicted to further grow.

Drawing on this, we have created the Master of Data Science in Earth & Environment, a conversion course that equips you with the skills to access, clean, analyse and visualise data, opening a future in data science even if your first degree is in a non-quantitative subject. It is likely to appeal to Geographers, Earth & Environmental Scientists who want to learn how to use the data produced in modern industry, science and government in the management of natural resources and spatio-temporal information flows.

The course provides training in contemporary data science. You will be based in a supportive environment, learning from practicing researchers who are making a difference across a range of industries. Shared core modules across the suite of MDS courses will equip you with wider statistical and machine learning skills, while subject-specific earth and environment modules develop your quantitative skills in the field of natural resources. It is equally suitable whether you are planning to use quantitative analysis in a research capacity, or if you are a geography or environmental graduate who wants to learn transferable data and modelling analysis skills.

The course begins with a range of introductory modules before progressing to more advanced contemporary techniques such as Neural Networks, Analysis of Spatial & Temporal Datasets and Deep Learning. Optional modules allow you to focus on an area of interest.

The MDS culminates in the research project, an in-depth investigation into an area of specific interest in which you apply the skills you’ve learned during the course to a research problem related to earth and the environment. There may be an option to carry out the project in conjunction with an industry partner.

The skills and knowledge that constitute a Masters qualification in Data Science are widely sought by employers around the globe. In today’s data-driven society, the ability to capture, analyse and communicate information and trends from the data generated by business, governments and their agencies, communities and organisations is highly prized.

It follows that Data Science is a rapidly expanding career sector with opportunities for stimulating and rewarding work in many sectors including the areas of science, humanities, health, environmental and social where understanding and expertise in data is leading to transformations in the way people live and work.

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