B.Sc. in Computational Data Science (CDASN)

Nowadays, people live in a digital society. Human and automated activities continuously generate data, storing them in digital format. These data come from everywhere including social media, corporate information systems, wearable equipment, etc. The data-driven era creates strong interests and needs of analyzing, storing, distributing, and sharing massive amounts of data using sophisticated data analytics and machine learning algorithms and methodologies, with applications in multiple disciplines including science, social science, finance, public health, medicine, engineering, and telecommunications. We have already witnessed a huge job demand for data analysts in both local and global employment markets. Besides, how to design proper data-driven solutions for analyzing and reasoning about massive information remains a non-trivial challenge, since it requires in-depth knowledge of both computing and statistical methodologies for problem solving, data collection, data modeling and analysis, and scientific experimental design.

The Computational Data Science (CDASN) programme (co-organized by the Department of Statistics) is designed to manufacture mathematical, technical and analytical skills to create solutions to lead data-driven decision making. Data scientists build intelligent systems to understand, interpret, manage and derive key knowledge from big data sets. It aims to equip students with the latest in large-scale data processing, computational statistics, machine learning, data mining, and data visualisation, while also developing the skills to effectively communicate data insights to key stakeholders, etc. Such capabilities enable students to develop cutting-edge massive data analytics and management solutions that are of practical interest to academics, industry, and society.

The CDASN curriculum emphasizes on equipping students with the following capabilities:

  • Effectively collect, clean, manage and analyse large or complex data sets;
  • High-performance parallel and distributed computing for massive data management;
  • Data-intensive sciences, such as astronomy, biology and physics;
  • Data-driven theories and methodologies for mining patterns;
  • Making predictions from large and complex datasets, backed by rigorous foundations of data structures and algorithms, statistical modeling and analysis;
  • Parallel and distributed computing system programming

Four optional specialized streams are offered for students:

  • Computational Data Science
  • Computational Physics
  • Computational Medicine
  • Computational Social Science

Applicants wishing to pursue the programme should apply to JS4416 / CDASN directly.

 

Applicants seeking admission on the strength of HKDSE examination results should submit their applications via JUPAS. Admission is based on the Best 5 HKDSE subject results with subject weighting applied.

 

Admission RequirementMinimum LevelSubject Weighting
English41.5
Chinese31
Mathematics (Compulsory Part)42
Liberal Studies21
Two Elective Subjects3#

 

# The programme accepts any subject as elective. The preferred subjects (with a subject weighting of "2") include Mathematics Extended Module 1 or 2, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Information and Communication Technology, Biology, Combined Science; and "1" is given to any other subjects.

Local applicants with other qualifications can apply through the “non-JUPAS admission” scheme. These qualifications include Associate Degree/Higher Diploma, HKALE, GCE, IB, SAT/AP and other overseas qualifications for university admission. Please visit Local Admission Requirement of Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for more details.

 

International applicants who require a student visa to study in Hong Kong can apply through the “International Students Admissions Scheme”. The applicants must possess relevant high-school or post-secondary qualifications, e.g., GCE-AL, IB, SAT/AP (USA), GSAT (Taiwan), OSSD (Canada), and ATAR (Australia). Please visit Oversea Admission Requirement of Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for more details.

 

For both schemes, applicants will be considered on the basis of their education background and academic achievements. To make the applications more competitive, applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding abilities in English, mathematics and science subjects.

Depending on students’ financial situation, or their outstanding performance in academic or other areas, the Government and the University may provide various scholarships and financial aid schemes to support the student’s learning in CUHK.

 

Please visit Scholarships and Financial Aid in Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for more details.

A press conference was held by Communications and Public Relations Office, CUHK, to introduce the 4 new Bachelor of Science programmes including the BSc in Computational Data Science (JS4416).

Our CDAS program was interviewed by Singtao Daily on April 2022.

Email: statdept@cuhk.edu.hk or ug-admiss@cse.cuhk.edu.hk
Phone: +852 3943 7931 or 3943 4269