Bachelor of Science in
Data Science
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Learn to analyze blocks of data, and effectively communicate results
The field of data science is becoming more and more relevant every day. The information we’ve collected helps point the way to a brighter future, and correctly analyzing and understanding this abundance of information is a highly specialized, sought-after skill. National University’s Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) degree program balances a strong academic foundation, realistic design, and implementation projects to prepare you for an exciting career in this fast-paced industry.
Upon graduation from the program you will emerge well-rounded in the data science industry, with the skills to analyze batches of data, and to communicate the results to those outside the field. The data science program culminates in a three-month capstone where publicly available data are used in a project to demonstrate mastery of the data science life cycle in the chosen concentration area.
National University supports your journey with our “whole human” education approach. Our relevant, practitioner faculty will be with you every step of the way, showing you how to present data that tells a story, complete with demonstrations and visualizations, using the assertion evidence method, and more. You are able to customize their program by selecting from three specializations: AI and machine learning, cybersecurity analytics, and bioinformatics. With the Assertion Evidence Method, you are taught to solve real-world data science issues in their capstone course, where you will partner with existing small businesses to network and develop a portfolio of real-world problem solving.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Preparation for Major
- 5-6 courses; 22.5-24 quarter units
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Conceptual foundation for the field of Data Science, with emphasis on ethically using Data Science skills and tools in a variety of fields.
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Prerequisite: ANA 200
Develop skills to acquire and visualize data to clearly communicate Data Science insights to a variety of project stakeholders.
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Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or
Accuplacer test placement evaluation An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Covers simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes Rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing. Assignments may utilize the MiniTab software, or text-accompanying courseware. Calculator with statistical functions is required.
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Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and matrix algebra needed for more specialized study in mathematics, computer science, engineering and other related fields. Computer and/or graphing calculator use is highly recommended.
OR
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Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or
Accuplacer test placement evaluation The first part of a comprehensive two-month treatment of algebra and trigonometry preliminary to more specialized study in mathematics. The course covers higher degree polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, transformations and the algebra of function, matrix algebra and basic arithmetic of complex numbers.
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Prerequisite: MTH 216A
The second month of a comprehensive two month treatment of algebra and trigonometry; this course is a continuation of MTH 216A. Topics include trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry and application, parametric equations, matrix algebra, sequences and series, and applied problems. Graphing calculator may be required.
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Analysis of the values, ethics and ideologies in computing and their applications to current issues in computer industry within the contemporary sociocultural setting. Focuses on ethical decision-making in computing matters. Students develop an ethical outlook on a wide variety of workplace issues in computing through case study, debate and readings.
Major in Data Science
- 11 courses: 49.5 units
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Prerequisite: ANA 200 and ANA 230
Students will apply Data Acquisition techniques for different kinds of data, including structured and unstructured data collected from a variety of sources.
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Prerequisite: ANA 310
Application of the Data Management and Governance Process for Analytics including: Data Structure, Privacy, Security, and working with Customer-Centered Databases. Evaluation of how these data relate and aggregates in databases, data marts, data warehouses, and data lakes and how they are used by analytical decision tools will be explored through case studies and projects.
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Prerequisite: MTH 209A
This continuation of MTH 209A includes concepts of measurement, geometry, probability and statistics, elementary synthetic and Euclidean Geometry. Computer programming in BASIC is introduced. Methods are incorporated whenever possible. However, both MTH 209A and MTH 301 are content/concept courses as prescribed by State regulations, not methods courses. Calculator may be required.
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Prerequisite: ANA 320 and MTH 330
Develop skills to clean, transform, and prepare raw data for exploratory statistical Analysis. Transform and merge multiple data sources into a single useable data set for analysis. The progression will then focus on standardizing variable formats, investigating outliers, analyzing missing data, and in general conduct a thorough exploration of the dataset. This process will highlight the limitations, strengths, and potential biases of the dataset and how to reduce these biases.
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Prerequisite: MTH 216B, or MTH 215, or Accuplacer test placement
(Cross listed and equivalent to CSC208) An introduction to limits and continuity. Examines differentiation and integration concepts with applications to related rates, curve sketching, engineering optimization problems and business applications. Students may not receive credit for both MTH220 and CSC208.
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Prerequisite: ANA 330
Apply Data Mining Methods to reduce data dimensionality and build predictive models for linear regression and classification trees. Hands on work on practical data mining problems will be part of the course curriculum.
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Prerequisite: ANA 340
The process of data modeling and optimization will be continued with association analysis, cluster analysis, and other unsupervised learning methods. Hands-on work on practical data mining problems will be part of the course curriculum.
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Prerequisite: MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
(Cross listed and equivalent to CSC331) This course studies combinatory and graph theory as the theoretical foundation for today’s advanced technology. It analyzes algorithms, logic, circuits, number bases, and proofs. Ample applications (graphs, counting problems, Turing Machines, codes) examine the ideas of Euler, Boole, Floyd, Warshall, Dijkstra, Church and Turing, Shannon, Bernoulli. Graphing calculator is required. Students may not receive credit for both MTH325 and CSC331.
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Prerequisite: MTH 220 and MTH 325
An examination of systems of linear equations and matrices, elementary vector-space concepts and geometric interpretations. Discusses finite dimensional vector spaces, linear functions and their matrix representations, determinants, similarity of matrices, inner product, rank, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, canonical form and Gram-Schmidt process. Computer software will demonstrate computational techniques with larger matrices. Graphing calculator or appropriate software may be required.
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Prerequisite: ANA 350
Develop the skills to acquire, organize, and manage data with open-source Python tools including Jupyter notebooks, Panda, and NumPy.
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Prerequisite: ANA 420
Develop Python skills to create high-quality visualizations and deploy interactive dashboards to effectively communicate data, methods, analysis, and results to maximize value for stakeholders of a Data Science project
Concentration (minimum of 30 units)
See the three choices of concentrations listed below
- Machine Learning and AI (7 courses, 31.5 units)
- Cybersecurity (7 courses, 31.5 units)
- Bioinformatics (8 courses, 30 units)
Capstone
- 3 courses; 13.5 quarter units)
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Prerequisite: Prior completion of all Major Prep, Major, and Concentration classes in BS Data Science program are to be completed before registering for this course.; ANA 485, or CYB 456, or BIO 471
Initiation of the Data Science team project to encompass all parts of the Data Science Life
Cycle. Team building, team collaboration, and conflict resolution are implemented in the proposal of a Data Science project. Technical aspects of Data Acquisition, Data Management, Data Preparation, Data Mining, Data Modeling, and visualization are proposed in a presentation to project advisors and stakeholders.
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Prerequisite: ANA 499A
Continuation of Data Science Team project. Data Acquisition, Data Cleaning, and Analytic Methodology are implemented and presented to project advisors and stakeholders in a written project report.
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Prerequisite: ANA 499B
Completion of Data Science Team project. Technical aspects of Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Modeling, and Data Visualization are implemented and presented to project advisors and stakeholders in a written project report.
Concentration in AI and Machine Learning
Requirements for the Concentration
- 7 courses; 31.5 quarter units
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Prerequisite: CSC 252, or CSC 272
Covers the key concepts and methodologies required for object-oriented design, evaluation and development with focus on practical techniques such as use-case, and scenario based analysis. Coverage of Unified Modeling Language (UML) and domain analysis design. Exposure to software development process models and software management and security.
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Prerequisite: CSC 300; CSC 331
An overview of common data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. A discussion of various implementations, efficiency and applications of data structures. Course examines efficient storage structures such as Hash tables and Binary Search Tree. Coverage of searching, sorting and graph algorithms along with their implementation and efficiency analysis.
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Prerequisite: CSC 335
This course presents an introduction to algorithm design strategies and their application in solving some commonly encountered problems in computing. Topics include asymptotic behavior of algorithms, algorithm designs such as brute force and exhaustive search, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy techniques, backtracking as well as branch and bound approach. A discussion of Intractability and NP–complete problems. The course includes an introduction to the theory of parallel and distributed computing.
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Prerequisite: CSC 300
A survey of principles, structure, analysis, and techniques of database design and implementation. Topics include physical and logical design, normalization, database models, security, integrity and queries.
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Prerequisite: CSC 335
An introduction to problem solving using modern artificial intelligence techniques. The course explores the latest challenges in the theory, practice, applications and implications of AI in the modern world with a focus on data science and machine learning. Examines the role of heuristics in problem solving. Concepts such as agents, production systems, and natural language communication are studied.
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Prerequisite: ANA 430
Develop Python Skills to create Machine Learning models for supervised and unsupervised learning in a variety of Data Science applications.
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Prerequisite: ANA 480
Develop Python Skills to create models for deep learning and neural networking.
Concentration in Bioinformatics
- 8 courses: 30 quarter units
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Introduction to the scientific method and the basic principles of the life sciences. Examination of cellular, organismal, population, and community biology based on the unifying concept of evolution. This course may not be taken for credit if BIO161 and/or BIO162, or their equivalents, have been completed.
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Recommended Preparation: MTH 204, or MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
Fundamentals of inorganic and organic chemistry, including bonding and basic types of reactions. An introduction to nuclear, biological and environmental chemistry. Basic principles and calculations of chemistry with emphasis in the areas of atomic structure, molecular structure and properties, equilibrium, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction and kinetics.
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Prerequisite: BIO 100 and CHE 101, or BIO 162 and CHE 142
Principles of genetics and heredity. Topics include linkage and pedigree analysis, DNA replication and repair, gene expression and regulation, inheritance of traits, genetic engineering, relationship of genetics to human health, and application of genetics to understanding the evolution of species.
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Prerequisite: BIO 305
A survey of Molecular Biology focused on gene structure, organization, regulation and expression. Topics in Genetic Engineering and Genome Evolution are covered, as well as DNA replication, recombination, transcription and post- transcriptional mechanisms in both Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells.
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Corequisite: BIO 470A; Prerequisite: BIO 161 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 163 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better
Analysis of biotechnology-related information using software tools to store, manipulate, and extract information from protein and nucleic acid sequence data. Topics include genome annotation, gene and protein prediction, sequence alignment, and analysis of aligned sequences in the description of patterns of protein or species relationships and gene expression.
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Corequisite: BIO 470
Techniques essential to bioinformatics. Topics include practical knowledge of databases, basic commands in Unix and R, sequence alignment and annotation, and gene-expression quantification.
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Corequisite: BIO 471A; Prerequisite: BIO 470
Advanced analysis of Biotechnology-related information using programming tools to store, manipulate, and extract information from protein and nucleic acid sequence data. Topics include: Genome Annotation, Gene and Protein prediction, Sequence Alignment, and Analysis of Aligned Sequences in the description of patterns of Protein or Species relationships and Gene Expression.
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Corequisite: BIO 471; Prerequisite: BIO 470A
Advanced techniques are essential to Bioinformatics. Topics include: practical knowledge of databases, libraries in Python and/ or R, verifying and evaluating analyses, developing a research project, and communicating results to Biologists.
* BIO 100 will fulfill the prerequisite for students only in this concentration.
Concentration in Cybersecurity Analytics
Requirements for the Concentration
- 7 courses; 31.5 quarter units
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This course provides an introduction to basic network concepts including local area networks, wireless networks, and wide area networks. Network security concepts are also introduced. Students will explore secure router configurations.
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An introductory survey course that explores the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity. Coverage includes the concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, cybersecurity policy, and the ethical and legal aspects of cybersecurity.
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Prerequisite: CYB 202; CYB 204
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of cloud computing and virtualization. The core cloud deployment and service models will be covered. A comparison of public and private cloud deployments will be conducted. The concepts of devops and continuous integration will be introduced.
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Prerequisite: CYB 340
An examination of the tools and methods for incident response. Topics include preparation data collection, incident analysis preserving data, and recovery. The legal and ethical aspects of incident response will also be covered.
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A detailed examination on the concepts of network defense and the various tools to protect and monitor a network. Students will learn how to implement an Intrusion Detection System, conduct network monitoring traffic analysis, and honeypots. Development of associated policy will also be covered.
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Prerequisite: CYB 453
A detailed examination of the collection and analysis of Computer and Network Log Data to detect cyber-attacks. Students will utilize a Security and Information Event Management (SIEM) tool to analyze various data. This course will focus on using a SIEM like Splunk or the ELK stack.
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Prerequisite: CYB 455
A survey of modern Data Analytics tools and techniques to analyze and solve cybersecurity problems. Students will apply Machine Learning Techniques for log analysis and to solve a cybersecurity problem.
* CYB 204 prerequisite is being waived for students in this concentration.
** CYB 340 prerequisite is being waived for students in this concentration.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, students must complete at least 180 quarter units, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 81 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
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With 2.5 quintillion bytes created every day, the field of Data Science becomes increasingly more important. This program prepares students for a rewarding career in a growing field by providing a firm foundation in data science, and also allows students to select a concentration in which to specialize: choose from AI and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity Analytics, and Bioinformatics.
AI and Machine Learning
The AI and Machine Learning concentration offers a deep dive into computer science topics such as algorithms and database design in artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
1. Apply the principles of computer science to data science problems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of data structures, algorithms, and database design.
3. Analyze a complex set of data by applying principles of neural networks and machine learning methods.
Cybersecurity Analytics
The Cybersecurity Analytics concentration provides for greater depth in computer science topics, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, incidence response, and network analytics.
1. Apply data science principles to solve cybersecurity problems.
2. Analyze a complex set of cybersecurity data by applying principles of cybersecurity, incident response techniques, and other relevant disciplines.
3. Communicate the results of a cybersecurity investigation.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of operating systems, networks, and cloud computing.
Bioinformatics
The concentration in bioinformatics will provide students with the biological literacy necessary to evaluate techniques essential to bioinformatics, including practical knowledge of databases, relevant libraries, verifying and evaluating analyses, developing a research project, and communicating results to biologists.
1. Describe key biological concepts such as cellular, molecular, organismal, and evolutionary processes, and how they frame bioinformatics questions.
2. Implement and evaluate programs and libraries in relation to the contexts of molecular and cellular biology and genomics research.
3. Analyze and evaluate bioinformatics data to discover patterns, critically evaluate conclusions, and generate predictions for subsequent experiments.
4. Effectively communicate scientific information in written and oral form to audiences within and outside the discipline of bioinformatics.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply theory, methods, and tools throughout the data science lifecycle to satisfy stakeholders’ needs.
- Analyze a complex data science problem by applying principles of computing and mathematics to identify solutions.
- Synthesize a computing-based solution to meet a given set of requirements in the context of data science.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize legal and ethical professional responsibilities to make informed judgments in data science practice.
- Function effectively as a member of a data science team.
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