KARACHI: The IBA Karachi is pleased to announce the launch of Master of Science in Data Science programme commencing in August 2020, which comprises of 4 semesters with a total of 30 credit hours.

The MS leading to the PhD programme will allow the students to opt for a thesis alongside their course work. The programme designed by the Faculty of Computer Science (FCS) is aimed to facilitate students with non-Computer Science background as well and foundation level courses will be offered to enable students to come at par with their peers.

The academic rigour coupled with experiential learning will prepare the students in the field of machine learning, statistics and big data analytics. Chairperson, Department of Computer Science, Dr Shakeel Khoja elaborated that the programme offers clear understanding in areas of statistical modelling, management of massive data sets, data visualisation, software engineering and data ethics. "The programme prepares students to extract valuable insights from data, and offers rigorous training to handle problems of big data," said Dr Khoja.

Commenting on the programme launch, Executive Director, IBA, Dr S Akbar Zaidi said, "The advancement in artificial intelligence, communications and robotics across the globe has led to the high demand of data scientists. Although Pakistan lies at the onset of this development, an increasing need is being felt in the software industry and service sectors like financial institutions, telecommunication organisations, healthcare providers and multi-nationals to produce trained workforce."

Dr Zaidi highlighted that this market-driven programme would set a new benchmark for other universities.

With the addition of Data Science programme, the IBA Karachi is now offering 9 graduate programmes alongside 6 undergraduate and 3 postgraduate programmes. The admission to various programmes for Fall 2020 is currently open.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020