Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Data Science

B.S. Minor: Data Science

Program Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Reese

Data Science combines computer science and statistics to turn raw data into real answers. Like Batten's other interdisciplinary majors, it is built around clear career paths while staying grounded in the liberal arts.

The B.S. in Data Science brings together programming, calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistical modeling. Students then put those skills to work through a required internship or research experience and an applied elective in areas like numerical methods, mathematical modeling, databases, or geographic information systems.

The major requires 50 credit hours. Students who arrive with AP or dual enrollment credit for Calculus I and Computer Programming I can complete it in 42. Students should place at math level A or higher; those with a lower placement will take additional math coursework first.

Because the curriculum overlaps heavily with its parent programs, students may not double major in Data Science and Mathematics, or in Data Science and Computer Science. A Data Science minor is also available for students in other majors.

Requirements

CS 112 Computer Programming I
4 hrs
CS 212 Computer Programming II
4 hrs
CS 311 Data Structures
4 hrs
MATH 171 Calculus I
4 hrs
MATH 172 Calculus II
4 hrs
MATH 273 Multivariable Calculus
4 hrs
MATH 210 Introductory Statistics
4 hrs
MATH 217 Linear Algebra
4 hrs
MATH 310 Statistical Models
4 hrs
MATH 316 Probability
4 hrs
CS 307 Data Science Using Python
4 hrs
Internship or Research One of: CS 470 Internship in Computer Science · MATH 470 Internship in Mathematics · CS 489 Research in Computer Science · MATH 489 Research in Mathematics
2 hrs
Applied Elective One of: MATH 350/CS 350 Numerical Methods · MATH 410 Mathematical Models · CS 430 Database Management Systems Design · EES 300 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
4 hrs
Total Hours Required 50

Students may not double major in Data Science and Mathematics, or in Data Science and Computer Science.

Courses

Data Science coursework draws from Computer Science, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The courses below include everything required for the major and minor, from programming and calculus through statistical modeling, probability, and applied electives.

CS 107 4 credits

Introduction to Python Programming

The basic components of Python programming language are studied. Topics include variables and types, expressions, statements, conditions with selection and looping, functions. Concepts and basics on lists, tuples, sets and dictionaries are also presented. Prerequisite: placement level H, A, B, or C. Students with credit for CS 112 or higher by consent only. Offered every fall.

CS 112 4 credits

Computer Programming I

An introduction to computer programming using a modern programming language. Topics include the program development process, structured programming, data types, variables and expressions, input/output, assignment, selection, looping, functions, and arrays. Prerequisite: placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104 with a grade of B or higher, or consent. CS 107, CS 110 or a high school programming class is strongly recommended. Offered every semester.

CS 212 4 credits

Computer Programming II

A continuation of CS 112. Topics include advanced programming design in static methods (void and value-returning methods), arrays used in methods, classes, array-based lists, selection sort, binary search, object-oriented programming techniques (inheritance, polymorphism, and composition), and recursion. Prerequisite: CS 202 with a grade of C- or higher, CS 112 with a grade of C or higher, or consent. Offered every semester.

CS 307 4 credits

Data Science Using Python

The advanced Python programming techniques and applications in data science are studied. Topics include control structures, lists, tuples, sets and dictionaries, as well as the popular Python modules in data science including math, statistics, NumPy, and Pandas. Case studies on data analysis, visualization, series and frames are also covered. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in MATH 210 and a grade of a B or higher in either CS 107 or CS 212, or consent. Offered fall of even-numbered years.

CS 311 4 credits

Data Structures

An introduction to commonly used computer data structuring techniques. Topics include abstract data types, classes, queues, stacks, linked lists, algorithm analysis, sorting, searching, trees, and graphs. Prerequisite: CS 212 with a grade of C or higher or consent. Offered every fall.

CS 350 4 credits

Numerical Methods

Examines methods used in solving numerical problems with the aid of a computer. Topics include floating-point arithmetic, interpolation, integration, roots of non-linear equations, ordinary differential equations, and systems of linear equations. Identical to MATH 350. Students enrolled in the pre-engineering program with ODU cannot receive credit for this course and the cross-registered courses MAE 340 or CEE 305. Prerequisites: MATH 172 with a grade of C- or higher and CS 212 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

CS 430 4 credits

Database Management Systems Design

Emphasizes the concepts and structures necessary to design and implement database systems using a relational database management system. Various database management system architectures illustrating hierarchical, network, and relational models are discussed. Physical data storage techniques, file security, data integrity, and data normalization are also explored. Prerequisite: CS 212 with a grade of C or higher or consent. Offered intermittently.

CS 470 2 or 4 credits

Internship in Computer Science

An intensive computer science project conducted in a professional setting. Pass/Fail grading. Prerequisite: junior/senior status, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and consent. Offered intermittently.

CS 489 2 or 4 credits

Research in Computer Science

Offers students the opportunity to conduct original scientific research in an area of interest. Students work closely with one or more members of the natural science faculty to develop and conduct a research project, then present their findings orally during the semester's undergraduate research symposium and as a formal research paper. Students are encouraged to present their findings at a conference. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and a major in Computer Science, prior approval by the project advisor, and consent of the instructor. Students may enroll for 2 or 4 hours in a given semester. May be repeated for a maximum total of 8 semester hours. Identical to BIO 489, CHEM 489, EES 489, and MATH 489. Offered intermittently.

MATH 171 4 credits

Calculus I

Students learn the basic tools of calculus, why they work, and how to apply them in various contexts. Calculus I develops differential calculus through symbolic, graphical, and numerical approaches. Topics include differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications in modeling and optimization, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and an introduction to differential equations. Prerequisite: placement level A or MATH 170 (grade C- or higher). Offered every semester.

MATH 172 4 credits

Calculus II

A continuation of Calculus I. More advanced techniques are studied and used to solve quantitative problems in various contexts. Topics include integration techniques, applications of definite integration, polar coordinates, parametric equations, and sequences and series. Prerequisite: MATH 136 or 171 with a grade of C- or higher or consent. Offered every semester.

MATH 210 4 credits

Introductory Statistics

Introduces students to learning from data. Topics include the basics of data production, data analysis, probability, Central Limit Theorem, and statistical inference. Statistical software is used for data management, calculation, and visualization. No previous knowledge of statistics is required. Students cannot receive credit for both MATH 210 and PSY 210. Prerequisites: sophomore status or higher, and placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104 with a grade of C- or higher. Not appropriate for first-year students. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. Offered every semester.

MATH 217 4 credits

Linear Algebra

The study of vector spaces and linear equations in several variables. Topics include systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear dependence of vectors, bases, dimension, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 172 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Offered every fall.

MATH 273 4 credits

Multivariable Calculus

Topics include functions of several variables, curves, surfaces, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, and vector analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 172 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Offered every spring.

MATH 310 4 credits

Statistical Models

A course in applied data analysis. Emphasizes construction of models for authentic data sets. Statistical software is used extensively for analyzing real data sets from various contexts. Topics include parametric and non-parametric tests, simple and multiple regression, and ANOVA. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, MATH 172 with a grade C or higher, and MATH 210 with a grade C or higher, or consent. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

MATH 316 4 credits

Probability

Approaches probability as a discipline with applications throughout mathematics and the sciences. Topics include classical and axiomatic probability, random variables, common distributions, density functions, expectation, conditional probability, independence, the Law of Large Numbers, and the Central Limit Theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 273 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

MATH 350 4 credits

Numerical Methods

Examines methods used in solving numerical problems with the aid of a computer. Topics include floating-point arithmetic, interpolation, integration, roots of non-linear equations, ordinary differential equations, and systems of linear equations. Identical to CS 350. Students enrolled in the pre-engineering program with ODU cannot receive credit for this course and the cross-registered courses MAE 340 or CEE 305. Prerequisites: MATH 172 with a grade of C- or higher and CS 212 with a grade of C- or higher, or consent. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

MATH 410 4 credits

Mathematical Models

An introduction to mathematical models and sensitivity analysis. Emphasizes construction of models for real world applications in a variety of areas. Mathematical software is used extensively for problem solving. Topics include optimization models, linear and discrete programming, dynamic models, and probability models. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, MATH 217 with a grade of C- or higher, and MATH 273 with a grade of C- or higher. Offered fall of even-numbered years.

MATH 470 2 or 4 credits

Internship in Mathematics

An intensive mathematics project conducted in a professional setting. Pass/Fail grading. Prerequisites: junior/senior status, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and consent. Offered intermittently.

MATH 489 2 or 4 credits

Research in Mathematics

Offers students the opportunity to conduct original scientific research in an area of interest. Students work closely with one or more members of the natural science faculty to develop and conduct a research project, then present their findings orally during the semester's undergraduate research symposium and as a formal research paper. Students are encouraged to present their findings at a conference. Prerequisite: junior/senior status and a major in Mathematics, prior approval by the project advisor, and consent of the instructor. Students may enroll for 2 or 4 hours in a given semester. May be repeated for a maximum total of 8 semester hours. Identical to BIO 489, CHEM 489, CS 489, and EES 489. Offered intermittently.

EES 300 4 credits

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Introduces the computer-literate student to the underlying theory and practical applications of Graphic Information System (GIS) technology. Lectures are interwoven with hands-on computer exercises that illustrate the principles, develop technical competence, and demonstrate the versatility of GIS. Individualized projects reinforce concepts and help students acquire the knowledge and confidence required to use GIS outside the classroom. Prerequisites: math placement level H, A, or B, and junior/senior status, or MATH 104, or consent. Offered every fall.

Career Outcomes

Data Analysis

Statistics, modeling, and Python-based coursework prepare students to clean, analyze, and visualize data for organizations in nearly every industry.

Data Analyst Business Intelligence Data Visualization

Data Science & Machine Learning

A foundation in linear algebra, probability, and programming supports roles that build predictive models and data-driven tools.

Data Scientist Machine Learning Predictive Modeling

Data Engineering & Databases

Data structures and database design coursework prepare students for roles that build and maintain the systems data lives in.

Data Engineering Database Administration Software Development

Graduate Study & Research

The required internship or research experience prepares students for graduate programs in data science, statistics, and related quantitative fields.

Graduate School Research Statistics

Faculty

John Wang (John)
John Wang (John)

Professor of Computer Science

Abdullah Al-Alaj
Abdullah Al-Alaj

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Kristin Burney
Kristin Burney

Lecturer in Mathematics

103 Eggleston Commons, Bray Village

757-455-3419

kburney@batten.edu

Shawn Frazier
Shawn Frazier

Lecturer in Mathematics

109 Eggleston Commons, Bray Village

757-455-3299

sfrazier@batten.edu

Lydia Kennedy
Lydia Kennedy

Associate Professor of Mathematics

108 Eggleston Commons, Bray Village

757-455-3371

lkennedy@batten.edu

Margaret Reese
Margaret Reese

Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professor of Mathematics
Chair of Mathematics

105 Eggleston Commons, Bray Village

757-233-8752

mreese@batten.edu

Denise Wilkinson
Denise Wilkinson

Professor of Mathematics