Data Science | Concordia University Irvine

Data Science Major (BS)

The Data Science Bachelor of Science major teaches students to solve real-world problems using mathematical principles, computational resources, and sound inferential reasoning. It cultivates students' curiosity about the world and provides them with the theoretical and practical tools to collect meaningful data, analyze complex relationships, make accurate predictions, and evaluate results. Students learn data science techniques and apply them to problems across disciplines including the biological sciences, engineering, economics, medicine, and social sciences to promote God's goodness, imitate His beauty, and proclaim His truth.

Curriculum

Data Science Major
69-70 Units

Mathematics Courses
26 Units

MTH 265: Introduction to Statistics
3

As a basic statistics course applicable to education, business, and the hard sciences, this course will include topics such as descriptive statistics, the normal, binomial, F-, and Chi-squared distributions, and hypothesis testing. Optional topics might include additional non-parametric tests and ANOVA. A TI-83 graphing calculator or Microsoft Excel is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in AMTH 101 or CMTH 101 or MTH 201 or MTH 252 or MTH 271 or equivalent.

MTH 271: Calculus I
4

This course will study differential and integral calculus in one variable through graphical, numerical and symbolic methods. Limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals will be studied with algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, including applications using calculus to solve problems. Prerequisite: A passing score on the Calculus Placement Exam, or consent of the department chair.

MTH 272: Calculus II
4

A continuation of MTH 271, this course will include a study of methods of integration, applied to algebraic and transcendental functions. Solids of revolution, definite and indefinite integrals, Taylor polynomials, sequences and series, will be studied including applications using calculus to solve problems. Prerequisite: C- or better in MTH 271 or acceptable AP examination credit.

MTH 313: Mathematics Notation and Proof
3

This course will introduce standard mathematical notation, methods, truth tables, and principles of symbolic logic for use in determining the validity of arguments, dealing with proper notation and structure in mathematical proofs including direct and indirect proofs, mathematical induction, and construction of counter-examples. Application will be made to a field of mathematics such as set theory, algebra, or geometry. Prerequisite: C- or better in MTH 272.

MTH 371: Linear Algebra
3

This course will study properties of matrix arithmetic, systems of linear equations, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, diagonalization, inner products, and applications of these topics. Prerequisite: C- or better in MTH 272.

MTH 379: Numerical Analysis
3

This course serves as an introduction to the basic algorithms of numerical analysis. Topics may include numerical solutions of algebraic equations, interpolation and approximation methods, approximate numerical solutions to systems of linear and non-linear equations, and numerical differentiation and integration. Prerequisite: C- or better in CSC 104 and MTH 272. Offered alternate years.

MTH 387: Probability and Statistics I
3

This course will look at the probability and combinatorics; discrete and continuous random variables; the normal, gamma, Chi-square, Poisson, and binomial distributions with applications. Prerequisite: C- or better in MTH 373 (concurrent enrollment allowed). Offered alternate years.

MTH 388: Probability and Statistics II
3

A continuation of MTH 387, this course will cover various multivariate probability distributions, bias and unbiased estimators, Least Square estimation, ANOVA , Block Designs, and a revisit of hypothesis testing and a study of nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite: C- or better in MTH 387. Offered alternate years.

Computer Science Courses
22 Units

CSC 104: Fundamentals of Programming
4

This course covers the basic principles of computer programming and algorithm design using the C# programming language. The class addresses basic language syntax, branching, looping, exceptions, I/O, string processing, best practices, and tools for writing quality computer programs. It also introduces the process of turning a program that was written in a high-level language into an intermediate language and how the operating system then loads and executes it. Students in the class will be able to write elementary programs that will run on the Microsoft .NET Framework and the open source equivalent, Mono.

CSC 212: Data Structures
3

This course examines the basic concepts of data structures and related algorithms. Topics include arrays, structures, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, graphs, and hash tables. Students will implement the data structures and their associated algorithms, and will also write complete programs that make use of these data structures. Other topics to be discussed will be recursion, searching, sorting, and design tradeoffs. Prerequisite: C- or better in CSC 104.

CSC 314: Programming Languages
3

This course examines disciplined programming using a high-level language with specific emphasis on program design, style, efficiency and documentation. Topics include syntax and semantics, statement and subprogram control, data types and data control, design and implementation issues and source control. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: C- or better in CSC 104.

CSC 320: Server-Side Development
3

This course provides an overview of programming and database techniques used in server-side programming. Topics include handling web form data, SQL, database design, security considerations, stored procedures, n-tier architecture, transportation and data encoding techniques. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: C- or better in CSC 318.

CSC 428: Information Security
3

This course examines the fundamentals of information and web security. Topics will include practices of computer system security, operating system security, network security, software security, web security and cryptography algorithms. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: C- or better in CSC 314 and CSC 316.

CSC 432: Machine Learning
3

This course introduces students to the mathematical theory and practical application of modern machine learning. Topics include unsupervised learning (clustering); supervised learning (regression and classification); data acquisition, processing, and splitting; feature engineering; and model evaluation. Students will complete a significant machine learning project that requires them to process data, analyze trade-offs, and communicate their conclusions. They will also consider how fundamental beliefs and worldviews may influence their perspective on the limits and ethics of this technology. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; C- or better in CSC 212, CSC 314, and MTH 265.

Choose one of the following courses:

CSC 490: Internship: Computer Science
3

This course ranges from 1-8 credits. It is a supervised individual fieldwork experience where a student is required to work in the area of computer science. A written contract between the student and the company allowing the internship needs to be submitted and approved by the department chair prior to the internship assignment. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor.

CSC 495: Software Project Design
1

As the first of two (2) capstone courses for computer science majors, this course provides students realistic hands-on software development experience. Students will research and design a proposal of a medium-size software project, to be developed and programmed on a team. This course assumes the student has a good programming background in at least one programming language and is willing to learn new tools and technologies. Prerequisites: Senior standing; C- or better in CSC 428 or CSC 430 or CSC 490 or CSC 491 or consent of instructor.

CSC 496: Software Project Implementation
2

As the second of two (2) capstone courses for computer science majors, students will apply their knowledge and skills to complete an original student-conducted software project. Students will work in teams to develop and execute a medium-size software project. Prerequisites: C- or better in CSC 495 or consent of the instructor.

Biology Emphasis
21-22 Units

BIO 111: General Biology I
4

This general biology course will examine major principles in biology at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. Topics include cellular structure, metabolism processes, genetics, DNA function and genome expression, the origin of life and evolutionary principles, biotechnology, and molecular biology. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and the application of biological principles toward interpretation of case studies. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Typically offered each semester.

CHE 221: Chemistry I
4

A systematic exploration of fundamental chemical principles including matter, energy, electromagnetic radiation, atomic structure, periodicity, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, and structure will be examined in this course, including the introduction to the scientific method and epistemology in the context of the interface between the Christian faith and the chemical sciences. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 101, or a passing score on the Chemistry Placement Exam, or consent of department chair.

CSC 434: Bioinformatics
3

This course provides the student with an introductory knowledge of the multidisciplinary science of bioinformatics. As a basis, several common bioinformatics data types will be reviewed (DNA, protein sequences and structures, gene expression, NGS read format, CIGAR strings), as well as various well-known bioinformatics databases (NCBI, SWISSPROT, PDB, SCOP, SRA, TCGA, cBioPortal, GO, organism-specific databases). Furthermore, several commonly used bioinformatics algorithms will be covered to analyze bioinformatics data. An introductory course on R will also be provided.

PHI 467: Bioethics and Healthcare Professions
3

This course will examine the ethical issues raised by modern advances in health care and biological research. Attention will be given to the language of bioethics, important philosophical and theological approaches, and socio-cultural implications. Special foci may include clinical nursing ethics, business ethics in a healthcare context, or other topics as appropriate. Prerequisite: CTHL 101 or CTHL 200 or THL 202 or NTHL 101 or NTHL 202.

Students must choose 2 courses (7-8 units) from the following:

BIO 308: Molecular Genetics
4

This course will introduce the basic principles of molecular genetics focused on prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, and an introduction to Mendelian genetics. The course emphasizes classical laboratory experimentation and molecular techniques. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 350, CHE 221, CHE 222 or consent of the instructor. Typically offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 309: Population Genetics
4

This course will investigate the data, methods, and theory behind population genetics with an emphasis on human populations. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 112. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 317: Ecology
4

Fundamental ecological concepts will be introduced through literature and illustrated in field investigations focusing on the relation of organisms to their environment. Field trips and lab time are included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: Grade C- or better in (BIO 111, BIO 112) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221or SCI 115) or consent of the instructor. Typically offered alternate years (even years, spring semester).

BIO 331: Marine Biology
4

This course will study a variety of marine habitats and organisms, with emphasis on ecological interactions, physiological and behavioral adaptations, and current challenges to the marine environment. Emphasis is placed on local marine ecosystems. Students will learn current marine research methods in the lab and field. Up to two (2) weekend field trips are possible in addition to field trips during scheduled lab time. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 111, BIO 112) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Completion of SCI 318 and BIO 345 is recommended but not required. Typically offered alternate years (odd years, spring semester).

BIO 341: Plant Biology
4

As an introduction to the basic concepts of plant life, this course will study the structure, functional form, reproduction, genetics, and ecology of fungi, algae, and nonvascular and vascular plants. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 111 and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (odd years, spring semester).

BIO 345: Evolutionary Zoology
4

This course will study the diversity of the animal kingdom while focusing on natural history, anatomy, systematics, and evolutionary principles. Studied phyla include protozoans through mammals, or a subset therein. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or CBIO 101 or BIO 111) and BIO 112 or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (even years, fall semester).

BIO 350: Molecular and Cellular Biology
4

A study of plant and animal molecular and cellular structures, biochemistry, and function is included in this course with an emphasis on the molecular level of cells, cellular metabolism, and the structure and function of the major organelles. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 111, BIO 112, CHE 221) and (CHE 222 or SCI 115; or concurrent enrollment) or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 351: General Microbiology
4

This course will introduce the morphology, physiology, and ecological and medical importance of microorganisms (focusing on viruses, bacteria, molds, and yeasts), with a strong focus on the molecular basis of physiological processes. Laboratory sessions will emphasize the culture, physiology, and identification of the major groups of microbes. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or BIO 111 or CBIO 101) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 355: Biostatistics
3

This course will introduce statistical analysis concepts and methods necessary for the interpretation of biological data in including a hands-on experience with computational methods and biological interpretation rather than statistical theory. Computer lab time is included in the schedule. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 371: Neuroscience
4

This course is an introduction to the neurosciences, including cellular, systems, cognitive, and computational neurobiology, as well as mammalian neuroanatomy. Primary neuroscientific literature will be analyzed, and approaches to studying the nervous system will be examined. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Offered annually (typically fall semester).

Finance Emphasis
21 Units

BUS 201: Introduction to Management, Marketing and Information Technology
3

This survey course will look at today's American business systems including a study of various types of businesses and the information they gather, store, and process, including administration and management of people, facilities, and information. Course will include relevant computer experience simulating business situations.

ACT 211: Financial Accounting
3

Basic elements of accounting and methods of gathering and reporting financial data will be examined in this course, including a study of financial statements, journalizing financial transactions, merchandising activities, investments in property, plant and equipment; and depreciation as it applies to corporations. Prerequisite: BUS 201.

FIN 331: Finance
3

This is an introductory course to the principles and practices of managerial finance, sources and methods of raising capital, cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, financial markets, and stockholder equity concerns. Additional concepts will include decision making with risk and use of operation and financial leverage. Prerequisites: General education math requirements and ACT 211.

FIN 431: Intermediate Finance
3

This course extends the discussion of the sources, uses and management of capital in a firm focusing on the application of investment, financing and dividend concepts used in capital budgeting, cash flow analysis, financing alternatives and capital structure, capital distribution, financial planning and firm valuation. Growth strategies and M&A valuation methods will be introduced. Prerequisite: FIN 331.

BUS 483: Business Ethics
3

The purpose of this course is to develop a foundation for business ethical decision making and ethical evaluation. The focus includes global and domestic economic, social and legal environmental issues. Ideals, laws and values are evaluated with application of Business Ethics theory and philosophy. Case studies and classical literature underscore learning modalities embracing ethical decision making and analysis. A culmination of previous work is applied. Prerequisites: Business or Economics major with Senior standing.

CSC 322: Software Engineering
3

The course introduces software design, development, lifecycle and principles applied for each application development stage and managing software projects, including the phases of software development, design patterns, software architecture and Agile software development. Students will learn the processes of creating, developing, testing and deploying software and the management methods in software development projects. Prerequisites: CSC 104: Fundamentals of Programming

Students must choose 1 course (3 units) from the following:

BDA 337: Introduction to Business Data Analytics
3

This is an introductory course teaching applied job skills in close connection to the concepts and theories that drive the daily decisions relevant to data analysis and business intelligence. Each module focuses on a primary theme with real world cases where students will start by grappling with business problems and the underlying data to methodically drill down and solve problems from a technical approach. A few of these topics include, applications of statistics, data visualization tools in Excel, linear regression, time‐series, classification algorithms, and bias in data.

BDA 338: Data Wrangling and Decision Making
3

Data wrangling transforms and maps raw data into formats highly useful for analytics and improved decision making. The course is structured to provide students with in‐demand job skills in SQL focusing on real‐world applications from companies such as YouTube and Kickstarter. A combination of online lectures, live discussions with course instructors and classmates refine student capability in applying SQL tools (no coding experience is required) to business situations. Prerequisite: BDA 337.

BUS 261: Business Analysis Tools and Business Statistics
3

This course will focus on business analysis and problem solving strategies through the application of Microsoft Excel and deployment of business statistics analytics.

ECO 201: Macroeconomics
3

This is a survey course of the scope and methods of the study of the principles of macroeconomics. Topics will include decision-making by households and firms, supply and demand, operation of markets and the determination of prices, the evaluation of social welfare within alternative economic systems, international trade and foreign exchange, financial markets, the role and objectives of government in economic policy.

ECO 202: Microeconomics
3

This is a course covering principles of microeconomics. Topics will include decision‐making by households and firms, supply and demand, operation of markets and the determination of prices, international trade, elements of industrial organization and varying degrees of competition, and the evaluation of social welfare within alternative economic systems.

ECO 321: Econometrics
3

This course is the study of Econometrics, providing techniques for the quantitative measurement and analysis of actual economic and business phenomena. Prerequisites: fulfillment of the general education math requirement, ECO 201 and ECO 202 and (MTH 252 or MTH 271).

ECO 323: Money and Financial Markets
3

This course is an overview of financial markets and institutions, money markets, stocks, bonds, foreign currency, and derivatives. Prerequisite: ECO 201 or ECO 202.

FIN 333: Investments
3

Building upon FIN 331, this course will help students learn more about the strategic deployment of equities, debt and derivative instruments, diversification with appropriate levels of risk, time horizon, collateralization, and active investment portfolio management. Prerequisite: FIN 331.