VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Federal Government University

Associate Degree in Data Science

Introduction

In an era where data is the new oil, the ability to analyze and derive insights from vast amounts of information is a skill in high demand. The Associate Degree in Data Science is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate and excel in the dynamic world of data. By blending rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experience, this program prepares students to meet the challenges of data-driven decision-making in various industries, including business, healthcare, finance, and technology.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers essential areas such as programming, data analysis, machine learning techniques, and data visualization, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the latest tools and techniques. Beyond technical proficiency, the program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and effective communication, fostering well-rounded professionals ready to lead in multidisciplinary teams. Graduates will unlock the potential of data and drive innovation in their chosen field, setting a solid foundation for a successful career in data science.

Objectives

Associate Degree in Data Science is aimed to:

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of essential data science principles, including machine learning techniques (supervised, unsupervised, and semi-supervised learning), data mining, and prescriptive and predictive analytics for complex data analysis throughout the data lifecycle.
  2. Apply advanced quantitative techniques such as statistics, time series analysis, optimization, and simulation to build and deploy robust models for data analysis and prediction.
  3. Identify, extract, and integrate relevant heterogeneous data sources, including social media, open data, and governmental data, using modern data engineering tools.
  4. Utilize a variety of performance and accuracy metrics for rigorous model validation, hypothesis testing, and information retrieval in data science projects.
  5. Develop and integrate data analytics solutions into organizational workflows and business processes to support agile decision-making and operational efficiency.
  6. Effectively visualize data analysis results, design interactive dashboards, and employ data storytelling techniques to communicate insights clearly.
  7. Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and professional, ethical, and social responsibility by making informed and principled decisions in data science projects.
  8. Enhance communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences to facilitate effective collaboration, leadership, and career development in the field of data science.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Minimum 50% marks in Intermediate/12 years schooling/A- Level (HSSC) or Equivalent with Mathematics are required for admission in Associate Degree in Data Science. Equivalency certificate by IBCC will be required in case of education from some other country or system.
  2. The students who have not studied Mathematics at intermediate level have to pass deficiency courses of Mathematics (06 credits) in first two semesters.
  3.  “Zero Semester” is not applicable.

Assessment Criteria

Semester Work

Apply

Graded/non-graded

Marks

Count

Quizzes

a

Graded

10-20%

2-4 /course

GDBs/Viva

a

1/course

Assignments/Project

a

2-4 / Course

MDBs

a

Non-Graded

 

1 / Lecture (Module)

Lab Work

a

Non-Graded

 

1/Week

Teaching Practice

c

 

 

 

Live Sessions

a

Non-Graded

 

1 / Week

Attendance

c

 

 

 

Mid Term Exam

a

Graded

20-30%

1 /Course

Final Term Exam

a

Graded

60%

1/Course

Any Other (Please specify)

c

 

 

 

Total

100%

 

Award of Degree

To be eligible for the award of Associate Degree Program in Data Science, a student is required to complete at least 72 credit hours with minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.00 out of 4.00

Project / Internship / Practicals

Students are required to complete a Capstone Project of 3 credit hours in the final semester of the Program. The choice of the capstone project is at the student’s discretion. However, approval of the Capstone project from the student advisor is compulsory.

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 72
Total Semesters 4
Duration 2 years


Associate Degree Programs (Associate Degree in Data Science)
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS101 Introduction to Computing General Education Applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ENG101 English Comprehension General Education Functional English Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT602 Entrepreneurship General Education Entrepreneurship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH202 Discrete Mathematics General Education Quantitative Reasoning Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH501 Linear Algebra General Education Quantitative Reasoning Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH100 General Mathematics Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Deficiency 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ETH202 Ethics (for Non-Muslims) General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
ISL202 Islamic Studies General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning Interdisciplinary Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS205 Information Security Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS306 Introduction to Python Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS442 Introduction to Data Science Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ENG201 Business and Technical English Writing General Education Expository Writing Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA301 Statistics and Probability General Education Quantitative Reasoning Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH104 Sets and Logic Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Deficiency 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PAK301 Pakistan Studies General Education Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
CS306P Introduction to Python (Practical) Major Computing Core Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS403 Database Management Systems Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS628 Machine Learning Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA302 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA621 Time Series Analysis Major Domain Electives Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS435 Cloud Computing Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS441 Big Data Concepts Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS514 Internet of Things (IoT) Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS641 Big Data Analytics Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS513 Advanced Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Major Domain Electives Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS519 Final Project Major Capstone Project Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS614 Data Warehousing Major Domain Electives Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS620 Modelling and Simulation Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS626 Data Mining Techniques Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS631 Deep Learning Major Domain Electives Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 


Pre-Requisite Courses List Show/Hide Pre-Requisite Courses List


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