Minor Data Wise: Data Science in Society

Code: MIDW

Data plays an increasingly prominent role in society. Scientists, journalists, politicians, policy makers, and governmental institutions all make use of ‘big data’ and ‘data-driven approaches’ to understand our society and to shape our daily lives. From sports to healthcare, from business to biology—data and data infrastructures are overwhelmingly present in all these spheres.

The minor 'Data Wise: data science in society' focuses on knowledge about data and on skills to critically evaluate, shape and work with data. Specifically, it will improve the students’ employability since data science skills are increasingly listed as requirement or preferred skills in vacancies for university graduates. Furthermore, nearly all professionals need to have affinity with data and related processes in the course of their work.

This minor arises from a collaboration between Sociology, Centre for Information Technology and Campus Fryslân. The teaching team is made up of experts from across the University of Groningen and UMCG.

Due to the Data Wise minor, I was able to secure a position for my bachelor thesis in a Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface, my dream job! Courses such as Machine learning, Intro to Programming and Data as Evidence gave me tools and confidence to get involved with my project. The minor was beneficial for me as a person and for my career, as I now plan for a career in data science.
— Alexandros Christopoulos, psychology student

Interdisciplinary, project-based learning

Because interdisciplinarity, interaction and awareness of real-world contexts are key to the kinds of learning needed, the core of the minor is a group project on which students work for a period of four months. These real-world projects come from a diversity of stakeholders from research, business, government or civil society. By the end of the minor, students will have a highly desirable profile: team players who are able to collaborate with data scientists, making real contributions to responsible and innovative use of data.

Students who complete the minor will

• understand how data practices influence our lives, positively and negatively, and shape society
• acquire the conceptual and practical skills to collect, analyze, and report on this potentially enormous source of information and to do their work responsibly
• critically evaluate and participate in “big data”/data-driven projects
• be able to pursue their careers in settings where data and data infrastructures intersect with their domain expertise and activities

Course programme