Northwest engineering students pursuing the Automatic learning and data science (MLDS) Minor Learn to develop comprehensive data science pipelines, glean information from data and critically think about data -based decision -making.
The new codirectors of the MLDS Minor, Moses Chan And HuntCredit the success of the program, in part, on the history and multidisciplinary interests of the cohorts of the students, made up of students from the nine departments of the McCormick School of Engineering.
“I am constantly impressed by the lateral critical thinking which is made possible by the composition of students in our minor,” said Chan, assistant teacher of teaching in industrial engineering and management sciences of Northwestern Engineering. “For example, a group of students examines the impact of atmospheric climate pollutants, while another group analyzes performance data from Formula 1 and Basketball NCAA / NBA. The unique perspective that each student brings to classes has enriched the experience of all students in the minor. ”
MLDDS Minor Students such as Joey Patronik (’23), now an industrial engineering analyst at United Airlines, strengthens skills in calculation data analysis to estimate, predict, design and control engineering systems, and apply this knowledge in internships and industry.
“In my work in the air transport industry, the data is not always clean, it comes from various sources, and I may not have my choice platform to analyze it,” said Patronik. “The automatic learning and data science program equipped me with the skills necessary to adapt to new situations and effectively use the tools and platforms used at my work. These skills are crucial because I collaborate with a larger team to extract data ideas to support various units within the company, whether at the airport or elsewhere. ”
Hannah WilksA third -year student in mechanical engineering of Northwestern Engineering, acquired practical data science skills that helped her attack a summer internship project in Lighthift Energy, an energy storage development company on the scale of public services.
“I built a database, developed an algorithm and integrated an API for the development of the battery energy system project. Without the basic courses of the MLDS Minor, the realization of my project would have been much more difficult, ”said Wilks. “In addition, while the world of technology continues to change, my skills in data science and automatic learning – from data analysis and regressions to a in -depth understanding of automatic learning algorithms – are all incredibly useful when I enter the labor market.”
Hu, assistant teacher of computer education, stressed that data science and automatic learning techniques are useful in almost all disciplines.
“The techniques we cover in this minor provide students with complete and in -depth tool boxes for many tasks of data science and automatic learning,” said HU. “These skills are useful in their future career and can improve their productivity even during school years.
Extended curriculum tracks
Launched by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences and the Department of Computer Science in the fall of 2021 as a minor of data science and data, the MLDS extended last fall to offer students greater width and flexibility through Three specialization tracks: automatic learning, data science and a hybrid option.
- Data science track: Students learn to design and develop data pipelines to extract, clean and analyze data. Students also explore strategies to take advantage of data -based information, assess data quality and implement scalable data storage solutions.
- Automatic learning track: Designed for non -CS majors, students apply algorithms such as linear / non -linear regression, neural networks and decision trees to form models on large data sets. Students also learn the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence, including methods based on knowledge and research for problem solving and inference.
- Hybrid track: This track combines fundamental skills in automatic learning and data science with a sequence of four dishes, including Comp_SCI 214 Data structures and algorithms,, Comp_SCI 349 Automatic learning,, Data_eng 200 Foundations of Data ScienceAnd Data_eng 300 Data Engineering Studio.
THE Basic study program MLDS Minor emphasizes fundamental and statistical calculation methods. Thanks to two courses to choose from MLDS, students can explore subjects, including computer genomics, in -depth learning, visualization of information, optimization and recognition of statistical models.
In addition, students have the possibility of connecting with their minor cohort through social events, such as an online spring celebration of minor graduates, and to join career creation events, including panels in the data science industry and guest lecturer seminars from data professionals.
More than four cohorts, around 350 students were admitted to the minor. Chan and Hu are delighted to continue to strengthen the program, recognizing the support of the minor steering committee of MLDS and the management of founding co -directors Jennie RogersAssociate Professor of Computer Science, and Jill WilsonDeputy President and Professor of Instruction in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences in the northwest of engineering.
To find out more about the MLDS Minor and receive information about a next information session, please Register for the program newsletter.