Data Science & Big Data degrees often overlap and teach students how to work with large amounts of information. But the purpose and tools used by each discipline are different. Big Data focuses on all the information which cannot be processed using traditional database systems. The easiest way to see if specific data can be labelled as Big Data is to analyse the 5 Vs (Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, and Value). Data Science, on the other hand, focuses on analysing the data and extracting useful insights for a particular individual, business, or industry. Data Scientists are also responsible for transforming their findings into presentations or reports which can be easily understood by clients or general audiences.
You should study a degree in Data Science or Big Data if you've always loved statistics and made decisions based on numbers and personal observations of past experiences. You're likely to succeed if you have an analytical mind, problem-solving skills, and outstanding attention to details.
While Data Science and Big Data courses offer a well-rounded education, it is impossible to be an expert in everything related to data. After graduation, you'll have to choose an area on which you want to focus. Some of the most popular specialisations are Data Engineering, Data Mining, Cloud Computing, Database Management, Data Visualisation, and others.
The courses you'll take during a degree in Data Science or Big Data vary from one university and programme to another. However, you can expect to take classes in Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management, Machine Learning, Calculus, Programming, Data Statistics, Creative Thinking, Data Science Ethics, Predictive Modelling, Visual Analytics, etc.
The most popular and useful programming languages for data scientists and big data professionals are Python, R, SQL, Scala, SAS, C
, Java, and others. Data Science and Big Data classes also help you develop skills which are essential to succeed in this industry. They range from analytical mindset, problem-solving, and creative thinking to communication, teamwork, patience, and well-developed attention to details.
Because an increasing number of companies and organisations rely on data insights and technology, Data Science & Big Data graduates can find work opportunities in almost any industry. Some of the most popular jobs are data scientist, database developer, data analyst, data engineer, business analyst, cloud architect, data strategist, machine learning engineer, etc.
These are the most recent and exciting trends in Data Science & Big Data: continuous intelligence (using integrated real-time analysis of data to support the decision-making process), augmented analytics (the use of AI and machine learning to analyse data and provide insights with little supervision from an engineer), and the continuous growth of cloud services, like storage, text editors, etc.
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Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
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