A recent review of the state of data science in Australia highlights the ever-increasing need for skilled data scientists, and the essential role of mathematics and statistics in data science degrees.
The Data Science Review 2023 was initiated by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA). The authors found that data science is one of the fastest growing occupations in Australia. The report outlines the needs of employers, and where universities can improve to help better meet current and future industry needs.
“Everyone knows that data science is a growth profession right now, and this won’t change for the foreseeable future,” said report co-author Professor Scott Sisson, Director of the UNSW Data Science Hub (uDASH).
The review pinpoints the key role of mathematics and statistics skills for degrees in data science at Australian universities—including UNSW.
“You can’t have a strong grounding in data science without firm mathematical and statistical skills, in addition to good computational skills,” Prof Sisson said. “Either on their own is not good enough.”
He said the review is the first of its kind to focus on the national demand for trained data scientists, while mapping the training opportunities available at Australian universities.
“It’s time we treated data science like a grown up,” said the review chair and AMSI Director, Professor Tim Marchant.
He said data science ranks in the top five most in-demand and highest paying jobs, with the global market for data scientists projected to grow almost 10-fold in the next five years.
“This report defines and describes the key role that the mathematical sciences play in developing data science skills to support the increase of student and employer interest in the data science discipline,” Prof Marchant said.
“It's encouraging to see that UNSW is in a good place in this regard, as our degrees are a flexible mix of mathematics and statistics, computer science, and business studies, each taught by discipline expert researchers,” Prof Sisson said.
“This mix of skillsets are essential for the modern data scientist—whether working in research organisations like Microsoft, Google, and the UNSW Data Science Hub, or data centric roles in the public and private sectors.”