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DSC-10001 - Module Specification
School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

DSC-10001 - Foundations of Data Science
Coordinator: Peter Wootton Room: MAC2.21 Tel: +44 1782 7 33767
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733075

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Mathematics underpins much of modern day Data Science and is a quantitative language for how to discuss concepts and ideas in a formal setting. This module will introduce students to areas of Mathematics most relevant to these areas, including vectors and matrices, functions, graph theory, logic, information theory, probability and statistics, as well as a toolbox of essential mathematical techniques.
Students will learn how mathematical abstractions can be used to represent real world scenarios, develop skills to reason about such models, and learn problem solving skills and proof strategies. This allows students to use mathematics as an effective means of communication when solving real world problems.

Aims
The module aims to introduce students to mathematical problem solving skills, useful in a range of contexts, with a particular focus on Data Science. Students will develop experience with representing real world problem domains by using mathematical abstractions, and they will learn the skills and techniques required for analysing such systems as well as studying fundamentals that underpin all Data Science techniques and applications.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Model and analyse real world problems using mathematical abstractions and construct basic mathematical proofs: 2,3
Demonstrate mathematical problem solving skills in a variety of domains: 1,2,3
Apply mathematical methods and techniques involving functions, vectors, calculus, trigonometry and algebra: 3
Apply abstract data structures (such as sets, relations, and graphs) and basic statistical techniques to represent, summarise, solve and interpret computational problems: 1,2

Study hours

60 hours of lectures
24 hours of tutorials
48 hours of tutorial preparation
25 hours of class test revision
50 hours of exam revision
50 hours completing problem sheets
43 hours of consolidation study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Class Test weighted 15%
In-class multiple choice test
Sudents will undertake a 45-minute multiple-choice class test covering the analysis of real-world problems represented with logical and discrete structures, and problem-solving skills. The class test will take place in the latter half of the module, approximately week 7-8. There will be approx 20 multiple-choice questions.

2: Exam weighted 35%
Two-hour unseen examination
Two-hour unseen examination. Students will answer four questions out of the five available on the exam paper. Sample and past exam papers will be made available to students, with solutions to consult. A mock exam question will be attempted by students as formative learning, so that they can better prepare for the end of module exam. The mock exam question will take place during a tutorial session under exam conditions.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 50%
Problem sheets
5 online problem sheets in Mobius, each consisting of 12 questions.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026