Blog: My year as a Data Science student

Syeda Gulnoor Zahra

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Study sessions in The Diamond will be missed

Data Scientist has been classified as the ‘sexiest’ job of the 21st century by the Harvard Business Review. This explains its popularity and hype all around the world. MSc Data Science is also one of the most popular courses offered by the Information School (iSchool) and has a higher eligibility criterion than other courses to ensure the quality of the course. The iSchool at The University of Sheffield has been ranked Number 1 in the UK. Choosing to study this course at iSchool has proven to be one of my best decisions. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with you as both an MSc Data Science student and as a Student Ambassador at The University of Sheffield.

The course offers many interesting and technical modules. Out of which, my favourite ones have been Data Visualization, Database Design, Big Data Analytics and Data Mining (Machine Learning). From learning multiple software, computing platforms and algorithms that are commonly used in the Data Science field, to the theoretical concepts behind them, the course delivers a good blend of both practical and theoretical sides. Even though the second semester on campus was short-lived (thanks to the pandemic), I have, nonetheless, enjoyed studying this course.

What made my experience great is the quality and support of teaching and academic staff. They have many a time proved to be very helpful and cooperative. Be it last minute assessment related questions or general career advice, I have personally found them to be very encouraging and motivating. Another thing I am glad for is the allocation of a personal tutor for each student. Students can discuss their concerns (both academic and non-academic) with their personal tutors who provide maximum support and guidance.

During my time at the Information School, I have made some wonderful friends from all over the world. As a student ambassador, I also got the opportunity to meet ambassadors from other courses and ended up being really good friends with them. One of my memories with Ying Ji, another student ambassador at the school, was an enjoyable trip to York over Christmas.

There are several wonderful places in and around Sheffield which can be explored on foot or a short bus ride away. It is a very peaceful, beautiful and green city. Whenever I am free, and if the weather allows, I enjoy walks around my neighbourhood. Sheffield also has many parks, the Crookes Valley Park being my favourite, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the campus.

I am very pleased with my experience of studying this course at the Information School and would highly recommend it to those who are passionate about Data Science and keen on learning new things.

Lastly, just a little word of advice for those wishing to join the course who do not have a computer science background. It can slightly get overwhelming at the start, but the key is perseverance, to be consistent and never give up! The resources and teachers are all there to help the students who need extra help in understanding some concepts. Never be afraid to ask for extra help!

Syeda Gulnoor Zahra

MSc Data Science

Raspberry Pi Weather Project now live

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Our Chemoinformatics Group wins Jason Farradane Award

The Information School's Chemoinformatics Research Group has been awarded the 2012 UKeiG Jason Farradane Award , in recognition of its outstanding 40 year contribution to the information field. The prize is awarded to the three current members of the group, Professor Val Gillet , Dr John Holliday and Professor Peter Willett . The judges recognised the Group's status as one of the world's leading centres of chemoinformatics research, a major contributor to the field of information science, and an exemplar in raising the profile of the information profession. The School has a long association with the Farradane prize. Its second recipient was long time member of staff Professor Mike Lynch in 1980.

Professor Mike Thelwall gives inaugural lecture

Professor of Data Science Mike Thelwall recently gave his inaugural lecture at the University of Sheffield, entitled How helpful are AI and bibliometrics for assessing the quality of academic research? The lecture, delivered in the University's Diamond building, was introduced by Head of the Information School Professor Briony Birdi. It covered Mike's research into whether Artificial Intelligence can inform - or replace - expert peer review in the journal article publication process and what this could look like, as well as to what extent bibliometrics and citation statistics can play a role in assessing the quality of a piece of research. Mike also discussed whether tools like ChatGPT can accurately detect research quality. The inaugural lecture was well attended by colleagues from around the University.

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