Data Science Applications
“According to IDC analysts, businesses spent a whopping $215 billion in 2021 on big data and business analytics solutions. That’s up 10% on 2020.” (Source: Forbes).
Growing demand for data technologies means growing demand for data skills. As the National Skills Commission’s Annual Report for 2020-2021 says, “Data and digital skills are among the fastest growing emerging skills.”
By training, intellectual ability and experience, actuaries are ideally placed to fill this demand. The Data Science Applications microcredential strengthens your strengths, giving you the latest data science tools and techniques, enabling you to solve complex and challenging business problems and cementing your value as a data professional.
Benefits
Whether you’re working in business, government or policy, data management skills are becoming a true differentiator. Adding modern data science techniques to your skillset will broaden your career options and future-proof your career.
There are many data science courses in the market. What makes this microcredential unique is that it is designed by actuaries for actuaries. The course combines technical knowledge with an actuarial overlay meaning it’s tailored to your needs and integrates data skills with your existing professional strengths. In a competitive marketplace that combination of actuarial and data skills will set you apart.
You can claim continued professional development (CPD) points under the 'Knowledge' category.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion, you will be able to:
- Assess the impact of complex business environments on all stages of a data science project.
- Perform data science using a variety of tools and techniques such as neural networks, unsupervised learning, natural language processing and optimisation to successfully solve business problems.
- Lead the successful implementation of data-driven change in organisations.
Study Options
A key element of the microcredential design is a tiered structure that gives you the flexibility to choose the investment of time and type of study that meets your needs.
- If you’re interested in developing your data science skills and techniques to a level that changes how you are perceived within your profession, a more rigorous tier - one with assessment – may be more appropriate such as the professional certificate or certificate.
- If you want to refresh your knowledge on best practice data science but have limited time to complete professional development you can attend tutorials and engage with the learning modules without completing assessments by course participation.
Recommended background knowledge
Taking the microcredential with assessments usually requires the following prior knowledge:
- An understanding of the Data Science Principles subject syllabus.
- A basic understanding of Python.
Click here for further information.
* Google Colab is a requirement for this subject. If you are unable to access Colab you may utilise an equivalent solution, with prior approval from the Institute. For example, there may be difficulties in China due to firewall restrictions.
To apply for use of an alternative software, please complete and submit our Application for Alternative Software Use - DSA.
Completion
Professional Certificate: Successful completion of this tier (pass result) is equivalent to the Data Science Applications Fellowship subject which includes an assignment and exam. Upon completion, you will receive a Data Science Applications Professional Certificate digital badge and up to 312 CPD points.
Certificate: Upon your successful completion of this tier (pass result for the assignment) you will receive a Data Science Applications Certificate digital badge and up to 182 CPD points.
Course: Upon completion of the course materials and tutorials you can claim up to 36 CPD points.
Any hours spent reading or attending tutorials can be claimed as CPD as per the Institute’s Professional Standard 1: Continued Professional Development.
Next steps
The new Data Science Applications microcredential will deepen your data science skills and so enhance your career options. It’s designed so you can tailor the time and effort you invest to line up with your needs.
Want to enrol for the next course?
Check out the important dates for the next teaching period.
Have any questions?
Contact Louise Atkins, Education Director, via email louise.atkins@actuaries.asn.au