Comprehensive Course Structure
The Data Science program at SCHOOL OF COMPUTER APPLICATION SRI SATYA SAI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES SSSUTMS is structured over 8 semesters, with a carefully designed progression from foundational knowledge to advanced specialization. Each semester includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and mandatory lab sessions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CS101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | MAT102 | Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CHM101 | Chemistry for Engineering Students | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | ENG101 | English Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PY101 | Python Programming for Beginners | 2-0-2-4 | - |
| 2 | MAT201 | Probability and Statistics | 4-0-0-4 | MAT101, MAT102 |
| 2 | CS201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CS101, PY101 |
| 2 | CS202 | Database Management Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | PHY201 | Electromagnetic Fields and Waves | 3-0-0-3 | PHY101 |
| 2 | CHM201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHM101 |
| 2 | MAT202 | Mathematical Modeling | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101, MAT102 |
| 2 | PY201 | Advanced Python Programming | 2-0-2-4 | PY101 |
| 3 | CS301 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS201, MAT201 |
| 3 | CS302 | Statistical Inference and Data Analysis | 4-0-0-4 | MAT201 |
| 3 | CS303 | Software Engineering Principles | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 3 | CS304 | Big Data Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS202, PY201 |
| 3 | MAT301 | Linear Programming and Optimization | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201, MAT202 |
| 3 | CS305 | Computer Vision | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 4 | CS401 | Deep Learning and Neural Networks | 3-0-0-3 | CS301, PY201 |
| 4 | CS402 | Time Series Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 4 | CS403 | Natural Language Processing | 3-0-0-3 | CS301, PY201 |
| 4 | CS404 | Data Mining Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 4 | CS405 | Recommender Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS301, CS302 |
| 4 | MAT401 | Advanced Probability and Stochastic Processes | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 5 | CS501 | Reinforcement Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS401, MAT401 |
| 5 | CS502 | Privacy-Preserving Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 5 | CS503 | Cybersecurity for Data Science | 3-0-0-3 | CS202, CS301 |
| 5 | CS504 | Geospatial Data Science | 3-0-0-3 | CS304 |
| 5 | CS505 | Computational Biology and Bioinformatics | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 5 | CS506 | Financial Data Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT301, CS402 |
| 6 | CS601 | Advanced Topics in Machine Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS501 |
| 6 | CS602 | Healthcare Informatics | 3-0-0-3 | CS505 |
| 6 | CS603 | Data Visualization and Interactive Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS402 |
| 6 | CS604 | Quantitative Finance | 3-0-0-3 | CS506 |
| 6 | CS605 | Research Methodology and Ethics | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 7 | CS701 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | CS601, CS603 |
| 7 | CS702 | Internship | 0-0-0-8 | - |
| 8 | CS801 | Capstone Project II | 4-0-0-4 | CS701 |
| 8 | CS802 | Thesis or Dissertation | 0-0-0-12 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Departmental electives are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge in emerging areas of data science. These courses are taught by faculty members who are actively involved in research and industry collaboration.
Deep Learning and Neural Networks (CS401)
This course delves into the fundamentals of deep learning architectures, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and transformers. Students will gain hands-on experience with frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, implementing state-of-the-art models for image recognition, natural language understanding, and time series forecasting.
Time Series Analysis (CS402)
This course focuses on analyzing temporal data using statistical methods and machine learning techniques. Topics include ARIMA models, spectral analysis, and forecasting with neural networks. Students will apply these concepts to real-world datasets in finance, climate science, and public health.
Natural Language Processing (CS403)
This course explores the intersection of linguistics and computer science, focusing on how machines can understand, interpret, and generate human language. Students will work with tools like spaCy, NLTK, and Hugging Face Transformers to build chatbots, sentiment analyzers, and language translation systems.
Data Mining Techniques (CS404)
This course introduces students to various data mining algorithms and their applications in pattern discovery and knowledge extraction. Topics include clustering, classification, association rules, and anomaly detection. Students will use tools like Weka and KNIME to perform exploratory data analysis and build predictive models.
Recommender Systems (CS405)
This course covers the design and implementation of recommendation engines used in e-commerce, entertainment, and social media platforms. Students will learn about collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, hybrid approaches, and matrix factorization techniques to personalize user experiences.
Reinforcement Learning (CS501)
This advanced course explores how agents can learn optimal behaviors through interaction with an environment. Students will study Markov Decision Processes, Q-learning, policy gradients, and deep reinforcement learning methods such as DQN and PPO. Practical applications include robotics control, game playing, and autonomous navigation.
Privacy-Preserving Analytics (CS502)
This course addresses the challenge of extracting insights from sensitive data without compromising individual privacy. Topics include differential privacy, homomorphic encryption, secure multi-party computation, and federated learning. Students will implement privacy-preserving techniques using tools like PySyft and TensorFlow Privacy.
Cybersecurity for Data Science (CS503)
This course examines how data science techniques can be applied to detect threats and protect digital assets. Students will learn about network intrusion detection, malware analysis, forensic computing, and secure data handling practices. Practical labs involve simulating cyberattacks and defending against them using machine learning models.
Geospatial Data Science (CS504)
This course explores the application of data science in analyzing spatial information for urban planning, environmental monitoring, transportation logistics, and disaster response. Students will use GIS software and remote sensing technologies to process satellite imagery and create predictive models for population movement, land use change, and climate impact.
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CS505)
This course introduces students to the computational methods used in modern biology and medicine. Topics include genomics, proteomics, drug discovery, and systems biology. Students will analyze biological data using tools like BLAST, Galaxy, and R/Bioconductor to uncover genetic variants associated with diseases.
Financial Data Analytics (CS506)
This course applies quantitative methods to financial markets, covering topics such as algorithmic trading, risk modeling, credit scoring, and portfolio optimization. Students will use Python libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn to analyze stock prices, derivatives pricing, and market trends.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The program emphasizes project-based learning to ensure students develop practical skills while working on real-world problems. The curriculum includes both mini-projects in early semesters and a comprehensive capstone project in the final year.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are assigned throughout the first four semesters, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on scenarios. These projects typically last 2-3 weeks and involve individual or small group work. Students receive mentorship from faculty members and are evaluated based on technical execution, creativity, and presentation quality.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year capstone project is a significant component of the program, lasting 6 months and involving either an industry-sponsored project or an original research initiative. Students work closely with faculty mentors to define project scope, select appropriate methodologies, and deliver a comprehensive solution that demonstrates mastery of data science principles.
Project Selection Process
Students can choose from a list of proposed projects curated by faculty members or submit their own ideas after consulting with advisors. The selection process considers student interests, available resources, and alignment with current industry trends. Projects are categorized into three levels: Applied (industry-relevant), Research-Oriented (academic exploration), and Innovation (entrepreneurial venture).
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on several criteria, including problem definition clarity, methodology soundness, technical implementation, data analysis quality, and final deliverable presentation. Each project includes a written report, oral defense, and peer review component to encourage collaborative learning and critical thinking.