Data Science is revolutionising business models across industries by leveraging statistics and deep learning tools to drive better decision-making. With an increasing number of companies hiring data scientists to analyse data and predict potential risks, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing rapidly.
This winter school is specifically designed for undergraduate students in the final two years of their studies, particularly those studying IT, computing, or any engineering degrees with an interest in data science. Students will be introduced to key concepts, develop a solid understanding of data science, learn from experts in data science and AI applications, and collaborate on a technical project.
Team-based learning through group project:
Students will engage in team-based learning by working on a group project focused on a real-world challenge:
Gliomas, the most common malignant brain tumours, pose significant clinical challenges due to their high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. Accurate detection of these brain tumours is crucial but remains difficult. MRI scans are commonly used to identify potential gliomas, but analysing these scans is a time-consuming and tedious task for clinicians. In this project, students will develop an AI framework capable of accurately detecting and segmenting brain tumours in MRI scans. This automated framework has the potential to enhance efficiency in healthcare systems and aid in extracting imaging biomarkers for assessing disease progression and evaluating treatment outcomes. Supervised by Imperial academics throughout the programme, students will present their project to a panel of experts on the final day.
Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this winter school, students will:
Grasp the basic concepts of data science.
Develop an understanding of natural language processing, data science for computer vision, and machine learning for data science.
Learn about data visualisation and experience it firsthand at the state-of-the-art Data Observatory.
Understand the real-world applications of data science and its transformative potential in healthcare.
Gain insight into data entrepreneurship and the mathematical aspects of AI.
Appreciate the importance of data privacy and ethics.
Acquire unique insights into advances in data science from Imperial's leading researchers in data science and AI.
Develop essential professional skills in teamwork, communication, and presentation through practical workshops.
Experience team-based learning by working on a technical data science project.
Improve their English language skills through practice.
Additional Opportunities:
Beyond academics, students will have the chance to form new friendships through social activities, engage with Imperial student ambassadors, explore opportunities for further study, and experience what it’s like to study at a world-class university.
Data Science Career Planning Workshop:
For the first time in this winter school, students will have the opportunity to attend a new half-day career planning workshop, delivered by Imperial’s Careers Service team. This workshop is designed to help students unlock their potential in data science. Through a series of guided activities and strategic discussions, students will explore various roles in this dynamic field, gain clarity on their career paths, and acquire actionable insights to propel their data science journey forward.
Visit to the Data Science Institute:
As part of this winter school, students will have a unique opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art Data Observatory at the Data Science Institute, one of the seven Global Institutes at Imperial College London, and witness demonstrations of cutting-edge data science research.
The programme consists of 60 contact hours spread over two weeks, covering lectures, workshops, tutorials, project work, and visits. Classes will be held on weekdays.
Students will be allocated to small groups for project work, which will be conducted through team-
based learning with supervision. The final project will be presented in groups to a panel of experts on the last day of the programme. A prize will be awarded to the team with the best project.
The entire programme will be taught in English.
All students are expected to be studying an undergraduate degree, preferably in the final two years of their undergraduate studies, in any engineering discipline, IT or computing degree.
English requirements:
All students are required to have a good command of English, and if it is not their first language, they will need to satisfy the College requirement (or equivalent) as follows:
a minimum score of IELTS (Academic Test) 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in any element).
TOEFL (iBT) 92 overall (minimum 20 in all elements)
CET- 4 (China) minimum score of 550
CET- 6 (China) minimum score of 520
*The English qualification certificate is waived for the student undertake high education (undergraduate or postgraduate) studies in English. If you have difficulty providing the above evidence, you will be required to attend an online interview.
Technical requirements:
As the project has a strong technical element, students are expected to have the following technical knowledge and interest:
Interested in computer visualisation / natural language processing;
Have at least intermediate level at one of the common programming language (Python, Java, C ++, etc.);
Have mathematical foundation (probability theory, linear algebra, etc.);
Have understanding of the Linux environment;
Knowledge of Machine Learning with experience in using PyTorch / Tensorflow / Keras.
Students will be asked to bring along their computer pre-installed with Python for project work.
The cost of the winter School is £5220. The fee includes all tuition which covers:
• Lectures, project work, supporting materials, Imperial College certificate of attendance and transcript;
• Campus tour, visits and social activities in the programme schedule;
• Catering Vouchers for Lunches on weekdays from 3rd -14th February 2025;
• Accommodation fee for 14 nights;
• Overseas insurance expenses;
• A London Transport card with a top-up value of £5;
• An airport shuttle service on a fixed schedule.
*You will need to upload a copy of your university transcript and evidence of English language proficiency in the above website. It is important that the transcript includes your full name. (If this document is not in English, please provide a brief translation.)
*To prevent potential disappointment, we highly recommend that you submit your application at your earliest convenience. Our admissions process operates on a rolling system, meaning applications are assessed and decisions are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying earlier grants you access to a larger pool of available places to offer for evaluation.
For queries or further information, please contact:
Email: icdsi.programme@gmail.com / cpd@imperial.ac.uk
Please note you are eligible to apply for the scholarship and get a tuition fee deduction. A scholarship of up to £600 will be provided by Global University Online. To apply, please click the link below, complete an online application form and upload your personal statement (within 500 words) and CV/resume: http://www.globaluniversityonline.org/hqdx.php/scholarship/detail/46.html.
The deadline of scholarship application is 23:59 18 October 2024(UK time).
*In order to ensure the prompt and efficient processing of your scholarship applications, it is imperative that you submit your scholarship application on the same day as your application materials.
“I really have learned a lot through the programme. Thanks to all professors and supervisors”
‐ student from Shanghai Jiaotong University
“High quality teaching, useful knowledge and full support”
‐ student from Shanghai Jiaotong University
“Wonderful. It enhanced my understanding of data science. It was also wonderful to listen and discuss opinions with the professors”
‐ student from Zhejiang University
“It's indeed a wonderful experience, learning knowledge and coming across with so many excellent teachers and classmates”
‐ student from Zhejiang University
“This programme opens a door to the world of data science for me! Brilliant!”
‐ student from Zhejiang University
“The project gave me the opportunity to meet many great students and professors. I learned how to use artificial intelligence to improve everyday tasks, including but not limited to the computer vision and natural language projects in the program. This has greatly broadened my horizons and expanded my knowledge beyond my undergraduate studies. ”
‐ student from Xi'an Jiaotong‐Liverpool University
“Many thanks for this valuable experience. I have benefited greatly from being exposed to cuttingedge data science knowledge and trying to work on a project with students from different schools and disciplines. I will always cherish this memory. ”
‐ student from Nanjing Audit University
“It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the research atmosphere at Imperial College London. It is exhilarating to meet so many outstanding staff and professors talking like friends to us. It was also a valuable experience working with my teammates, who doesn't actually know each other before, but come together tighter after this programme. And my passion towards IC has never become so high like now. ”
‐ student from University of Nottingham Ningbo China
