Faculty of Data Science: Cultivating talents with interdisciplinary programmes and industry-academia collaborations

The Faculty of Data Science (FDS) of the City University of Macau (CityU), established in 2020, carries the mission of nurturing data science and information technology talents for high-tech development in Macao and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It offers disciplines in data science, information security and artificial intelligence, with interdisciplinary features of arts, science, and law. The faculty collaborates with leading mainland enterprises to establish joint laboratories and conduct collaborative research in cross-border data, data security, blockchain, and cryptography.

FDS strives to achieve a “3-in-1” education model that features talent cultivation, scientific research and development, and knowledge dissemination. With its interdisciplinary offerings, the faculty fosters versatile professionals with a solid theoretical and practical foundation in data science and information technology. In line with the education system offered by international first-class higher education institutions in the field, FDS strives to improve its curriculum design and enhance the systematisation and professionalism of its talent cultivation programme.

Leading academic figures lead discipline development

Prof Zhou Wanlei and Prof Mu Yi, prominent academic experts in data science, computer science, and network security, lead the development of FDS. The two professors have gathered over 30 years of study and working experience in Australia and are highly experienced in supervising PhD students. Prof Zhou Wanlei and Prof Mu Yi have been ranked in the list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists by the Stanford University for two consecutive years. The citation record of their articles has reached over ten thousand times, demonstrating their influence in international academia.

Prof Zhou obtained his PhD in Computer Science from The Australian National University, a DSc degree (a higher doctorate degree) from Deakin University in Australia and held the position of Alfred Deakin Professor. His expertise covers various disciplines, namely, internet security and privacy protection, computer networks, and web-based teaching. Prof Zhou has led 13 projects commissioned by the Australian Research Council (ARC). He has published over 400 research articles refereed journals and international conferences proceedings, and has co-edited seven academic monographs and published four monographs with leading global publishers.

Prof Mu obtained his PhD from The Australian National University. His expertise covers cryptography, cybersecurity, data security and privacy, and quantum information. Prof Mu has published over 500 research articles in refereed journals and international conferences proceedings, and has co-edited 13 academic monographs and published two monographs with leading global publishers.

FDS features a team of high-level faculty who have all acquired a doctoral degree from renowned universities from home and abroad, and it will continue to recruit professionals with a high reputation in the international academia.

Interdisciplinary programmes offer promising career prospects

• The Bachelor of Intelligence Technology and Services programme carries typical interdisciplinary features, which focuses on the comprehensive development of knowledge, skills, and innovation in terms of the training of talent for the modern service industry while focusing on the integration of professional skills, services, and humanities.
• The Master of Data Science programme covers disciplines such as data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, and databases, with the objectives of cultivating a new generation of interdisciplinary high-end talent in data analysis and processing with solid theoretical knowledge and exceptional innovative capabilities.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science programme adopts an interdisciplinary curriculum design with the introduction of new teaching models to infuse students with a big data mindset and relevant abilities, as well as skills related to data analysis and application. Students will develop into high-level talent in data science and big data with multifaceted knowledge, comparatively strong practical capabilities, and innovative and team spirit.
• Graduates will have broad prospects for career development or further studies. They can serve in diversified fields such as tourism, finance, health, and education, or pursue careers in data analysis and management and specialised research studies.

[foogallery id="45284"]

 

Industry-academia-research collaboration builds education and research base

• FDS and Zhiwang Anyun (Wuhan) Information Technology Co Ltd established the Joint Research Lab on Data Security and Smart Protection with the objectives to conduct strategic, innovative and collaborative research to promote theoretical studies, key technology, cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation in the fields of data security protection, cryptographic security, Internet of Things and data security, and data communication and security. The joint laboratory aims to facilitate the technology transfer and transformation of R&D results into applications, building a national first-class new research institution, and striving to be a key pillar for the technology application, industrial development and strategic deployment of the national network security field.
• Under collaborations, FDS plans to establish a joint laboratory for spatio-temporal big data and artificial intelligence and a joint laboratory for industrial internet security, strengthening the industry-academia-research collaboration and talent cultivation.
• FDS invites prominent industry experts to give talks to enhance students ‘capability to integrate data science across various disciplines, enriching their knowledge of disciplinary learning and research and strengthening their awareness of managing cyber security risks. In the future, the faculty will continue inviting senior experts in cross-border data security in China and data management from renowned enterprises to share their insights at the Macao Symposium on Cross-Border Data Science.

[foogallery id="45296"]

 

Welcome to the Faculty of Data Science of the City University of Macau! Together, we keep abreast of the times. Let's embrace the smart future!