Master of Science Program

Machine learning techniques are at the forefront of modern data science and, therefore, courses on different aspects of machine learning constitute an integral component of the program. The application component of the program includes several important topics such as:

• Computer vision
• Industrial data analytics
• Natural language processing
• Image and signal processing

The main scope of the data science program is to train students in using state-of-the-art techniques of machine learning and data analytics, with a focus on real-world applications of these emerging technologies. Students will learn how to develop automated methods to analyze massive amounts of data with the goal of extracting knowledge from them to create an impact on organizational decisions. The graduates of the program are trained to perform original research in their chosen area of machine learning and data analytics and apply the results of their research in an industrial context.

Aim and objectives

The aim of the program is to prepare the technological leaders of the future. The objective of the Data Science MSc program is to bridge the gap between fundamental science and cutting edge computational techniques.

Content
The curriculum of the program contains a balanced combination of topics developed very recently (e.g. deep learning) together with in-depth teaching of mathematical foundations (advanced linear algebra, optimization, high-dimensional statistics etc.).

MSc Program Structure

Download curriculum

Learning and professional outcomes

A successful graduate of the program will know:

• Mathematical and algorithmic foundations of data science, and a balanced vision on mathematical foundations and practical tools and applied problems in data science;
• Statements of all major data analysis problems as well as the main approaches to solve them;
• State of the art techniques of data analysis and related areas. Knowledge of main classes of applied problems;
• Main methodological aspects of both scientific research and application development in data science.

A successful graduate of the program will be able to:

• Formulate/model real-world tasks as data analysis problems;
• Choose the most appropriate method to solve a particular data analysis problem;
• Apply data analysis methods in practice using modern data analysis software tools;
• Develop new methods or adapt existing methods to a particular problem;
• Implement algorithms as computer programs;
• Evaluate results of data analysis processes;
• Work with technical literature (e.g. conduct bibliographical research, read and critically analyze scientific articles, use scientific metrics and important databases);
• Present results to different audiences (specialists, users, stakeholders, etc.) in an effective oral and written manner.

Career opportunities and paths
The Data Science MSc program was developed to meet the high demand for data science specialists in the growing national and international high-tech market. Graduates of the program may begin an international research career or work with a company (even during the period of study).

Data science MSc graduates significantly enhance their employability by developing their subject-specific knowledge in the field of data science and machine learning, as well as their analytical and research skills. Students gain the opportunity to obtain early access to the national and international research and innovation landscapes and can approach international employers with confidence. In addition, the program enhances students’ soft skills, enabling them to compete effectively in the job market.

1. PhD positions in academic & research institutions
2. Specialist positions such as data analyst, data scientist, consultant in various economy sectors:

• Finance
• TeleCom
• IT
• Skolkovo resident companies and startups

Faculty

Program Director Ivan Oseledets Full Professor, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology, Head of the Laboratory of Computational Intelligence

Program Coordinator Aleksandr Katrutsa Research Scientist

Research
Students are actively involved into research activity starting from Term 3.

Main research areas:

• Machine Learning and Deep Learning
• Industrial Analytics
• Computer Vision
• Image Processing
• High-dimensional statistics and Statistical learning
• Next Generation Multi-scale Modeling
• Fast Solvers for Large Scale/High-Dimensional Problems

Industrial partners:

• Sberbank
• Yandex
• RusAgro
• VisionLabs
• Datadvance
• ScanEx
• Geoscan
• Gazprom Neft

Student success stories

• Oleg Grinchuk and Aijan Ibraimova have NIPS* papers accepted that are based on their MSc thesis works.
• Alexander Anikin, Andrey Rykov, Vladislav Ishimtsev and Denis Volkhonskiy became prize winners at International Data Science Game 2016-2017.

Contacts