Virtual University (VU)

BS in Data Science (4-Year Program) – Virtual University

BS in Data Science (4-Year Program)

Here you’ll find complete details about the BS in Data Science (4-Year Program) offered by Virtual University. From eligibility, Scheme of Study, fee structure to Objectives and Award Of Degree — everything is covered right here.

Virtual University of Pakistan

Introduction

Today we are living in the era of information. On daily basis, zettabytes of data is generated around the globe which can only be useful if we are able to process it for analysis and decision making. Data science is the newly emergent domain which provides us with all the tools and techniques to perform the entire of this process for extraction of knowledge. Thus, the highly qualified professionals with data processing and analysis concepts and skills are need of the time.

Based on the current and future needs of the market, the BS (Data Science) program has been developed to equip the students with cutting edge knowledge to foster the evolving need of computer technologies demanding smart and versatile use of data. In addition, this program will prepare graduates for a career in data analysis, combining foundational statistical concepts with computational principles from computer science.

Objectives

BS in Data Science program will enable students to:

  1. Provide knowledge of tools, techniques, applications and models for efficient data processing and visualization.
  2. Learn essential data science knowledge, tools and techniques required to design and implement various solution.
  3. Enhance problem solving skills by developing analytical, logical and critical thinking for identifying various data and analysis related issues at hand.
  4. Learn state of the art tools and techniques to ensure security and integrity of data at individual and organizational level.
  5. Develop ethical & social values and communication & presentation skills.

Eligibility Criteria

For Applicants having 12-year Education

  1.  Minimum 50% marks in Intermediate/12 years education (HSSC) / ‘A’ Level or Equivalent qualification with Mathematics are required for admission.
  2.  The students who have not studied Mathematics at Intermediate level have to pass Mathematics deficiency courses (06 Credit Hrs.) in the first two semesters.
  3.  Candidates having ‘A’ level or Deeni Asnad or foreign qualification are required to provide equivalence certificate from IBCC or HEC, Islamabad as applicable.

    Note

"Zero  Semester" is not applicable.

Entry Route

Admissions through entry route are not offered in this program.

Course Exemption

Course(s) exemption is not allowed.

Assessment Criteria

Semester Work

Apply

Graded/Non-Graded

Marks

Count

Quizzes

a

Graded

10-20%

2-4 /course

GDBs/Viva

a

1/course

Assignments/Project

a

2-4 / Course

MDBs

a

Non-Graded

 

1 / Lecture (Module)

Lab Work

a

Non-Graded

 

1/Week

Teaching Practice

c

 

 

 

Live Sessions

a

Non-Graded

 

1 / Week

Attendance

c

 

 

 

Mid Term Exam

a

Graded

20-30%

1 /Course

Final Term Exam

a

Graded

60%

1/Course

Any Other (Please specify)

c

 

 

 

Award of Degree

To become eligible for award of BS degree, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Must have studied and passed the prescribed courses, totaling at least 142 credit hours (batch 2604).
  2. Must have earned CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of at least 2.0 on a scale of 4.0.

However, as per HEC guidelines, students enrolled in BS Program can convert their respective BS program to Associate Degree (AD) after the completion of four semesters (2 years) of their BS program. In such scenario, students are required to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Student has to take and clear final project of 3 credit hours.
  • Student has studied/passed all the courses to fulfill the respective AD requirement.
  • In case of deficiency, student has to clear the remaining courses.
  • All the study change rules defined by the university may be applied.

If student wants to exit the respective BS program before completing the four semesters, then the student will have to apply for the study change program and following will be applicable:

  • Study scheme of respective AD.
  • Any extra course will be treated as non-credited course.
  • All the study change rules defined by the university.

Project / Internship / Practicals

Project

Students of each BS degree offered by the Computer Science & IT department must enroll and pass “CS619 Final Year Project” course, worth 6 credit hours, in the 7th Semester of respective degree program. The department intends to provide option to hardship cases who are not able to pass CS619 at the end of the 8th semester to take 2 courses each of 3 credit hours in lieu of CS619 in the subsequent semester(s) to complete their degree requirements.

Internship

As part of the BS programs offered by the Computer Science & IT department, students are required to undertake internships during their studies, ideally after completing core coursework. Internships provide valuable industry exposure, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional skills, and gain practical experience. Though it is non-credited, internships are highly recommended to enhance employability and prepare students for successful careers in the technology sector.

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 142
Total Semesters 8
Duration 4 Years


BS (Data Science) Course Selection Rules
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS101 Introduction to Computing General Education Applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ENG101 English Comprehension General Education Functional English Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH202 Discrete Mathematics General Education Quantitative Reasoning Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA301 Statistics and Probability General Education Quantitative Reasoning Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PHY101 Physics General Education Natural Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PHY301 Circuit Theory General Education Natural Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH100 General Mathematics Deficiency Mathematics Deficiency Deficiency 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ETH202 Ethics (for Non-Muslims) General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
ISL202 Islamic Studies General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning University Requirement Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS201 Introduction to Programming Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS302 Digital Logic Design Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS442 Introduction to Data Science Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ENG201 Business and Technical English Writing General Education Expository Writing Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH5101 Calculus I Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ECO401 Economics General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM101 Introduction to Mass Communication General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH104 Sets and Logic Deficiency Mathematics Deficiency Deficiency 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS201P Introduction to Programming (Practical) Major Computing Core Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS301 Data Structures Major Computing Core Required CS201 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS304 Object Oriented Programming Major Computing Core Required CS201 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS607 Artificial Intelligence Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH401 Differential Equations Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PAK301 Pakistan Studies General Education Pakistan Studies Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
PAK522 Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan General Education Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
CS301P Data Structures (Practical) Major Computing Core Required CS201 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
CS304P Object Oriented Programming (Practical) Major Computing Core Required CS201 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS401 Computer Architecture and Assembly Language Programming Major Computing Core Required CS201 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS403 Database Management Systems Major Computing Core Required CS201 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM301 Communication skills General Education Civics and Community Engagement Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT602 Entrepreneurship General Education Entrepreneurship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH501 Linear Algebra Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS525 Professional Practices General Education Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
CS403P Database Management Systems (Practical) Major Computing Core Required CS201 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 5
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS502 Fundamentals of Algorithms Major Computing Core Required CS301 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS604 Operating Systems Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS626 Data Mining Techniques Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CSI619 Field Experience / Internship Internship Field Experience / Internship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH603 Numerical Analysis Interdisciplinary Mathematics Supporting Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS306 Introduction to Python Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS402 Theory of Automata Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 6
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS504 Software Engineering - I Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS601 Data Communication Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS614 Data Warehousing Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS628 Machine Learning Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS631 Deep Learning Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 7
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS619 Final Project - CS619 Project Capstone Project Required 3
CS621 Parallel and Distributed Computing Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS630 Data Visualization and Digital Storytelling Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:2, Practical:1)
CS699 Professional Certification Major Professional Certificate Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS514 Internet of Things (IoT) Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ECO401 Economics Interdisciplinary Elective Supporting Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT502 Organizational Behaviour Interdisciplinary Elective Supporting Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT610 Business Ethics Interdisciplinary Elective Supporting Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 8
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS619 Final Project Required 3
CS205 Information Security Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STAT404 Regression and Correlation Major Computing Core Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS513 Advanced Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS515 Advanced Database Management System Major Domain Electives Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 


Pre-Requisite Courses List Show/Hide Pre-Requisite Courses List


>

Why Choose This Program at VU?

Flexible Learning
Study at your own pace and convenience through VU’s distance learning platform while managing work or other commitments
Affordable Education
Significantly lower fees compared to traditional universities without compromising on quality education
Expert Faculty
Learn from highly qualified professors and industry professionals with extensive experience
HEC Recognition
Fully recognized degree by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, accepted nationwide and internationally
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Updated course content aligned with current industry practices and international standards
Nationwide Campus Network
Access to over 200 VU campuses across Pakistan for examinations and academic support
Scroll to Top
WhatsApp
VU WhatsApp Channel