Study Program Handbook

Data Engineering
Master of Science
Subject-specific Examination Regulations for Data Engineering

The subject-specific examination regulations for Data Engineering are defined by this program
handbook and are valid only in combination with the General Examination Regulations for Master
degree programs (“General Master Policies”).

This handbook also contains the program-specific Study and Examination Plan (Appendix 1).

Upon graduation students in this program will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree with a scope
of 120 ECTS credit points (for specifics see chapter 2 of this handbook).

Valid for all students starting their studies in Fall 2022

Study Program Chair: Prof. Dr. Stefan Kettemann

http://www.jacobs-university.de/data-engineering

[email protected]

Version Valid as of Decision Details

Fall 2022 – V1 Sep 01, 2022 May 22, 2019 V1 Originally approved by the
Academic Senate
Contents

1 Program Overview .............................................................................. 5

Concept .................................................................................................................... 5
Qualification Aims ..................................................................................................... 6
Educational Aims ................................................................................................ 6
Intended Learning Outcomes ................................................................................ 6
Target Audience ........................................................................................................ 7
Career Options........................................................................................................... 7
Admission Requirements ............................................................................................ 8

2 The Curriculum ................................................................................. 9

The Curriculum at a Glance ........................................................................................ 9
Core Area (30 CP) .................................................................................................... 10
Elective Area (15 CP) ............................................................................................... 10
Methods Area (15 CP) .............................................................................................. 12
Discovery Area (15 CP)............................................................................................. 13
Career Area (15 CP) ................................................................................................. 14
Master Thesis (30 CP) .............................................................................................. 14

3 Data Engineering Modules ................................................................ 15

Core Area (30 CP) .................................................................................................... 15
Big Data Challenge ............................................................................................ 15
IT Law ............................................................................................................. 17
Data Security and Privacy .................................................................................. 19
Data Analytics ................................................................................................... 20
Machine Learning ............................................................................................. 22
Data Visualization and Image Processing ............................................................. 24
Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks .............................................26
Elective Area (15 CP) ............................................................................................... 28
Computer Science Modules ................................................................................ 28
Geoinformatics Track ......................................................................................... 36
Bio-Informatics Track ........................................................................................ 40
Business and Supply Chain Engineering Track .....................................................46
Methods Area (15 CP) .............................................................................................. 50
Introduction to Data Management with Python .....................................................50
Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems ........................................................52
Modern Signal Processing .................................................................................. 54

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 Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine ......................................................56
Applied Dynamical Systems ............................................................................... 58
Remedial Modules............................................................................................. 60
Discovery Area (15 CP)............................................................................................. 64
Current Topics in Data Engineering ..................................................................... 64
Advanced Project 1 ........................................................................................... 66
Advanced Project 2 ............................................................................................ 68
Career Area (15 CP) ................................................................................................. 70
Language Skills................................................................................................. 70
Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training ......................................................71
Communication & Presentation Skills for Executives .............................................73
Ethics and the Information Revolution................................................................. 75
Master Thesis (30 CP) .............................................................................................. 77

4 Data Engineering Graduate Program Regulations ................................. 79

Scope of These Regulations ...................................................................................... 79
Degree .................................................................................................................... 79
Graduation Requirements ......................................................................................... 79

5 Appendices ..................................................................................... 80
Study and Examination Plan ..................................................................................... 80
Intended Learning Outcomes Assessment-Matrix......................................................... 82

4
 1 Program Overview

Concept
Today we are “drowning in data and starving for information”, while acknowledging that “data is the
new gold”. However, deriving value from all the data now available requires a transformation in data
analysis, in how we see, maintain, share and understand data. Data Engineering is an emerging
profession concerned with the task of acquiring large collections of data and extracting insights from
them. It is driving the next generation of technological innovation and scientific discovery, which is
expected to be strongly data-driven.

The graduate program in Data Engineering offers a fascinating and profound insight into the methods
and technologies of this rapidly growing area. The program combines the big data aspects of “Data
Analytics” as well as of “Data Science” with the technological challenges of data acquisition,
curation, and management. Thus, the program provides the essentials for paving the way to a
successful career: computer skills and mathematical understanding paired with practical experience
in selected application fields.

The program is embedded into the School of Computer Science & Engineering at Jacobs University.
This school investigates the mobility of people, goods, and information. Even though the Data
Engineering program is centered in the School of Computer Science & Engineering, it includes
contributions from and supports applications in the two other research schools: The School of Science
(bioactive substances), and the School of Business, Social & Decision Sciences (in modern societies).
Moreover, the Data Engineering program attracts students with diverse career goals, backgrounds,
and prior work experience. Therefore, the program offers four focus tracks within which the students
can choose to specialize further: Computer Science, Geo-Informatics, Bio-Informatics and Business
& Supply Chain Engineering. These tracks are a preparation for the Advanced Projects within the
Discovery Area and the Master Thesis.

In particular, one specialization track is Computer Science providing them the skills to go beyond a
mere usage of existing toolboxes, and develop innovative data analysis techniques of their own design.
Another specialization track is Bioinformatics and the analysis of biomedical data. Integration and
model-based interpretation of high-throughput data are severe bottlenecks in biomedical and
pharmaceutical research. Data Engineering prepares students for the novel computational challenges
in these fields.
A third specialization track is Geo-Informatics which provides an introduction to Geographic
Information System techniques, principles of spatial analysis, and data mining with integration of
remote sensing and GPS. It thereby provides an early exposure to earth science data and its handling.
Students can also choose the specialization track of Business & Supply Chain Engineering. A vast
amount of data is collected as part of business processes in particular along supply chains. In this
specialization track students will concentrate on the full data analysis cycle including pre-processing
of data, data analysis and deployment of model results within the business process.

The graduate program in Data Engineering is tailored to a diverse student body (see also Section 1.3)
with a wide variety of interests, academic backgrounds, and previous experiences. Small group sizes,
a low student-to-teacher ratio, and personalized supervision/advising allow the program to cater to the
21-year-old student who has just graduated with a Bachelor degree, as well as a person who already
has been employed in a data-intensive company and who wants to keep up with current data
engineering practices.

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 Qualification Aims

Educational Aims
The program aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of data-based
decision-making and the skills required to apply and implement these powerful methods in a
successful and responsible manner. Apart from the necessary programming skills, this comprises:

▪ methods of data acquisition both from the internet and from sensors;
▪ methods to efficiently store and access data in large and distributed data bases;
▪ statistical model building including a wide range of data mining methods, signal
processing, and machine learning techniques;
▪ visualization of relevant information;
▪ construction and use of confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and sensitivity analyses;
▪ the legal foundations of Data Engineering;
▪ scientific qualification;
▪ competence to take up qualified employment in Data Engineering;
▪ competence for responsible involvement in society;
▪ personal growth.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

▪ critically assess and creatively apply technological possibilities and innovations driven by
big data;
▪ use sensors and microcontrollers to collect data and to transmit them to databases on
servers or the internet in general;
▪ set up and use databases to efficiently and securely manage and access large amounts of
data;
▪ apply statistical concepts and use statistical models in the context of real-life data
analytics;
▪ use, adapt and improve visualization techniques to support data-based decision-making;
▪ design, implement and exploit various representations of data for classification and
regression including supervised machine learning methods and core ideas of deep
learning;
▪ apply and critically assess data acquisition methods and analytical techniques in real life
situations, organizations and industries;
▪ independently investigate complex problems and undertake scientific or applied research
into a specialist area utilizing appropriate methods, also taking methods and insights of
other disciplines into account;
▪ professionally communicate their conclusions and recommendations, the underlying
information and their reasons to both specialists and non-specialists, clearly and
unambiguously on the basis of the state of research and application;

6
 ▪ assess and communicate social, scientific and ethical insights that also derive from the
application of their knowledge and their decisions;
▪ engage ethically with the academic, professional and wider communities and actively
contribute to a sustainable future;
▪ take responsibility for their own learning, personal development, and role in society,
evaluating critical feedback and self-analysis;
▪ take on lead responsibility in a diverse team;
▪ adhere to and defend ethical, scientific and professional standards.

Target Audience
The Data Engineering graduate program is targeted towards students who have completed their BSc
in areas such as computer science, physics, applied mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering,
communications engineering or related disciplines, and who want to deepen their knowledge and
proceed to research-oriented work towards a master or ultimately a PhD degree. Typical examples
are:

▪ a bachelor in computer science who wants to acquire skills in data analysis and
micro/macroeconomics for a career in computational finances;
▪ a bachelor in business with a solid statistics and analysis foundation and programming
experience;
▪ a bachelor in geology who wants to become a data scientist and needs to deepen his/her
mathematical and statistical skills;
▪ a student with a bachelor or master degree in one of the natural sciences who wishes to
boost his/her career in empirical research or industrial research and development, where
professional handling of very large-scale data collections has become a prime bottleneck
for success;
▪ a bachelor in mathematics or physics who wants to capitalize on his/her theoretical
knowledge of modeling methods by learning about the hands-on side of data analysis,
interesting fields for applications, and options for employment;
▪ a student with an undergraduate degree in the life sciences wishing to expand their skill
sets towards computational methods and to specialize in bioinformatics and the analysis
of biomedical data.

In order to facilitate the integration of students with diverse backgrounds, we offer remedial courses
in the first semester. Placement tests in the orientation week before the beginning of the first semester
help students to identify contents that they need to refresh or remedy.

Career Options
The demand for Data Engineers is massive. Typical fields of work encompass the finance sector, the
automotive and health industry as well as retail and telecommunications. Companies and institutions
in almost every domain need:

▪ experts for data acquisition who find out how to collect the data needed;
▪ experts for data management who know how to store, enhance, protect and process large amounts
of data efficiently;

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▪ experts for data analysis who evaluate and interpret the collected data correctly and are able to
visualize the findings clearly.
▪ Graduates of the program work as data analysts, data managers, data architects, business
consultants, software and web developers, or system administrators;
▪ an MSc degree in Data Engineering also allows students to move on to a PhD and a career in
academia and research institutions.

The employability of Data Engineering graduates is promoted by organizing contacts with industry
and research institutes throughout the curriculum. In the first semester, in the Current Topics in Data
Engineering seminar, companies and research groups introduce their field of interest. The advanced
projects, in the second and third semesters can be combined with internships in research institutes
or companies. In the second and third semester, the participation in public big data challenges is
organized as an integral part of the curriculum.

Admission Requirements
Applicants need to submit the following documents in order to be considered for admission:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified university transcripts in English or German
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent (may be handed in later)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) as outlined on the website.

Please visit http://jacobs-university.de/study/graduate/application-information for more details on the

application process.

8
2 The Curriculum

The Curriculum at a Glance

The Data Engineering graduate program is composed of foundational lectures, specialized modules, industry seminars and applied project work, leading to a
master thesis that can be conducted in research groups at Jacobs University, at external research institutes or in close collaboration with a company. The program
takes four semesters (two years). The following table shows an overview of the modular structure of the program. The program is sectioned into five areas (Core,
Elective, Methods, Discovery, and Career) and the Master Thesis. All credit points (CP) are ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit points. In order to
graduate, students need to obtain 120 CP.

Figure 1: Schematic Study Scheme

See Chapter 3 “Modules” of this handbook for the detailed module descriptions or refer to CampusNet (https://campusnet.jacobs-university.de).

9
 Study and Examination Plan
MSc Degree in Data Engineering
Matriculation Fall 2022
1 2
Module Code Program-Specific Modules Type Assessment Period Status Semester CP
Semester 1 30

CORE Area 10
MCO003-BigData Module: Big Data Challenge m 1 5
MCO003-051003 Big Data Challenge Lecture Term paper (Project report) During semester
MCO011-DataAnaDE Module: Data Analytics m 1 5
MCO011-340131 Data Analytics Lecture Written examination Examination period
Elective Area me 5
- students choose one module from those listed below
Methods Area 5
MMM014-IntroDataMan Module: Introduction to Data Management with Python m 1 5
Written examination / Programming Examination period / During
MMM014-350200 Introduction to Data Management with Python Lecture/Tutorial
assignments semester
Discovery Area 5
MRD004-CurTopDE Module: Current Topics in Data Engineering m 1
Current Topics in Data Engineering Colloquium Poster Presentation During semester
Career Area 5
MCA006-Commun Module: Communication and Presentation Skills for Executives m 1 2.5
MCA006-051464 Communication and Presentation Skills for Executives Seminar Oral presentation During semester
JTLA-xxx Module: Language 1 m 1 2.5
German is the default language. Native German speakers take modules in another offered language.
JTLA-xxx Language 1 Seminar Various Various me
Semester 2 27.5

CORE Area 7.5

MCO013-MachLearn Module: Machine Learning m 2 5
MCO013-320372 Machine Learning Lecture Written examination Examination period
MDSSB-LAW-01 Module: IT Law m 2 2.5
MDSSB-LAW-01 IT Law Lecture Term paper Examination period
Elective Area me 5
- Students choose a module from those listed below.
Methods Area me 5
- Students choose a module from those listed below.
Discovery Area 5
MRD005-AdvProj1 Module: Data Engineering Advanced Project I m 2 5
MRD005-34001 Data Engineering Advanced Project I Lecture & Seminar Term paper (Project report) flexible
Career Area 5
MCA008-AcaWri Module: Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training m 2 2.5
MCA008-340231 Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training Lecture Term Paper During semester
JTLA-xxx Module: Language 2 m 2 2.5
JTLA-xxx Language 2 Seminar Various Various me

Semester 3 32.5

CORE Area 12.5

MCA005-DataSecurity Module: Data Security and Privacy m 1 or 3 2.5
MCA005-340251 Data Security and Privacy Lecture Written examination Examination period
MCO014-DataVisImage Module: Data Visualization and Image Processing m 3 5
MCO014-340231 Data Visualization and Image Processing Lecture Written examination Examination period
MCO015-DataAquiSens Module: Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks m 3 5
MCO015-340112 Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks Lecture & Lab Term paper (Project report) During semester
Elective Area me 5
- Students choose a module from those listed below.
Methods Area me 5
- Students choose a module from those listed below.
Discovery Area 5
MRD006-AdvProj2 Module: Data Engineering Acvanced Project II m 3 5
MRD006-340002 Data Engineering Acvanced Project II Project work Term paper (Project report) flexible
Career Area 5
MDSSB-EIR-01 Module: Ethics and the Information Revolution m 3 2.5
MDSSB-EIR-01 The Information Revolution Seminar Term paper (Project report) During semester 2.5
JTLA-xxx Module: Language 3 m 3 2.5
JTLA-xxx Language 3 Seminar Various Various
Semester 4 30

Master Thesis 30
MMT003-MasterThesis Module: Master Thesis MSc DE m 4 30
MMT003-340003 Master Thesis
Total CP 120
1
Each lecture period lasts 14 semester weeks and is followed by reading and examination days. Written examinations are centrally scheduled during weeks 15 and 16. For all other assessment types, the timeframes indicated in the above table stipulate
the period during which module work has to be handed in or presented. Specific information on dates of topic announcement as well as submission deadlines is communicated in the syllabus which is made available to the students at the beginning of
each semester. Academic dates are published in the university-wide Academic Calendar (see http://www.jacobs-university.de/academic-calendar).
2
m = mandatory, me = mandatory elective

Elective Area
Students choose 15 CP of manadatory electives
Computer Science Track 20
MECS001-StatMod Module: Principles of Statistical Modeling me 2 5
MECS001-340101 Principles of Statistical Modeling Lecture Project Report During semester
MECS002-NetworkTheo Module: Network Theory me 1 or 3 5
MECS002-340212 Network Theory Lecture Written examination Examination period
MCO012-AdvDataBase Module: Advanced Databases me 2 5
MCO012-340152 Advanced Databases Lecture Written examination Examination period 2.5
MCO012-340153 Advanced Databases Lab Lab Lab project During semester 2.5
MECS004-ParDisCom Module: Parallel and Distributed Computing me 3 5
MECS004-30040 Parallel and Distributed Computing Lecture Written examination Examination period
Geoinformatics Track 10
MEGI001-GeoInf Module: Geoinformatics me 1 or 3 5
MEGI001-210213 Geo-Information Systems Lecture m 2.5
Term paper Examination period
MEGI001-210103 Introduction to Earth System Data Lecture m 2.5
MEGI002-GeoInfLab Module: Geoinformatics Lab me 2 5
MEGI002-210214 Geoinformatics Lab Lecture Term paper Examination period
Bio-Informatics Track 15
MEBI001-IntroSysBio Module: Introduction to Systems Biology me 2 5
MEBI001-550432 Introduction to Systems Biology Lecture Written examination Examination period
MDE-BIO-03 Management and Analysis of Biological and Medical Data me 1 or 3 5
MDE-BIO-03 Management and Analysis of Biological and Medical Data Seminar Oral Examination Examination period
Business & Supply Chain Engineering Track 10
MESC001-DataMin Module: Data Mining me 2 5
MESC001-340122 Data Mining Lecture Term paper (Project report) During semester
MCO008-DataAnaSCM Module: Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management me 1 or 3 5
MCO008-051008 Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management Lecture Term paper (Project report) During semester
Total CP 65

10
 Methods Area
Students take "Introduction to Data Management with Python" in the first semester and choose 2 modules from the list below in semester 2 and 3.
20
MMM004-ModDynSys Module: Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems me 2 5
MMM004-340103 Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems Seminar Written examination Examination period
MMM005-ModSigProc Module: Modern Signal Processing me 2 5
MMM005-340153 Modern Signal Processing Seminar Oral presentation During semester
MMM007-NetBioMed Module: Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine me 3 5
MMM007-550443 Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine Lecture Oral presentation During semester
MMM008-ApplDynSys Module: Applied Dynamical Systems me 2 5
MMM008-110231 Applied Dynamical Systems Lecture Term paper (Project report) During semester
Remedial Courses (Methods Area) 10
MMM009-CalLinAlg Module: Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students me 1 5
MMM009-340181 Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students Lecture Written examination Examination period
MMM011-ProbabGS Module: Probabilities for Graduate Students me 1 5
MMM011-340171 Probabilities for Graduate Students Lecture Written examination Examination period

Total CP 30

Figure 2: Study and Examination Plan

Core Area (30 CP)

This area is the centerpiece of the Data Engineering program. The six mandatory modules in the
Core Area cover essential methods of data engineering. They provide the foundations for further,
more advanced courses and applied projects by introducing the fundamental concepts, methods
and technologies used in data engineering. The modules are intensive courses accompanied by
hands-on tutorials and labs.

Core Modules

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

The Big Data Challenge MDE-CO-01 1 yes Wilhelm 5

Data Analytics MDE-CO-02 1 yes Wilhelm 5

Machine Learning MDE-CO-04 2 yes Kettemann 5

Data Security and Privacy MDE-CO-03 1,3 yes Zaspel 2.5

IT Law MDSSB- 2 yes Brockmann/Ket 2.5

LAW-01 temann

Data Visualization and Image

MDE-CO-05 3 yes Kettemann 5
Processing

Data Acquisition Technologies

MDE-CO-06 3 yes Hu 5
and Sensor Networks

Elective Area (15 CP)

The Data Engineering program attracts students with diverse career goals, backgrounds, and prior
work experience. Therefore, modules in this area can be chosen freely by students depending on their
prior knowledge and interests. Students can choose to strengthen their knowledge by following one
of four suggested focus tracks and electing the modules offered therein: Computer Science, Geo-
Informatics, Bio-Informatics and Business & Supply Chain Engineering. These tracks are a
preparation for the Advanced Projects within the Discovery Area and the Master Thesis.

11
Students may choose any combination of the modules listed below. Each track may be followed
completely and/or complemented with other modules (as necessary in case of the tracks with 10 CP).
In addition to the modules offered within these focus tracks, 3rd year modules from the undergraduate
curriculum or other graduate programs at Jacobs University can be taken with the approval of the
program coordinator. Please see CampusNet (https://campusnet.jacobs-university.de) for current
offerings.

To enhance flexibility, students may transfer modules between the Elective and the Methods Areas
(except for remedial modules) after consulting their academic advisor.

Elective Modules

Computer Science Track

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

Principles of Statistical MDE-CS-03 2 no Kettemann 5

Modeling

Advanced Data Bases MDE-CS-04 2 no Baumann 5

Network Theory MDE-CS-01 1,3 no Kettemann 5

Parallel and Distributed MDE-CS-02 3 no Zaspel 5

Computing

Geo-Informatics Track

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor Credits

Geo Informatics MDE-GEO-01 1 no Unnithan 5

Geo-Informatics Lab MDE-GEO-02 2 no Unnithan 5

Bio-Informatics Track

Modeling and Analysis of MDE-BIO-01 1,3 no Merico 5

Complex Systems

Introduction to MDE-BIO-02 2 no Hütt 5

Systems Biology

Business & Supply Chain Engineering Track

Data Mining MDE-BSC-01 2 no Wilhelm 5

Data Analytics in Supply MSCM-CO-07 3 no Wicaksono 5

Chain Management

12
 Methods Area (15 CP)
In the Methods Area advanced concepts, methods and technologies of data engineering are
introduced with a view towards industrial applications. Students can choose freely from the modules
in this area. To enhance flexibility, students may transfer modules between the Elective and the
Methods Areas (except for remedial modules) after consulting their academic advisor.

Methods Modules

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

Introduction to Data Management MDE-MET-03 1 yes Brandt 5

with Python

Modeling and Control of Dynamical MDE-MET-04 2 no Bode 5

Systems

Modern Signal Processing MDE-MET-07 2 no Abreu 5

(biannually)

Network Approaches MDE-MET-05 1,3 no Hütt 5

in Biology and
Medicine

Applied Dynamical Systems MDE-MET- 2 no Oliver 5

06 (biannually)

Within the Methods Area Jacobs University offers special remedial modules, which are recommended
to refresh knowledge or to fill knowledge gaps, preparing students to successfully take the Data
Engineering Core Area modules. Based on a placement test in the orientation week, the academic
advisor will propose which of the modules are useful depending on prior knowledge of the student.

Remedial Modules (Method Area)

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

Calculus and Linear Algebra for MDE-MET-01 1 no Gorbovickis 5

Graduate Students

Probabilities for Graduate Students MDE-MET-02 1 no Bode 5

13
 Discovery Area (15 CP)
This area features in the first semester a Project Seminar introducing the students to Current Topics
and Challenges in Data Engineering, which is followed by two advanced projects in Data Engineering
in semesters 2 and 3, each of which is worth 5 CP. The projects can be done in the research groups
at Jacobs University or during internships at companies. The projects are supervised by Jacobs
University faculty.

Discovery Modules

Module Title Module Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

No.

Current Topics in Data MDE-DIS- 1 yes Kettemann, 5

Engineering 01 DE faculty

Data Engineering Advanced Project MDE-DIS- 2 yes entire 5

I 02 faculty

Data Engineering Advanced Project MDE-DIS- 3 yes entire faculty 5

II 03

14
 Career Area (15 CP)
In this area students acquire skills to prepare them for a career as data engineers in industry.

Career Modules

Module Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor CP

Language Skills MCA002 1, 2, 3 Yes LCC 7.5

Communication & MDE-CAR-01 1 yes Kettemann 2.5

Presentation Skills for
Executives

Academic Writing MDE-CAR-02 2 yes Kettemann 2.5

Skills/Intercultural
Training

Ethics and the MDSSB-EIR- 3 yes Brockmann 2.5

Information 01
Revolution

Master Thesis (30 CP)

In the fourth semester, students conduct research and write a master thesis guided and supported by
their academic advisor.

Module Title Module No. Semester Mandatory Instructor Credits

Master MDE-THE-01 4 yes entire faculty 30

Thesis

15
3 Data Engineering Modules

Core Area (30 CP)

Big Data Challenge

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Big Data Challenge MDE-CO-01 Year 1 5
(CORE)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-01 Big Data Challenge Lecture 5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
Mandatory for DE and SCM
▪ MSc Data Engineering
Prof. Dr. Adalbert
F.X. Wilhelm
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Fall) ▪ Lecture (17.5
Skills hours)
▪ Project work (90
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Researching hours)
information, ▪ Private study
assessing (17.5 hours)
sources and
report writing Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation
▪ Read the Syllabus.
▪ Read Susan Ettlinger (2015). What Do we do with all this Big Data? Altimeter.
https://www.prophet.com/2015/01/new-research-what-do-we-do-with-all-this-big-data/
▪ Watch corresponding TEDTalk.

Content and Educational Aims

Big data is one of the buzz words of the current decade and refers to the collection and exploration of complex
data sets. This complexity of big data is typically described by the four V’s: Volume, Velocity, Variety, and Veracity.
From a business perspective, big data is often portrayed as a sea of big opportunities. The public debate is torn
between the two poles portrayed by the writers George Orwell and Aldous Huxley: complete surveillance resulting
in oppression on the one end, and irrelevance and narcissism on the other. Technological research quite naturally
is mostly concerned with the technical feasibility of different approaches, the continuously increasing challenges
with respect to the four V’s, and the creative solutions needed to tackle them.
In this module students receive an overview of big data by looking at it from various perspectives, primarily the
business and societal points of view. The focus is not on the technical methods and skills, but on case studies
that show big data and data engineering in a cross-section.

16
Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to

• contribute knowledgeably to the current debate about big data, digitalization and industry 4.0;
• explain and discuss pros and cons of digitalization from a business perspective as well as a societal
perspective;
• perform a SWOT analysis on current big data initiatives;
• evaluate technological possibilities and innovations driven by big data;
• assess the business opportunities of current big data developments.

Indicative Literature
McLellan (2013): Big Data: An Overview
https://www.zdnet.com/article/big-data-an-overview/
S. Akter & S. Fosso Wamba, Big data analytics in e-commerce: A systematic review and agenda for future
research, 2016. Electronic Markets, 26 173-194.

Z. Lv, H. Song, P. Basanta-Val, A. Steed and M. Jo. "Next-Generation Big Data Analytics: State of the Art,
Challenges, and Future Research Topics," in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 13, no. 4, pp.
1891-1899, Aug. 2017.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules

▪ For DE: This module provides an overview on practical big data applications. The computational
details will then be studied in MDE-CS-04.
▪ For SCM: Concepts are applied in MSCM-CO-03 Trends & Challenges in Supply Chain Management.
Project management concepts taught in MSCM-CO-01 will be applied. Academic writing skills taught
in MSCM-CAR-01 facilitate the completion of the tasks in this module.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Project Report Length: 2.500 words

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

17
 IT Law

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

IT Law MDSSB-LAW Year 1 2.5
(CORE)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDSSB-LAW-01 IT Law Lecture 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
Mandatory for DE,
▪ MSc Data Science for Society and Business mandatory elective for
Prof. Dr. Adalbert
F.X. Wilhelm DSSB
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) ▪ Lecture (17.5
Skills hours)
▪ Private study (45
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 62.5 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims
Digital information, the Internet, and applications like YouTube or social networking tools like Instagram,
Facebook, or Twitter have disrupted legal systems (Murray 2016). IT law is not limited to one legal area but
encompasses civil, public, and criminal laws. It spans from human rights law to intellectual property law, contract
and consumer protection law, privacy law, data protection law, and other legal domains. Moreover, the global
exchange of data is in conflict with the territorial principle of jurisdiction. In addition, IT regulations are in a
constant flux to keep up with the accelerated pace of technological progress. This module looks into the most
important areas of IT law. It provides the participants with a sound understanding of legal principles and
regulations, and sheds light on international as well as European ICT policies and governance. A special focus
will be given to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to

• identify legal questions and implications in relation to digital transformation technologies/IT law/ AI and
algorithms
• understand fundamental national and international legal frameworks related to the use of data
• know the relevant IP rights regarding data and algorithms
• understand and critically assess legal regulations about data privacy and data protection
• recognize and explain the types of bias inherent in data processing
• explain the legal concerns related to data-based automatic decision making
• understand how to comply to the GDPR and assess its impact on individuals, firms, and organizations
• understand and critically evaluate the liabilities and available remedies with regard to data
• explain and develop potential future IT regulation mechanisms

18
Indicative Literature
Lloyd (2020). Information Technology Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press (9th ed).

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

▪ For DSSB students: It is one of the three Career modules (IT Law, Language III, and Ethics and the
Information Revolution) that can be chosen for replacement by the internship. Students need to
replace 10 CP for the internship.

Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper Length: 3.500 words

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

19
 Data Security and Privacy

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Data Security and Privacy MDE-CO-03 Year 1 or 2 2.5
(CORE)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-03 Data Security and Privacy Lecture 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Peter
Zaspel

Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and

Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Fall) ▪ Seminar (17.5
Skills hours)
▪ Private Study
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None (45 hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 62.5 hours

Recommendations for Preparation
Read the syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

Data Security and Privacy introduces concepts of data security. Basic cryptographic mechanisms are introduced,
and it will be explained how these mechanisms can be used to protect data during transmission over the Internet
or while data is stored on computing systems. The module component will also introduce the technical aspects
of data privacy and concepts such as anonymity, linkability, observability and pseudonymity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ analyze and develop principles for public key encryption;

▪ assess and choose appropriate techniques for authentication;
▪ understand the design of internet standards;
▪ summarize and communicate the principles behind encryption using shared keys;
▪ critically assess and identify how security issues are solved and how this will impact the security of
applications.
Indicative Literature
D. R. Stinson, Cryptography: Theory and Practice, ISBN, 1-58488-206-9, Chapman & Hall. 4th edition, 2018.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/jacob/detail.action?docID=5493336
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
N.A.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment type: Written examination Duration: 90 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

20
 Data Analytics

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Data Analytics MDE-CO-02 Year 1 (CORE) 5

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-02 Data Analytics Lecture 5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
Mandatory for DE
▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory elective for
Prof. Dr. Adalbert
F.X. Wilhelm DSSB
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Fall) ▪ Lecture (17.5
Skills hours)
▪ Tutorials (17.5
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None hours)
▪ Private study (90
hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation
Read the Syllabus.
Take the free online course: Introduction to Data Science at https://cognitiveclass.ai/courses/data-science-101/
Content and Educational Aims
This module introduces concepts and methods of data analytics. The objective of the module is to present methods
for gaining insight from data and drawing conclusions for analytical reasoning and decision-making. The module
comprises a broad spectrum of methods for modelling and understanding complex datasets. Comprising both
descriptive and predictive analytics, the standard portfolio of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques is
introduced. Automatic analysis components, such as data transformation, aggregation, classification, clustering,
and outlier detection, will be treated as an integral part of the analytics process.
As a central part of this module, students are introduced to the major concepts of statistical learning such as
cross-validation, feature selection, and model evaluation. The course takes an applied approach and combines
the theoretical foundation of data analytics with a practical exposure to the data analysis process.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to

▪ explain advanced data analytics techniques in theory and application;

▪ apply data analytics methods to real-life problems using appropriate tools;
▪ evaluate and compare different data analytics algorithms and approaches;
▪ apply statistical concepts to evaluate data analytics results.
Indicative Literature
G. James, D.Witten, T. Hastie, Rob Tibshirani: Introduction to Statistical Learning with R by Springer, 2013
(ISLR)
A. Telea, Data Visualization: Principles and Practice, Wellesley, Mass.: AK Peters, 1st edition, 2008.(DV)
M. Ward, G. Grinstein, D. Keim, Interactive Data Visualization: Foundations, Techniques, and Applications. AK
Peters, 1st edition, 2010. (IDV)
Usability and Relationship to other Modules

21
In this module students will learn concepts and various techniques for data analysis. They will be rigorously
applied in MDE-CS-03 as well as in the applied projects MDE-DIS-02 and MDE-DIS-03, and typically also in
the master thesis.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Project Report Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

22
 Machine Learning

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Machine Learning MDE-CO-04 Year 1 (CORE) 5

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-04 Machine Learning Lecture 5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann Mandatory Elective for
CSSE and DSSB

Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and

Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) ▪ Lectures (35
Skills hours)
▪ Private Study,
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Basic linear incl. exercises
algebra, and exam
calculus and preparation (90
probability hours)
theory, as
Duration Workload
typically
acquired in
1 semester 125 hours
entry modules
in BSc studies

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the syllabus.
Highly recommended: Mitchell, Tom M.: Machine Learning (McGraw-Hill, 1997) IRC: Q325.5.M58 1997. This
standard, classical textbook gives a very accessible overview of ML.
Content and Educational Aims
Machine learning (ML) is a module that concerns algorithms that are fed with (large quantities of) real-world data,
and which return a compressed "model" of the data. An example is the "world model" of a robot: the input data
are sensor data streams, from which the robot learns a model of its environment. Another example is a spoken
language model: the input data are speech recordings, from which ML methods build a model of spoken English
-- useful, for instance, in automated speech recognition systems. There are many formalisms in which such models
can be cast, and an equally large diversity of learning algorithms. At the same time, there is a relatively small
number of fundamental challenges that are common to all of these formalisms and algorithms.
The module introduces such fundamental concepts and illustrates them with a choice of elementary model
formalisms (linear classifiers and regressors, radial basis function networks, clustering, neural networks).
Furthermore, the module also (re )introduces required mathematical material from probability theory and linear
algebra. The main educational aims are twofold: to make students fully aware of the two main hurdles for obtaining
good models from data: (i) the "curse of dimensionality" and (ii) the bias-variance dilemma and to provide standard
tools to cope with these difficulties, namely (i') dimension reduction by feature extraction, for example via PCA
or clustering, and (ii') cross-validation and regularization.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ design, implement and exploit elementary supervised ML methods for classification and regression with
expert care given to dimension reduction preprocessing and regularization;
▪ understand and practically use PCA and linear regression;

23
 ▪ understand the core ideas behind feedforward neural networks and the backpropagation algorithm, as the
basis for accessing "deep learning" methods.
Indicative Literature
T. M. Mitchel, Machine Learning, McGraw-Hill, 1997, IRC: Q325.5.M58.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

This module is a natural companion to the "Principles of Statistical Modeling" (PSM) module MDE-CS-03.
The ML module focuses on practical ML skills, whereas PSM module on rigorous mathematical formalism and
analysis. For students not familiar with graph theory, it is recommended to take the first semester course MDE-
CS-01 Network Theory, which introduces concepts used in this Machine Learning module.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

24
 Data Visualization and Image Processing

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Data Visualization and Image Processing MDE-CO-05 Year 2 (CORE) 5

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-05 Data Visualization and Image Processing Lecture 5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Fall) ▪ Lectures (35
Skills hours)
▪ Private Study,
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Basic linear incl. exercises
algebra, and exam
calculus and preparation (90
programming hours)
skills
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module introduces the basic concepts of (1) data visualization and (2) image processing.
(1) Computer-based visualization systems provide visual representations of datasets intended to help people carry
out certain task more effectively. These datasets can come from very diverse sources, such as scientific
experiments, simulations, medical scanners, commercial databases, financial trans-actions, health records, social
networks and the like. In the This module deals with effective visual mappings as well as interaction principles
for various data, to develop an understanding of the perceptual and cognitive aspects of visual representations.
Students learn how to evaluate visualization systems.
(2) The second half of the module focuses on image processing and delves into questions of how we can digitally
process image data. Topics include for instance sampling and quantization strategies, image segmentation, image
transformations, noise reduction and feature extraction.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ represent and interact with various data visually;

▪ evaluate visual depictions of data and find possible improved presentations;
▪ assist users in visual data analysis;
▪ understand transforms and being able to apply them to 2D images.
Indicative Literature
M. O. Ward, G. Grinstein, D. Keim, Interactive Data Visualization: Foundations, Techniques, and Applications,
Second Edition, Matthew O. Ward, Georges Grinstein, Daniel KeimI, 2015, ISBN, 9781482257373.

A. C. Telea, Data Visualization: Principles and Practice, Second Edition, A K Peters, 2014, ISBN,
9781466585263.

25
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
As this module introduces visualization techniques for data sets, it builds on courses introducing data systems,
particularly the Data Analytics module MDE-CO-02 and the Data Mining module MDE-BSC-01.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

26
 Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks MDE-CO-06 Year 2 (CORE) 5

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CO-06 Data Acquisition Technologies and Sensor Networks Lecture and 5
Lab
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Dr. Fangning Hu

Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and

Requirements Teaching
Twice per year
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or ▪ Lectures and
Skills Lab (35 hours)
▪ Private Study
☒ None ☒ None ▪ The students (90 hours)
should be
Duration Workload
familiar with at
least some of
1 semester 125 hours
the following
topics: basic
electrical
circuits,
microcontrollers,
HTML, PHP,
SQL, C, and
Python.
Recommendations for Preparation
Read the syllabus.
A lab manual will be provided, reading the lab manual before each lab session is recommended.
Content and Educational Aims
Medical monitoring, smart cars, smart grids, smart homes, and ubiquitous connections to the internet everywhere:
There will be an ocean of data not only entered by humans but also automatically pouring in from billions of
sensors deployed in a plethora of devices. How are such data collected, and how can they be made available to
you, to your doctor, or to other users? These are only some of the questions to be addressed. This module offers
a hands-on introduction to the technology behind the scenes. Topics include microcontrollers; how to program
them; the way they interact with sensors and actuators; and the wireless techniques they use to communicate
with each other, with other computers, and with the internet.
As the module covers a wide range of platforms, it also utilizes aspects from a variety of different languages and
devices. To be successful, it helps to be familiar with basic electrical circuits, microcontrollers, HTML, PHP, SQL,
C, and Python. Although there will be a lot of support, it is recommended to be familiar with at least a few of
these aspects.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ acquire data from different sensors and use a microcontroller to process them;
▪ transmit data from the microcontroller to a database on a server
▪ collect data from web browsers and transmit them to a database on a server
▪ visualize the data on computers or smart devices
▪ set up a wireless sensor network and communicate data among different components.

27
Indicative Literature
M. Kooijman, Building wireless sensor networks using Arduino: leverage the powerful Arduino and XBee
platforms to monitor and control your surroundings, Packt Publishing, 2015 ISBN:9781784397159
1784397156.

H. E Williams, D. Lane, Web database applications with PHP and MySQL, O'Reilly Media, 2004, ISBN:
0596005431 9780596005436.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This module offers the techniques of wireless acquisition of the data that will later be processed and analyzed by
techniques studied in the Data Analytics module MDE-CO-02, the Machine Learning module MDE-CO-04, and
the Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management module MSCM-CO-07.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Project Report Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

28
 Elective Area (15 CP)

Computer Science Modules

3.2.1.1 Principles of Statistical Modeling

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Principles of Statistical Modeling MDE-CS-03 Year 1 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CS-03 Principles of Statistical Modeling Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Stefan ▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Kettemann

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) ▪ Lectures (35
requisites Skills hours)
▪ Private Study
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Basic linear (90 hours)
algebra,
Duration Workload
calculus and
probability
1 semester 125 hours
theory, as
typically
acquired in
entry modules
in BSc studies
Recommendations for Preparation
Read the syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module introduces the basic concepts of statistical modeling. The focus is on a thorough understanding of
fundamental concepts: the nature of probability spaces and random variables; distributions and their
representations; design and critical assessment of real-life samples; statistical hypothesis testing; statistical
decision-making; strategies for estimator design. This module is distinguished from standard probability courses
for non-mathematical audiences in that the mathematical model of „probability” is rigorously introduced,
including sigma-fields.
The primary educational aim is to lift students to a level of mastery and understanding of the intricate formalism
of probability and statistics that enables them to read the respective scientific literature and to adapt existing
algorithms or even develop new algorithms. This module is thus targeted at students who want to go beyond a
mere mechanical use of existing statistical toolboxes, and develop innovative data analysis techniques of their
own design.
The secondary educational aims are to enable students to (i) understand the substantial differences between
methodological approaches and fundamental mindsets in statistics vs. machine learning and (ii) understand the
differences between and respective advantages and disadvantages of classical frequentist vs. Bayesian modeling
methods.

29
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ correctly and insightfully use the core formalism of probability theory;

▪ understand the (basic) formalism used in the scientific literature of machine learning and statistics;
▪ decide which type of approach is indicated to address a given modeling task (frequentist vs. Bayesian;
black-box-modeling in machine learning spirit vs. statistical decision procedures; maximum-likelihood vs.
Bayesian vs. unbiasedness criteria for procedure selection);
▪ appreciate the importance of being exact and circumspective in setting up statistical modeling procedures.
Indicative Literature
H. Jäger, Principles of Statistical Modeling, online tutorial http://minds.jacobs-
university.de/teaching/courses/t2019psm/

V. Vapnik, The Nature of Statistical Learning Theory, Springer-Verlag, 1995.

R. J. Hyndman, G. Athanasopoulos Forecasting, Principles and Practice, , online script,

https://otexts.com/fpp2/.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

The Machine Learning module MDE-CO-04 and the Data Analytics module MDE-CO-02 are complementary in
that they introduce and focus on practical tools and techniques, whose theoretical foundations only can become
fully clear in this module.

Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Project Report Length: 10 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

30
3.2.1.2 Network Theory

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Network Theory MDE-CS-01 Year 1/2 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CS-01 Network Theory Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Stefan ▪ MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Kettemann

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually
requisites Skills (Fall) ▪ Lectures (35
hours)
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Basic linear ▪ Private Study,
algebra, incl. exercises
calculus and and exam
probability preparation (90
theory, as hours)
typically
Duration Workload
acquired in
entry modules
1 semester 125 hours
in BSc studies

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the syllabus. Refresh your Linear Algebra. Read the first two chapters of the primary book Networks: An
Introduction by M.E.J Newman, ISBN 9780199206650 (2010)
Content and Educational Aims
The theory of networks - as diverse as power grids, computer networks, social networks, and biological networks -
has emerged in recent years as a highly dynamic and rapidly developing discipline. The study of networks is
broadly interdisciplinary and important developments have occurred in many fields, including mathematics,
physics, computer and information sciences, biology, and the social sciences. This module introduces this field,
starting with a review of the diverse realizations of networks. We then teach how to measure the structure of
networks and introduce methods for analyzing network data.
We introduce graph theory, which forms the basis of network theory. Then, we review computer algorithms and
spectral methods to analyze networks. We introduce various mathematical models of networks, including random
graph models and generative models, and conclude with more recent theories that model the dynamical processes
taking place on networks.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ measure structure of networks;

▪ analyze network data;
▪ perform the modeling of dynamic processes on networks;

31
 ▪ communicate in scientific language using advanced field-specific technical terms.

Indicative Literature
M. Newman, Networks an Introduction, Oxford Univ. Press, 2010, ISBN: 9780199206650.

A.-L. Barabasi, Network Science, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2016, ISBN-10: 1107076269.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This course prepares for the courses MDE-CO-04 Machine Learning and MDE-CS-03 Principles of Statistical
Modeling.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

32
3.2.1.3 Advanced Databases

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Advanced Databases MDE-CS-04 Year 1 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CS-04-A Advanced Databases Lecture 2.5
MDE-CS-04-B Advanced Databases Lab Lab 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
Mandatory Elective for DE
▪ MSc Data Engineering and CSSE
Prof. Dr. Peter
Baumann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually
Pre-requisites Skills (Spring) ▪ Lecture (40
☒ None hours)
• mandatory ▪ Lab (40 hours)
knowledge of SQL
▪ Private study (45
• working knowledge
hours)
about fundamental
data structures, Duration Workload
such as trees
• working knowledge 1 semester 125 hours
of computer
architectures
• good command of at
least one
programming
language, as several
languages will be
used in the lab
Recommendations for Preparation

N.A.
Content and Educational Aims
This course deepens knowledge and skills in managing and serving Big Data with emphasis on flexibility and
scalability. As a result of this course, students will know the state of the art in data management for particularly
large and complex data, including in cloud-based data setups. Based on the Data Engineering Core lecture Data
Management the course starts with a reinspection of classical SQL, preparing an overview of SQL query
processing. Based on this understanding opportunities of optimization and parallelization are discussed.
Subsequently, novel developments in Big Data services are discussed. NoSQL approaches with their new data
models are inspected, such as documents, graphs and arrays. This is contrasted with NewSQL and their novel
techniques for competitive performance. Dedicated architectures are discussed, such as MapReduce. This leads
to general scalability considerations, with an emphasis on large-scale parallel and distributed processing.
Throughout the course practical considerations play an important role, including practitioner hints on database
modeling, tuning, and security. Practical guided hands-on exercises complement this.
Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

▪ Summarize the state of the art in data management for particularly large and complex data
▪ Establish criteria for selecting adequate scalable data management technology based on various criteria
▪ Establish a state of the art database schema for a given application scenario
▪ Tune a relational database for best performance on some given query workload
33
 ▪ Adequately consider security aspects in databases
▪ Develop applications using Web and database technology

Indicative Literature
McLellan (2013): Big Data: An Overview
https://www.zdnet.com/article/big-data-an-overview/
S. Akter & S. Fosso Wamba, Big data analytics in e-commerce: A systematic review and agenda for future
research, 2016. Electronic Markets, 26 173-194.

Z. Lv, H. Song, P. Basanta-Val, A. Steed and M. Jo. "Next-Generation Big Data Analytics: State of the Art,
Challenges, and Future Research Topics," in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 13, no. 4, pp.
1891-1899, Aug. 2017.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
Pre-requisite Introduction to Data Management with Python.

Examination Type: Module Component Examinations

Module Component 1: Lecture

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 min

Weight: 67%
Scope: Intended learning outcomes (1,2,3,4,5).

Module Component 2: Lab

Assessment Type: Lab Report

Weight: 33%
Scope: Intended learning outcomes (3,4,5,6).

Completion: To pass this module, the examination of each module component has to be passed with at least
45%.

34
3.2.1.4 Parallel and Distributed Computing

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Parallel and Distributed Computing MDE-CS-02 Year 2 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CS-02 Parallel and Distributed Computing Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Peter Mandatory elective for DE,

▪ MSc Data Engineering CSSE, RIS (BSc) and CS
Zaspel
(BSc)
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Fall) ▪ Lecture (35
Skills hours)
▪ Private study (90
☒ None ▪ Basic knowledge in hours)
C/C++
Duration Workload
▪ Mandatory
proficiency in
1 semester 125 hours
Python

Recommendations for Preparation

If no knowledge in C/C++ is present, interested students are encouraged get a basic understanding of C/C++ (via
online material) in order to better understand some of the discussed concepts.
Content and Educational Aims
In the recent years, the development of parallel and cloud computing has opened the door for Big Data analysis and
processing. This module aims at providing an overview and introduction to the vast field of parallel and cloud
computing. In traditional parallel computing, we aim to develop notions for different parallelization models
(shared­memory,distributed­memory, SIMD, SIMT), get to know appropriate programming methodologies for high
performance dataanalysis (OpenMP / MPI) and aim at understanding performance and scalability in this field (weak
vs. strong scaling, Amdahl’s law).This fundamental knowledge will then be carried over to recent developments in
cloud computing, where distributed processing frameworks (Spark / Hadoop MapReduce / Dask), based on
appropriated deployment infrastructures, are in the process to become De Facto standards for Big Data processing
and analysis. We will approach these technologies from a practical point of view and aim at developing the necessary
knowledge to carry out scalable machine learning and data processing on Big Data.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to

• understand theory and fundamentals of parallelization models (shared­/distributed memory, SIMD,

SIMT)
• explain and apply parallel programming methodologies (OpenMP / MPI)
• describe and analyze performance and scalability (weak vs. strong scaling, ...)
• Understand basic principles of distributed and cloud computing
• use distributed processing frameworks (Spark / Hadoop MapReduce / Dask) for scalable distributed
calculations
• develop scalable machine learning and data processing on Big Data
Indicative Literature
Zaccone, Python Parallel Programming Cookbook, O'Reilly.

J.C. Daniel, Data Science with Python and Dask, Manning Publications.

35
Z. Radtka, D. Miner, Hadoop with Python. Hadoop with Python, O'Reilly.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

N.A.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

36
 Geoinformatics Track

3.2.2.1 Geoinformatics
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Geoinformatics MDE-GEO-01 Year 1 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-GEO-01-A Geo-Information Systems Lecture 2.5
MDE-GEO-01-B Introduction to Earth System Data Lecture 2.5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Vikram Mandatory elective for DE

▪ MSc Data Engineering and DSSB
Unnithan
▪ BSc Earth & Environmental Science
Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and
Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually
requisites Skills (Fall) ▪ Lecture
attendance (40
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Basic hours)
computer ▪ Practical
skills, basic assignments (40
working hours)
knowledge of ▪ Private study (45
Linux OS and hours)
Python
Duration Workload
1 semester
125 hours
Recommendations for Preparation

▪Read the Syllabus

▪Geographic Information Systems and Science, 2nd Edition (2005) Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild,
David J. Maguire, David W. Rhind. Wiley, 560 p. ISBN 0470721448
▪Python Data Science Handbook, Jake VanderPlas, 2016 -
https://jakevdp.github.io/PythonDataScienceHandbook/
Content and Educational Aims
Machine learning (ML) is a module that concerns algorithms that are fed with (large quantities of) real-world data,
and which return a compressed "model" of the data. An example is the "world model" of a robot: the input data
are sensor data streams, from which the robot learns a model of its environment. Another example is a spoken
language model: the input data are speech recordings, from which ML methods build a model of spoken English
-- useful, for instance, in automated speech recognition systems. There are many formalisms in which such models
can be cast, and an equally large diversity of learning algorithms. At the same time, there is a relatively small
number of fundamental challenges that are common to all of these formalisms and algorithms.
The module introduces such fundamental concepts and illustrates them with a choice of elementary model
formalisms (linear classifiers and regressors, radial basis function networks, clustering, neural networks).
Furthermore, the module also (re )introduces required mathematical material from probability theory and linear
algebra. The main educational aims are twofold: to make students fully aware of the two main hurdles for obtaining
good models from data: (i) the "curse of dimensionality" and (ii) the bias-variance dilemma and to provide standard
tools to cope with these difficulties, namely (i') dimension reduction by feature extraction, for example via PCA
or clustering, and (ii') cross-validation and regularization.
Intended Learning Outcomes

37
By the end of this module, students will be able to:

▪ design, implement and exploit elementary supervised ML methods for classification and regression with
expert care given to dimension reduction preprocessing and regularization;
▪ understand and practically use PCA and linear regression;
▪ understand the core ideas behind feedforward neural networks and the backpropagation algorithm, as the
basis for accessing "deep learning" methods.

Indicative Literature
The course is based on a self-contained, detailed set of online lecture notes.
Nevertheless, the following provides a good overview of the material covered:
P. A. Longley, M. F. Goodchild, D. J. Maguire, D. W. Rhind, Geographic Information Systems and Science, 2nd
Edition, Wiley, 2005, 560 p. ISBN 0470721448.
Jake VanderPlas, Python Data Science Handbook, 2016,
https://jakevdp.github.io/PythonDataScienceHandbook/.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

▪ This module is a natural companion to the "Principles of Statistical Modeling" (PSM) module MDE-
CS-03.
▪ The ML module focuses on practical ML skills, whereas PSM module on rigorous mathematical
formalism and analysis.
▪ For students not familiar with graph theory, it is recommended to take the first semester course MDE-
CS-01 Network Theory, which introduces concepts used in this Machine Learning module.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

38
3.2.2.2 Geoinformatics Lab
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Geoinformatics Lab MDE-GEO-02 Year 1 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-GEO-02 Geoinformatics Lab Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Vikram Mandatory elective for

▪ MSc Data Engineering DE and DSSB
Unnithan
▪ BSc Earth & Environmental Science
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) ▪ Lecture attendance
Skills (40 hours)
▪ Practical
☒ None ▪ Geoinformatics ▪ Basic computer assignments (40
skills hours)
▪ Private study (45
hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

▪Read the Syllabus.

▪Python Data Science Handbook, Jake VanderPlas, 2016 -
https://jakevdp.github.io/PythonDataScienceHandbook/
▪Geospatial Data and Analysis, Bill Day, Jon Bruner, Aurelia Moser, 2017, O'Reilly Media, Inc. ISBN:
9781491984314
Content and Educational Aims
This lab module provides the necessary hands-on skills and expertise needed to gather, analyse, and model
geospatial and /or temporal data. Integration, analysis, management and visualization of large volumes of spatial
data from multiple sources at a variety of scales form a part of the assignments and lab work. Students may also
have to design, integrate and implement a variety of sensors to gather, process, visualize and analyze
environmental, oceanographic or other geo data. Theoretical concepts are demonstrated, and practical training
provided using state of-the-art software and hardware. Examples of applications to various fields such as geo-and
bio-sciences, data management, habitat management, risk assessment and geo-marketing are discussed and the
role of the internet in data mining and Web GIS illustrated.
Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

▪ design, implement and exploit elementary supervised ML methods for classification and regression with
expert care given to dimension reduction preprocessing and regularization;
▪ understand and practically use PCA and linear regression;
▪ understand the core ideas behind feedforward neural networks and the backpropagation algorithm, as the
basis for accessing "deep learning" methods.

Indicative Literature
J. VanderPlas, Python Data Science Handbook, 2016, https://jakevdp.github.io/PythonDataScienceHandbook/

B. Day, J. Bruner, A. Moser, Geospatial Data and Analysis, O'Reilly Media, 2017, ISBN: 9781491984314

39
Usability and Relationship to other Modules

▪ MDE-GEO-01 ideally a pre-requisite but due to schedule constraints it is co-requisite

▪ Uses and builds on concepts from all CORE modules, in particular MDE-CO-01, MDE-CO-02, MDE-
CO-05 and MDE-CO-06
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper Duration: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

40
 Bio-Informatics Track

3.2.3.1 Introduction to Systems Biology

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Introduction to Systems Biology MDE-BIO-02 Year 1/2 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-BIO-02 Introduction to Systems Biology Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Marc- • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Thorsten Hütt

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Lectures (35 hours)
requisites Skills • Private Study (80
hours)
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None • Exam and preparation
(10 hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation
Read the syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

Systems Biology aims to understand the functioning of a cell due to the concerted action of its constituents. At
the same time, many spatial and temporal scales contribute to cellular organization, which render it a complex
interplay of regulatory processes. It seems, therefore, futile to address this problem of system understanding
without the appropriate toolbox. This module provides the mathematical and conceptual toolbox for “doing
Systems Biology”.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• describe the key goals and methods of Systems Biology;
• analyze metabolic fluxes;
• recognize and apply models of signal transduction pathways;
• analyze gene regulatory systems;
• analyze gene expression patterns.
Indicative Literature
E. Klipp, R. Herwig, A. Kowald, C. Wierling and H. Lehrach Systems Biology in Practice: Concepts,
Implementation and Application, Wiley-VCH, 2005.

U.Alon, An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits. Chapman & Hall/CRC,
2006.

B. O. Palsson, Systems Biology – Properties of reconstructed networks, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
41
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
N.A.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

42
3.2.3.2 Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems MDE-BIO-01 Year 1/2 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-BIO-01 Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Agostino Mandatory Elective for

▪ MSc Data Engineering DE and DSSB
Merico
▪ BSc Earth & Environmental Science

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually (Fall or
requisites Skills Spring) ▪ Lecture attendance
(35 hours)
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Analysis, Basic ▪ Practical exercises,
Calculus, and Linear private study incl.
Algebra exam preparation
(90 hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This is a hands-on module on the mathematical and computational modeling of various complex systems, covering
diverse fields of the natural and social sciences. The module starts with an introduction to mathematical modeling.
The elements of a model are presented and the steps to follow when constructing a model are reviewed, from
formulating the question, determining the basic constituents of a model, and qualitatively and quantitatively
describing the relevant system to analyzing the equations with various checks and balances. An introduction are
provided on Python, the programming language constituting the main computational tool adopted in the module.
To put into practice the theory on the basics of modelling and Python programming, a number of classical models
in ecology are reviewed, coded, and numerically analyzed. This will build up the skills for developing models that
describe different complex systems and the associated processes. In particular, different ial equation models are
developed. They describe:

(1) the dynamics of diseases such as HIV, (2) the microbial growth in batch and chemostat cultures, (3) the
dynamics of plankton ecosystems in the oceanic mixed layer, and (4) examples of life acting as a regulating force
at a planetary scale. In addition, the lecturer introduces Agent-Based Modelling techniques with applications to
cultural segregation problems and spatially explicit predator-prey interactions.
Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

▪ independently design and develop models (from the basic conceptual aspects, to the mathematical
equations and the numerical code) for tackling problems in the natural and social sciences
▪ undertake numerical equilibria and stability analysis, to evaluate model performance, and to identify
uncertainties in model results.

Indicative Literature
The course is based on a self-contained, detailed set of online lecture notes and practical exercises.

43
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
N.A.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

44
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Management and Analysis of Biological and Medical Data MDE-BIO-03 Year 1/2 5
(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-BIO-03 Management and Analysis of Biological and Medical Data Seminar 5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Engineering (DE) Mandatory elective for DE
Prof. Dr. Marc-
Thorsten Hütt

Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and

Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring/Fall) • Lectures and
Skills plenary
☒ none ☒ none discussions (20
hours)
• Project work (105
hours)

Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Content and Educational Aims

High-throughput technologies have turned biological and medical research into 'big data' endeavors. It is indispensable
to be able to navigate the rich, intricate landscape of biological and medical databases and to contextualize and analyze
information from diverse sources. Here we explore examples of recent databases in Biology and Medicine selected from
the current database issue of the journal Nucleic Acids Research. Typical examples include databases for gene expression,
metabolic systems, genome-wide association studies and epigenetic information.

In the first sessions of the course, we define small research projects based on the selected databases. In the
rest of the course these research projects will be pursued in small groups and the results will be reported and
discussed.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. identify and process a variety of data formats and data standards in biology and medicine
2. access and use the main bioinformatics databases
3. download and analyze diverse biological and medical data
4. derive research questions from scientific publications
5. apply concepts from data science to biological and medical databases.

Indicative Literature

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Oral Exam Duration/Length:

Weight: 100%
Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

45
 Business and Supply Chain Engineering Track

3.2.4.1 Data Mining

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Data Mining MDE-BSC-01 Year 1 5
(CORE)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-BSC-01 Data Mining Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Adalbert Mandatory for DE and

▪ MSc Data Engineering DSSB
F.X. Wilhelm

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually
Skills (Spring) ▪ Lecture (17.5
• Data Analytics • Machine ▪ Knowledge of Data hours)
Learning Analytics software/ ▪ Project work (90
programming hours)
languages such as
▪ Private study
R or Python
(17.5 hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Practice data analysis tasks. Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims
The focus of this module is on practical applications of algorithms and computational paradigms that allow
computer-based search and detection of data patterns and regularities. Students learn how to use such tools to
perform predictions and make forecasts. Students will study data mining as the core component in the knowledge
discovery in database process which deals with extracting useful information from raw data. This knowledge
discovery process includes data selection, cleaning, coding, using different statistical and machine learning
techniques, and visualization of data and generated patterns and structures. The module aims tot provide an
overview of all these issues and illustrates the whole process by examples.
A major component of the module is group-based participation in a data analysis competition. This competition
allows students to apply the concepts learned in class and to develop the computational skills to analyze data in
a collaborative setting.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to

▪ be able to implement and apply advanced data mining methods with appropriate tools
▪ be able to evaluate and compare the suitability, scalability and efficiency of different methods in
practical settings
▪ have gained experience in performing a full cycle of data mining and data analysis
▪ have acquired practical skills to tackle data mining problems
Indicative Literature
G. James, D. Witten, T. Hastie, R. Tibshiran, Introduction to Statistical Learning with R by Springer, 2013
(ISLR).
J. VanderPlas, Python Data Science Handbook, 2016 - https://jakevdp.github.io/PythonDataScienceHandbook/.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

This module builds on the core module data analytics MDE-CO-02 and prepares students for applied projects in
data analysis as well as a master thesis in this field.
46
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (Project Report) Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of the module.

47
3.2.4.2 Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management MSCM-CO-07 Year 2 (CORE) 5

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MSCM-CO-07 Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr.-Ing. • MSc Supply Chain Management Mandatory elective for SCM
Hendro Wicaksono and DE

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Annually
(Fall) • Lecture and feedback
sessions (35 hours)
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or • Group Work (45 hours)
requisites Skills • Private Study (45
hours)
• MSCM-MET-01 ☒None • Basics of statistical
Duration Workload
– Programming analytics and
in Python machine learning
1 semester 125 hours
• Basics of database
OR and SQL
• Basics of
• MDE-MET-03 programming skills,
Intro to Data such as R, Python,
Management and Java
with Python
Recommendations for Preparation
Sanders, N. Big data driven supply chain management: a framework for implementing analytics and turning
information into intelligence, Pearson Education, 2014.
Content and Educational Aims
In recent years, big data has become a significant topic in supply chain management, as the amount of data
generated in supply chain management practices has grown exponentially. Data analytics are techniques that
apply data mining, statistical analysis, predictive analytics, and machine learning to uncover hidden patterns,
correlations, trends, and other business-valuable information and knowledge from data.
The module focuses on the supply chain management scenarios that generate and consume data intensively and
require data analytics to improve the decision-making process through descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive
analytics. These include:
• Descriptive statistics on and historical insight into companies’ production, financial, operations, sales,
customers, etc.
• Forecasting customer behavior, purchasing patterns, production performance, energy consumption, etc.
• Prescriptive analytics for assessing the offer that should be made to a certain customer, to decide on
the shipment strategy for each location, to determine the most efficient material flow in a factory, etc.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• identify scenarios in supply chain management and evaluate the opportunities and challenges of data
analytics applications;
• determine the objective of data analytics in different scenarios and the data sources required to achieve
that objective;

48
 • apply methods and tools to collect and integrate data from different sources in the context of supply
chain management;
• apply machine learning and statistical analytics methods and tools to uncover hidden patterns,
correlations, trends, and knowledge that are useful for improving supply chain management processes;
• evaluate data analytics results in different scenarios and solve the problems that might occur throughout
the entire data analytics process, from data collection to analysis;
• develop deployment architecture concepts by integrating existing tools/software;
• develop business model and ecosystem concepts.
Indicative Literature
N.A.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

Programming methods, such as R and Python, taught in MSCM-MET-01 Programming in Python and MSCM-
MET-03 Programming in R as well as project management concepts taught in MSCM-CO-01 will be applied.
Academic writing skills taught in MSCM-CAR-01 facilitate the completion of tasks in this module.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Project Report Length: 2.500 words

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of the module.

49
 Methods Area (15 CP)

Introduction to Data Management with Python

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Introduction to Data Management with Python MDE-MET-03 Year 1 5

(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-03-A Introduction to Data Management with Python - Lecture Lecture 2.5
MDE-MET-03-B Introduction to Data Management with Python -Tutorial Tutorial 2.5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Dr. Carlos Brandt Mandatory for DE

▪ MSc Data Engineering

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually (Fall)
requisites Skills ▪ Lecture
attendance
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None (17.5hours)
▪ Tutorial
attendance (17.5
hours)
▪ Private Study (90
hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

None.
Content and Educational Aims
This module introduces data engineering students to the field of data management with Python. Data management
describes the vast field of methodologies to collect, store, process and provision data. The aim of this module is
to focus on a very applied view of these tasks. Since Python has become the de-facto standard in the field, the
initial part of the module is concerned with a basic introduction into core concepts of imperative programming in
Python. Data structures and fundamental algorithms are discovered in a hands-on fashion. These will also include
basic numerical and data analysis tasks based on NumPy/SciPy. One source from which we can collect and in
which we can store data are relational databases. The course introduces the Structured Query Language (SQL) to
get access to this data source. More recently, data is frequently stored in Data Frames, a data structure provided
by Pandas, a Python library. Pandas also provides functionality to carry out data analysis tasks. Provisioning of
data analysis outputs will be done by basic2D visualization techniques.
Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• explain and apply fundamental concepts of imperative programming using

Python
• understand and use basic data structures
• summarize and apply fundamental algorithms (e.g. sorting)
• execute basic data analysis tasks (average, min, max, ...)
• Understand and implement linear algebra operations using NumPy/SciPy
• explain fundamentals of relational databases
describe and use SQL to create, modify and query data from relational
• databases

50
 • understand and apply DataFrames and data analysis using Pandas
• visualize simple data by different types of 2D plots using Matplotlib

Indicative Literature
Jake VanderPlas, Python Data Science Handbook, O'Reilly.

Cay S. Horstmann, Rance D. Necaise, Python For Everyone, 3rd Edition, Wiley.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
The course provides the necessary background knowledge to courses like “Advanced Databases” or “Machine
Learning”.
Examination Type: Module Component Examinations

Module Component 1: Lecture

Assessment Type: Written Examination Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 50%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module excluding practical aspects.

Module Component 2: Tutorial

Assessment Type: Practical Assessment (Programming Assignments) Weight: 50%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

Completion: To pass this module, the examination of each module component has to be passed with at least
45%.

51
 Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems MDE-MET-04 Year 1/2 5.0
(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-04 Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems Seminar 5.0
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Dr. Mathias Bode • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Annually
Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Lectures (35 hours)
requisites Skills • Private Study (90
☒ None hours)
• Basic linear algebra, Duration Workload
☒ None calculus, probability
concepts and 1 semester 125 hours
programming skills
as taught in
introductory
modules.
Recommendations for Preparation
Read the book: "Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos: With Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and
Engineering" by Steven H. Strogatz, in particular parts I+II.In order to prepare, please, read chapters 1,2+5.
Content and Educational Aims
Predictions based on the past, with or without additional input information? This is the topic of our module on
dynamical systems. In many cases these forecasts are (almost) exact; in others we can only get probabilistic
information. Based on a large set of examples, the module is going to discuss these so-called deterministic and
stochastic systems. Topics we cover include:
• Deterministic low-dimensional dynamical systems.
• Control of deterministic linear systems.
• Linear prediction of stochastic time series.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• understand and apply fundamental concepts of deterministic and stochastic dynamical systems,
• solve linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients,
• understand and apply fundamental concepts from linear control theory
• understand and apply (conditional) means, variances, and covariances in order to predict the behavior
of simple stochastic systems.
Indicative Literature
S. H. Strogatz, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos: With Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and
Engineering, 2nd edition, 2015.

S. Zak, Systems and Control, Oxford University Press, 2003.

H. Stark & J. Woods, Probability and Random Processes with Applications to Signal Processing, Westview Press,
2002.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
Complementary to the machine Learning module MDE-CO-04 this module focuses on a theory-based design of
models. Such models, if available, are usually “smaller” and easier to parameterize.

52
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

53
 Modern Signal Processing

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Modern Signal Processing MDE-MET-07 Year 1/2 5.0
(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-07 Modern Signal Processing Seminar 5.0
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Abreu

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Bi-annually
requisites Skills (Fall) • Lectures (35 hours)
• Private Study (90
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module aims to introduce students to a modern perspective of signal processing, which in the recent years
has seen significant changes due to the emergence of new mathematical and algorithmic tools. At the core of this
new perspective is the departure from canonical compact orthonormal representations (of which Fourier analysis
is the primary example) and minimalistic sampling (of which the Nyquist rate is the primary example) towards
sparse, non-orthogonal signal representations, typically resulting from oversampling and the use of redundant
bases. Another major aspect in which modern signal processing differs from its classical counterpart is the
significantly larger role played by numerical methods. Indeed, traditional signal processing was developed during
an era when computers were either non-existent or incipient, thus relying fundamentally on tools such as algebraic
geometry and harmonic analysis, and consequently typically leading to techniques that yield exact results and
even closed-form solutions under ideal conditions (e.g., in the absence of distortion), which are then brought to
practical applications by means of suitable algorithmic approximations. By contrast, modern signal processing
embraces numerical methods and ’algorithms’ at its core, thus relying heavily on tools such as convex
optimization, non-convex optimization (e.g. genetic algorithms) and machine learning which, albeit not necessarily
empirical, take full advantage of the computational power of modern computers.
This module explores several of the aforementioned tools, discussing concrete examples such as isotropic
embedding (which can be used for wireless localization), matrix completion (which can be used for data
compression), and the design of tight frames (which can be used to increase robustness to distortion).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• understand the fundamental principles behind modern signal processing algorithms;
• gain a new perspective of signal processing problems through the prism of new algorithms in which
signals are treated as data;
• practice on how to address both new and “old'” signal processing problems via the new tools of modern
signal processing.

54
 • further develop their Matlab programming skills (or an equivalent programming language with sufficient
support of for mathematical libraries);
• gain a deeper and a modern understanding of crucial mathematical tools such as linear algebra (vectors
and matrices) and functional analysis (Hilbert spaces, inner products, basic calculus), in the context of
their application to data engineering.
Indicative Literature
P. Walk and P. Jung, Compressed Sensing: Applications to Communication and Digital Signal Processing,
Springer, 2019.

S. Oh, Matrix Completion: Fundamental Limits and Efficient Algorithms, Stanford University, 2010.

J. Dattorro, Convex Optimization and Euclidean Distance Geometry, Meboo Publishing, 2008.

I. Rish, G. Grabarnik, Sparse Modeling: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications, CRC Press, 2014.

S. S. Foucart and H. Rauhut, A Mathematical Introduction to Compressive, Birkhäuser, 2013.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules
-
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Oral Presentation Duration: 30 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

55
 Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine MDE-MET-05 Year 1/2 5

(Elective)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-05 Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Marc- Mandatory elective for

▪ MSc Data Engineering DE and DSSB
Thorsten Hütt

Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and

Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) ▪ Lecture
Skills attendance
(35 hours)
☒ None • Geoinformatics ▪ Analysis, ▪ Private study
Basic (90 hours)
Calculus, and
Duration Workload
Linear
Algebra
1 semester 125 hours
Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

’Network science’ employs the formal view of graph theory to understand the design principles of complex systems.
Abstracting cellular processes in from biology into networks can contribute to an understanding of how such
cellular systems function. Over the last two decades, this approach has revolutionized the way we think about
biological systems.

Here, the application of network analysis to biology and medicine are discussed. In this module standard networks
considered in Systems Biology (gene regulatory networks, metabolic networks, signaling networks and protein-
protein interaction networks), in which each link corresponds to a specific biological process are discussed. It is
enhanced by the discussion of relational networks, which are capable of serving as very efficient sources of data
integration and interpretation: the diseasome, a network where a disease is linked to a gene, in which there is
data evidence relating the gene to the disease; and the drug-target network, where drugs and proteins linked by
drug-target associations.
In addition to standard review articles and textbooks on Network Science, material from recent scientific literature
is incorporated in the module.
Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

▪ understand the basic principles of network science applications to Biology and Medicine;
▪ use and access the main bioinformatics databases to obtain biological networks;
▪ analyze biological networks;
▪ combine multiple data analysis tools for a comprehensive analysis of molecular data;
▪ describe in some detail essential facts and theoretical concepts derived from recent scientific literature;
▪ identify open questions from the scientific literature and synthesize information from the literature into a
scientific presentation.
Indicative Literature
A.-L. Barabási, Network science. Cambridge University Press, 2016.

56
Alon, U. (2007). Network motifs: theory and experimental approaches. Nature Reviews Genetics, 8(6):450–
461.
A.-L. Barabási (2012), The network takeover. Nature Physics, 8(1):14–16.

A.-L. Barabási, N. Gulbahce and Loscalzo (2011). Network medicine: a network-based approach to human
disease. Nature reviews. Genetics, 12(1):56.

Barabasi, A.-L. and Oltvai, Z. N. (2004). Network biology: understanding the cell’s functional organization.
Nature reviews. Genetics, 5(2):101.

Radde, N. E. and Hütt, M.-T. (2016). The physics behind systems biology. EPJ Nonlinear Biomedical Physics,
4(1):7.
Strogatz, S. H. (2001). Exploring complex networks. Nature, 410(6825):268.

and recent scientific literature.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This module is recommended to be taken together with the elective modules in the Bio-Informatics track.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Oral Presentation Duration: 30 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

57
 Applied Dynamical Systems

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Applied Dynamical Systems MDE-MET-06 Year 1/2 5.0
(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-06 Applied Dynamical Systems Lecture 5.0
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE
Prof. Dr. Marcel • BSc Mathematics
Oliver
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Lectures (35 hours)
Skills • Private Study (90
hours)
☒ None ☒ None • Analysis, basic Duration Workload
Calculus and Linear
Algebra 1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module is a first hands-on introduction to theory and applications of dynamical systems. A crucial component
of this class is the use of computer experiments to foster intuitive understanding and develop students' skills in
using the computer to bridge the gap between mathematical idea and concrete implementation and application.
Topics include nonlinear oscillators, coupled pendula, and pattern formation in chemical reactions. A main focus
of the lab is the development of standard tools for the numerical solution of differential equations, the application
of automated tools for bifurcation analysis, and continuation methods. Further topics include agent-based models
and pseudo-spectral PDE solvers for reaction-diffusion equations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• apply fundamental concepts of deterministic and stochastic modeling;
• implement standard mathematical software;
• design, conduct, and interpret controlled in-silico scientific experiments;
• demonstrate the mastery of numerical methods to solve differential equations.
Indicative Literature
J. Sethna, Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity, Oxford University Press, 2006.

Steven Strogatz, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos: With Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and
Engineering, Westview Press, second edition, 2014.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This module is complementary to the module MDE-MET-04 Modeling and Control of Dynamical Systems.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (Project Portfolio) Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

58
 Remedial Modules

3.4.6.1 Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students MDE-MET-01 Year 1 5.0
(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-01 Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students Lecture 5.0
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Igors • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Gorbovickis

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually (Fall)
requisites Skills • Lectures (35 hours)
• Private Study (90
☒ None ☒ None • Mathematics at hours)
High School level Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module offers a highly structured introduction to the fundamentals of two major pillars of mathematical
modelling and analysis: Single and multivariable calculus on the one hand and linear algebra on the other.
It is a gateway for graduate students who have not been exposed to the topics so far, or who were exposed long
ago and needs to be refreshed.
Topics include sequences, series, limits, derivatives, Taylor series, and integrals as well as vectors, matrices,
determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, scalar products, and norms. The module focuses on practical experience
rather than on mathematical rigor.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• apply the fundamental concepts of calculus and linear algebra in structured situations;
• understand and use vectors and matrices, calculate determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors in
simple cases;
• calculate derivatives and simple integrals;
• explain the importance of the methods of calculus and linear algebra in problems arising from
applications;
• understand the methods of calculus and linear algebra used in more advanced modules as well as in
scientific literature.
Indicative Literature
G. Strang, Introduction to Linear Algebra, 5th edtion, Wellesley-Cambridge Press, 2016, ISBN: 978-
09802327-7-6.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules

59
This module introduces and refreshes the essential Calculus and Linear Algebra required in most of the modules
of the data engineering program. There is a placement test offered in the orientation week before the start of the
first semester to help all students to find out if they need to take this remedial course.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

60
3.4.6.2 Probabilities for Graduate Students

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Probabilities for Graduate Students MDE-MET-02 Year 1 5
(Methods)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-MET-02 Probabilities for Graduate Students Lecture 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Dr. Mathias Bode • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory Elective for DE

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Annually (Fall)
Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or • Lectures (35 hours)
requisites Skills • Private Study (90
☒ None hours)
☒ None Duration Workload
☒ None
1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module offers a highly structured introduction to the fundamentals of combinatorics and probabilities as
they are used for statistical modeling and estimation. It is a gateway for graduate students who have not been
exposed to the topics so far, or who were exposed long ago and needs to be refreshed. The module starts with the
concept of probabilities, including joint, conditional and total probabilities with a focus on independence, which
leads us to a discussion of Bayes’s theorem. We shall then proceed to factorials, and binomial coefficients, with
many applications to be followed by the binomial law, and its Poisson and Normal approximations. A second block
covers random variables with their distributions and density functions. Here we are going to discuss continuous
random variables in detail. Block three continues with the essential ideas of expected values, moments, and
estimation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• understand the fundamental concepts of probabilities and combinatorics and to apply them in structured
situations,
• apply important probability laws (Binomial, Poisson, Normal),
• understand and apply probability distributions and densities,
• understand and apply means, variances, and covariances – also in the context of simple estimation
contexts.
Indicative Literature
H. Stark, J. W. Woods, Probability and Random Processes with Applications to Signal Processing, Third Edition,
2002.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
Familiarity with probability-related concepts is the basis to understand the foundations of stochastic modelling
and the data analytics and machine learning techniques which form a central part of data engineering. There is
a placement test offered in the orientation week before the start of the first semester to help all students to find
out if they need to take this remedial course.

61
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

62
 Discovery Area (15 CP)

Current Topics in Data Engineering

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Current Topics in Data Engineering MDE-DIS-01 Year 1 5
(Discovery)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-DIS-01 Current Topics in Data Engineering Colloquium 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Stefan • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE

Kettemann

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or Annually (Fall)
requisites Skills • Colloquium (17.5
hours)
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None • Private Study (107.5
hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module introduces current topics and challenges of data engineering. Lectures are taught by faculty members
and invited experts from companies, presenting selected fields of their research activities and interest in data
engineering. For each field an overview of the scientific background, the motivation and major challenges is
provided together with a list of references. This is complemented by an in-depth discussion of the specific research
topics. Each student will then select one field of the faculty presentations and will prepare a term paper in the
form of a master thesis proposal, which will be presented as a poster at the end of the module. The module will
additionally feature tutorials providing the students with scientific skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• describe a current topic in Data Engineering;
• research and read scientific literature;
• communicate in scientific language using field specific-technical terms.
Indicative Literature
The literature is provided by each instructor of the current topics lecture in the slides, which are provided
immediately after each lecture to all students by pdf on a teamwork space created by the instructor of record
Prof. Kettemann.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This module particularly prepares for the Advanced Project modules MDE-DIS-02 and MDE-DIS-03 and also gives
the students an orientation with respect to which methods are required to master current developments in data
engineering.

63
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Poster Presentation Duration: 120 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

64
 Advanced Project 1
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Advanced Project 1 MDE-DIS-02 Year 1 5
(Discovery)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-DIS-02 Advanced Project 1 Lecture and 5
Seminar
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Lectures (17.5 hours)
Skills • Seminar (35 hours)
• Private Study (72.5
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None hours)
Duration Workload

1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module aims to provide the student with an in-depth understanding and command of one of the data analytics
or data management techniques that are represented by the research groups of the faculty of DE. The
subdiscipline involved (e.g. database management, machine learning, statistical data analysis, information theory,
data acquisition, or big data technologies) changes from year to year and from hosting group to hosting group.
The detailed structure and schedule depend on the specific demands and options of the hosting group.
An Advanced Project module typically begins with an introduction to the concerned technology or method. This
leads the student to a level of competence with which he/she can insightfully apply the respective methods to
practical, real-life tasks. Typically, the second half of the module is devoted to individual (or if indicated, group)
projects in which a nontrivial data management/ analysis task, given by the instructor, is completed. The project
outcome is a technical report (target size: 20 pages) together as well as with a presentation to the Data Engineering
program students and faculty.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• understand current technical/scientific literature, and distinguish good from second-rate publications
• write / configure computer programs / tools specifically for the subject area
• master relevant data pre/ postprocessing routines specifically for the subject area
• design and schedule a complex DE project, including escape options, keep milestones/timelines
• consistently apply scientific language to communicate in writing his/her understanding clearly and
precisely to a non-expert audience.
Indicative Literature
The literature is provided individually to each student by each instructor of the respective advanced project.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

The students can choose a project, ideally on a topic and with a supervisor they already encountered during the
1st semester module MDE-DIS-01 Current Topics in Data Engineering.
65
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (Project Report) Duration: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

66
 Advanced Project 2
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Advanced Project 2 MDE-DIS-03 Year 2 5
(Discovery)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-DIS-03 Advanced Project 2 Project Work 5
Module Coordinator Program Affiliation Mandatory Status

Prof. Dr. Stefan • MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE

Kettemann

Entry Requirements Frequency Forms of Learning and

Teaching
Pre-requisites Annually (Fall)
Co- Knowledge, Abilities, or • Supervised Study,
requisites Skills Research and Project
☒ None Work (125 hours)
☒ None Duration Workload
☒ None
1 semester 125 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

This module aims to providing the student with an in-depth understanding and command of one of the data
analytics or data management techniques that are represented by the research groups of the faculty of DE. The
subdiscipline involved (e.g. database management, machine learning, statistical data analysis, information theory,
data acquisition, or big data technologies) changes from year to year and from hosting group to hosting group.
The detailed structure and schedule depend on the specific demands and options of the hosting group. An
Advanced Project module typically begins with a taught introduction to the concerned technology or method. This
will lead the student to a level of competence with which he/she can insightfully apply the respective methods to
practical, real-life tasks. Typically, the second half of the module is devoted to individual (or if indicated, group)
projects in which a nontrivial data management/analysis task, given by the instructor, is worked out. The project
outcome is a technical report (target size: 20 pages) together with a presentation to the Data Engineering program
students and faculty.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• understand current technical/scientific literature, and distinguish good from second-rate publications;
• write / configure computer programs / tools specifically for the subject area;
• master relevant data pre/postprocessing routines specifically for the subject area;
• design and schedule a complex DE project, including escape options, keep milestones/timelines;
• hone technical writing skills;
• communicate technical results to a non-expert audience.
Indicative Literature
The literature is provided individually to each student by each instructor for the respective advanced project.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

The students can build on the project they worked on in the module MDE-DIS-02 Advanced Project 1. However,
they are also free to choose another project topic with a different supervisor.

67
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (Project Report) Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

68
 Career Area (15 CP)

Language Skills
The descriptions of the language modules are provided in a separate document, the “Language
Module Handbook” that can be accessed from here: https://www.jacobs-
university.de/study/learning-languages

69
 Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training

Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training MDE-CAR-02 Year 1 2.5
(CAREER)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CAR-02 Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training Seminar 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Lectures (17.5 hours)
Skills • Private Study (45
hours)
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None Duration Workload

1 semester 62.5 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Fraedrich, J. & Ferrell, O.C. (2014): Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.

Content and Educational Aims

The academically rigorous nature of graduate studies requires students to master academic writing skills and
techniques. In this introductory course, students in DE master’s program will learn the foundations of academic
writing at a graduate level, with special focus on writing academic essays, identifying organizational patterns of
academic texts, and formulating arguments to produce cohesive and coherent academic papers. Through the
process of drafting, continuous feedback and editing, students will improve their writing skills. This course will
also help students develop their research skills by highlighting techniques of finding and evaluating sources, and
utilizing citation and referencing styles. As graduate students, adhering to The Code of Academic Integrity is a
requirement. Hence, this course will incorporate a session on scholarly and intellectual standards set by Jacobs
University. The second part of this course is a training seminar. It will give answers to frequently asked questions
by students on the topics of working and living in Germany. Here the students will find information on employment
and how to get access to the German labor market. The seminar also provides an overview of labor conditions in
Germany, the multifaceted forms of employment, business cultures and useful tips and information for the job
entry in a German company.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• structure their ideas to write clear summaries, coherent paragraphs and cohesive literature reviews;
• write different segments of an academic paper employing writing styles that display advanced grammar
and precise and concise language use;
• successfully find and evaluate sources for research;
• use citation and referencing styles applicable for their discipline;
• unintentional plagiarism and adhere to the code of academic integrity.

70
 • understand labor conditions in Germany.
• understand the typical business cultures in German companies.
Indicative Literature
The literature is provided individually to each student by each instructor for the respective advanced project.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

Advanced Project 1, Advanced Project 2, Master thesis

Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (Report) Length: 10 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

71
 Communication & Presentation Skills for Executives
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Communication & Presentation Skills for Executives MDE-CAR-01 Year 2 2.5

(CAREER)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-CAR-01 Communication & Presentation Skills for Executives Seminar 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
Mandatory elective for DE
▪ MSc Data Engineering and DSSB
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann,
Prof. Dr. Hilke
Brockmann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually (Fall)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or ▪ Seminar (17.5
Skills hours)
▪ Private study (45
☒ None ☒ None ▪ Analysis, Basic hours)
Calculus, and
Duration Workload
Linear Algebra
1 semester 62.5 hours
Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus

Content and Educational Aims
An executive career in an international business environment requires excellent communication and presentation
skills. Managers have to communicate effectively with a large variety of target audiences, often in different
languages and with different cultural backgrounds. This is true for employees and/or direct reports, business
partners as well as customers. The ability to present and communicate succinctly and confidently while being
culturally aware and building rapport and trust with different audiences is crucial. In this interactive module,
students are introduced to the basics of effective presentation and communication techniques. They learn how to
present themselves, their business project, or academic work, with impact, tailoring both the content and their
delivery style to different types of audiences.
Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to

▪ act as effective communicators – in both group and individual situations;

▪ understand interpersonal communication models and group dynamics in presentations;
▪ enjoy the process of presenting;
▪ understand the importance of building rapport and trust with audiences;
▪ use presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi) confidently and in a visually pleasant way;
▪ learn how to structure presentations in a coherent manner and develop captivating narratives;
▪ work with different presentation formats (Ignite, Pecha Kucha, Pitching etc.);
▪ understand and apply the basics of logical reasoning in oratory (deductive/inductive);
▪ develop oratory and rhetorical skills drawing on Aristotle’s teaching of logos, ethos and pathos;
▪ understand and apply the basics of interpersonal communication (Johari Window, 4-Ears model etc.);
▪ give and receive constructive feedback;
▪ present themselves in different business situations;

72
 ▪ collaborate effective in intercultural teams.

Indicative Literature
This course utilizes lecture formats, case studies and interactive
presentations, discussions, role play and peer-to-peer coaching. The course will also use internet resources,
videos, and home assignments to illustrate and practice specific communication aspects.
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
This module is recommended to be taken together with the elective modules in the Bio-Informatics track.

Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Oral Presentation Duration: 15 minutes

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

73
 Ethics and the Information Revolution
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP

Ethics and the Information Revolution MDSSB-EIR-01 Year 2 2.5

(Career)
Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDSSB-EIR-01 Ethics and the Information Revolution Seminar 2.5
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Science for Society & Business Mandatory DE, mandatory
Prof. Dr. Hilke elective for DSSB
Brockmann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Knowledge, Abilities, or Annual (Fall)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Skills • Seminar (17.5 hours)
• Private study (45
hours)
☒ None ☒ None ☒ None Duration Workload

1 semester 62.5 hours

Recommendations for Preparation

Read the Syllabus.

Binns (2018) Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy. Proceedings of Machine
Learning Research 81:1-11.
Content and Educational Aims
Many data specialists claim that we are at the cusp of an information revolution. Based on inventions dating back
to WWII, IT innovations have re-organized our society around one “big metadata computer” that is permanently
computing data and associating metadata about everything we do. Digital technologies also have the potential to
disrupt the ethical standards and rules of our society. In this module, we discuss whether we have to forfeit
privacy in times of big data, if machines compromise our identity, and if shared data enables institutions to abuse
their power and undermine the civil society?

The module pursues three goals. 1. Participants will immerse themselves and learn about core ethical theories.
2. They will integrate this theoretical knowledge and develop a “Big Data Ethics,” which they 3. will put into
practice. For the second and third purposes, in-classroom discussions and interactions are indispensable for
identifying possible dilemmas and conflict of interests and for balancing contradictions to derive practical
solutions and policy advice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to

• report on major ethical theories relevant to digital technologies

• integrate different ethical standpoints and arguments to address concrete societal problems
• assess the societal and ethical implications of digitization
• deal with legal aspects of ethics by applying means to prevent and deal with violations of privacy and
transparency
• apply actions to contribute to the transition to a more just and trustworthy digital transformation as a
part of one’s job
• implement justice and social equality as dimensions of ethics and sustainability
Indicative Literature
Binns (2018) Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy. Proceedings of Machine
Learning Research 81:1-11.

74
Usability and Relationship to other Modules
It is one of the three Career modules (IT Law, Language III, and Ethics and the Information Revolution) that
can be chosen for replacement by the internship. Students need to replace 10 CP for the internship.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Type: Term Paper (report) Length: 20 pages

Weight: 100%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of the module.

75
 Master Thesis (30 CP)
Module Name Module Code Level (type) CP
Master Thesis MDE-THE-01 Year 2 30

Module Components

Number Name Type CP

MDE-THE-01 Master Thesis N.A. 30
Module Program Affiliation Mandatory Status
Coordinator
• MSc Data Engineering Mandatory for DE
Prof. Dr. Stefan
Kettemann
Entry Frequency Forms of Learning and
Requirements Teaching
Annually
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Knowledge, Abilities, or (Spring) • Private Study (750
Skills hours)
Duration Workload
• MDE-DIS-02 ☒ None • Proficiency in the
Advanced area of the chosen 1 semester 750 hours
Project I thesis topic.

• MDE-DIS-03
Advanced
Project II
Recommendations for Preparation
Read the Syllabus.

Content and Educational Aims

The aim of this module is to train students to motivate, design, carry out and document a research project in one
of the areas represented by the research groups of the faculty of DE. Some familiarity with the requisite data
engineering techniques will typically have been acquired in one of the preceding Advanced Projects (MDE-DIS-
02 or MDE-DIS-03). The thesis topic is determined in mutual agreement with the module instructor. They may
arise from the ongoing research in the instructor’s own research group, but it is also possible for a student to
adopt a topic of his/her own choice provided the instructor agrees to supervise it. The thesis work comprises the
full cycle of a scientific research endeavor: (i) identifying a relevant open research question, (ii) carrying out a
literature survey to put the planned work in its context and relate it to the state of the art (SoA), (iii) formulate a
concrete research objective, (iv) design a research plan including a statement of criteria to evaluate the success
of the project, (v) carry out the plan (with the possibility to change the original plan when motivated), (vi)
document the results, (vii) analyze the results with respect to the SoA, the original objective, and the success
criteria, and (viii) document all of this in a thesis report. All of this work should be done with as much self-
guidance as can be reasonably expected. The instructor will likely give substantial guidance for (i) and (iii),
whereas the other aspects will be addressed with larger degrees of self-guidance. A research proposal document
summarizing (i) – (iv) is expected as an interim result and milestone (target size: 10 pages). In the first weeks of
the course, an intense taught tutorial on scientific working and writing is held. The subsequent weeks follow a
seminar style where students present and discuss literature as well as their own results to date. The project
consists of the proposal, a thesis report (target size: 30–60 pages, and an oral presentation at the end of the
course.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Skills (subject area depending on research discipline of the hosting group):
• understanding, at a professional level, of a circumscribed segment of the hosting group’s research area;
• ability to apply specific and selected DE techniques, as required for the project, at a professional level;
• general professional skills;
• designing and carrying out the full cycle of a scientific research project in a professional manner;
• formulating a research proposal such that that it could serve as a funding proposal;

76
 • writing a research thesis such that it could be submitted to a scientific publication venue, or as a project
report to a funding agency or industrial client;
• presentation of project results for specialists and non-specialists.
Indicative Literature
N.A.

Usability and Relationship to other Modules

The master thesis can build on the advanced project courses MDE-DIS-02 Advanced Project 1 and MDE-DIS-03
Advanced Project 2 but the students are free to choose a different topic and a different supervisor for the master
thesis.
Examination Type: Module Examination

Assessment Component 1: Thesis Length: 30 – 60 pages

Weight: 75%

Scope: All intended learning outcomes of this module.

Assessment Component 2: Oral Examination (Defense) Duration: 20 minutes

Weight: 25%

Scope: Mainly presentation of project results but the presentation touches all intended learning outcomes

Completion: This module is passed with an assessment-component weighted average grade of 45% or higher.

77
4 Data Engineering Graduate Program Regulations

Scope of These Regulations

The regulations in this handbook are valid for all students who entered the Data Engineering
graduate program at Jacobs University in Fall 2021. In case of conflict between the regulations
in this handbook and the general Policies for Master Studies, the latter apply (see http://
www.jacobs-university.de/academic-policies).

In exceptional cases, certain necessary deviations from the regulations of this study handbook
might occur during the course of study (e.g., change of the semester sequence, assessment
type, or the teaching mode of courses).
In general, Jacobs University Bremen reserves therefore the right to change or modify the
regulations of the program handbook also after its publication at any time and in its sole
discretion.

Degree
Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Master of Science (M.Sc.)
degree in Data Engineering.

Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate, students need to obtain 120 CP. In addition, the following graduation
requirements apply:

▪ In each module, students need to obtain a minimum amount of CP as indicated in chapter

2 of this handbook.
▪ Students need to complete all mandatory components of the program as indicated in
chapter 2 of this handbook.

78
5 Appendices

5.1 Intended Learning Outcomes Assessment-Matrix

Data Engineering (M.Sc.)

MMM009-340181Calculus and Linear Algebra for Graduate Students

MMM007-550443Network Approaches in Biology and Medicine
MCO008-051008 Data Analytics in Supply Chain Management

MMM010 Computational Methods for Data Engineering

MCA008-Academic Writing Skills/Intercultural Training

MMM011-340171 Probabilities for Graduate Students

MDSSB-EIR-01Ethics and the Information Revolution

MCA006- Communication & Prsentation Skills f. Ex.
MEBI001-550432 Introduction to Systems Biology
Introduction to Data Management with Python

MMM005-340153Modern Signal Processing

MDE-BIO-031Management and Analysis

CO18-110231 Applied Dyn. Systems

MECS001-340101 Princ.Stat.Model.
CO22-320372 Machine Learning
MCO011-340131 Data Analytics

MESC001-340122 Data Mining

MCO003 – BigData Challenge

Data Engineering in Society

MCO015 – DataAcquiSens

MECS002 – NetworkTheo
MCO014 – DataVisImage

MCA002 – Language MA
Parallel and Distributed
MECS003 – DataComp

MEGI002 – GeoinfLab

MRD004 – CurTopDE
Advanced Databases

MRD005 – AdvProj1
MRD006 – AdvProj2
MEGI001 – Geoinf

Master's Thesis
MDE-BIO-03
Computing,
Semester 1 1 2 2 3 1, 2 or 3 2 1 or 3 1 or 3 2 3 1 or 3 2 1 2 1 or 3 2 3 2 1or 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 1,2,3 1,3 1,3 2
Mandatory/ optional M M M M M M O O 0 O O O O M O O O O O O O O O O M M M M M M M M
Credits 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 30 5 5 5 2.5
Competencies*
Program Learning Outcomes A E P S
ILO 1 critically assess and creatively apply
technological possibilities and innovations x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
driven by big data
ILO 2 use sensors and microcontrollers to
collect data and to transmit them to
x x x x x x x
databases on servers or the internet in
general
ILO 3 set up and use databases to
efficiently and securely manage and access x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
large amounts of data
ILO 4 apply statistical concepts and use
statistical models in the context of real-life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
data analytics
ILO 5 use, adapt and improve visualization
techniques to support data-based decision x x x x x x x x x x x
making
ILO 6 design, implement and exploit
various representations of data for
classification and regression including x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
supervised machine learning methods and
ILO 7idapply and
f d critically
l iassess data
acquisition methods and analytical x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
techniques in real life situations,
organizations and industries
ILO 8 independently investigate complex
problems and undertake scientific or
applied research into a specialist area x x x x x x x x x x x x
utilizing appropriate methods, also taking
methods and insights of other disciplines
ILO 9 professionally communicate their
conclusions and recommendations, the
underlying information and their reasons x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
to specialists and non-specialists both
clearly and unambiguously on the basis of
ILO 10 assess and communicate social,
scientific and ethical insights that also
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
derive from the application of their
knowledge and their decisions
ILO 11 engage ethically with academic, x x
professional and wider communities and x x x x x x x
actively contribute to a sustainable future
ILO 12 take responsibility for their own x x
learning, personal development and role in
x x x x x x x x x x x
society, evaluating critical feedback and
self-analysis
ILO 13 take on lead responsibility in a x x
x x x x x x
diverse team
ILO 14 adhere to and defend ethical, x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
scientific and professional standards
Assessment Type
oral examination x x x x x
final written exam x x x x x x x x x
project x x x x x x x x x x x x x
essay x
lab report
poster presentation x
presentation
various x

*Competencies: A-scientific/academic
proficiency; E-competence for qualified
employment; P-development of
personality; S-competence for engagement
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