Ensuring That Mathematics is Relevant in a World of Data Science

Abstract

We propose two new courses in continuous and discrete mathematics to provide essential mathematical underpinnings of the rapidly growing new field of data science. The recent growth of data science has been remarkable. Analysts now have rich data and powerful computational tools to help answer important questions. Examples of ways that insights can be wrangled from this information abound in diverse areas. This has led some to dub computational thinking (or fluency) as the "new literacy" on par with writing and quantitative skills. A major unanswered question relates to the role of mathematics in the training of future data scientists. How can we be sure that data science is on a firm mathematical and statistical foundation? In this article, we will consider what courses in mathematics would best prepare future data scientists.