Unit 1

Importance of an MSc in Data Science

1 - Description:

We were tasked with writing an academic essay on the topic of the benefits of pursuing a Masters Degree in Data Science. The report was to be 700 - 800 words long and required proper use of the Harvard referencing format. We were provided with a week to complete it.

2 - Feelings:

Initially, I felt somewhat confident as this seemed to be a nice little project to ease us into postgraduate study as well as encourage us to really understand why we were pursuing a degree in this field. However, I was concerned with the fact that I had never used Harvard referencing before nor had written an academic essay. This, coupled with the fact that I was supposed to be on vacation with my family and wouldn't have much free time also gave me a fair amount of uncertainty as well.

3 - Evaluation:

In the end, I was able to learn Harvard referencing and submit the essay a day earlyier than required even with my lackluster time management. I passed and the feedback received was decent though I did not received the 'Strong Pass' that I was initially hopping for.

4 - Analysis:

The Harvard referencing and bibliography proved to be relatively simple to learn with a plethora of sources available online to teach it. However, the academic nature of the essay proved to be a bit of a challenge as this was not something I had previous experience with. The previous essays I had written were not academic in tone and so I did struggle with keeping the essay professional but at the same time, exploring my own personal reasons for undertaking this degree.

5 - Conclusion

All in all, I felt the induction module's project achieved its intended goals. The first being to ensure, both to the University and myself, that I was ready to persue a postgraduate degree and the second to help me clearly understand and write down my reasons for persuing it.

6 - Action Plan:

Going forward, I intend to further explore academic writing and practice using the porper tone as well as to work on properly deviding my time between family and study to prevent unhealthy overlaps.