La Serena School for Data Science: multidisciplinary hands-on education in the era of big data

TL;DR

The La Serena School for Data Science offers a successful, intensive, multidisciplinary program in data science focused on astronomy and bio-sciences, emphasizing hands-on learning and diversity.

Contribution

This paper describes a successful model for a short-term, multidisciplinary data science education program with a focus on real-world applications and diversity.

Findings

High over-subscription rate (factor 5-8)

Positive feedback from alumni and faculty

Effective multidisciplinary and hands-on approach

Abstract

La Serena School for Data Science is a multidisciplinary program with six editions so far and a constant format: during 10-14 days, a group of $\sim$30 students (15 from the US, 15 from Chile and 1-3 from Caribbean countries) and $\sim$9 faculty gather in La Serena (Chile) to complete an intensive program in Data Science with emphasis in applications to astronomy and bio-sciences. The students attend theoretical and hands-on sessions, and, since early on, they work in multidisciplinary groups with their "mentors" (from the faculty) on real data science problems. The SOC and LOC of the school have developed student selection guidelines to maximize diversity. The program is very successful as proven by the high over-subscription rate (factor 5-8) and the plethora of positive testimony, not only from alumni, but also from current and former faculty that keep in contact with them.