Data Science for Sustainability

Your path to a sustainable future!

This field of study is a specialization within the Data Science program. Enroll in the Bachelor's program in Data Science and you will automatically have access to this field of study.

Imagine you can not only develop artificial intelligence and analyze data, but also actively do something for the planet. This is exactly what “Data Science for Sustainability” offers. You will become a fully-fledged data scientist while also learning how to tackle sustainability issues and develop solutions for urgent environmental and social problems.

Whether energy efficiency, resource conservation or climate protection: you will work on concrete projects that show how modern analysis techniques support the transition to a more sustainable world. By combining data-driven insights and an understanding of ecological and social interrelationships, you will acquire sought-after skills that will not only benefit you professionally, but with which you can contribute to a better future.

The new “Data Science for Sustainability” degree program at the FHNW offers you a unique combination of state-of-the-art data science methods and a sound understanding of sustainability. You will be perfectly equipped for a future in which sustainable technologies and data-based innovations are crucial.

“Data Science for Sustainability” is fully embedded in the curriculum of the Data Science degree program. You will acquire all the data science skills required for data-driven analysis, machine learning and the development of digital solutions. In addition, you will specialize in the application of data science in the field of sustainability and expand your competence profile with the following skills:

• Data analysis & modeling for climate protection, energy efficiency and sustainable cities
• Sustainability reporting and regulatory standards (e.g. ESG frameworks, SDGs, CO₂ tracking)
• Systemic thinking to evaluate and optimize sustainable solutions
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from environmental sciences, business and technology

A list of the competencies you can acquire in the field of study can be found here:

You can acquire the competencies through regular modules or through Open Learning. Open Learning means that you decide where, how, and when you learn. You can learn a competency, for example, through YouTube videos or in your professional work or through an applied challenge in your studies. No matter how you want to learn, you will be supported by our coaches. Here you will find the curriculum of the Data Science program and – on the second page the specific modules of the study track.

This degree course offers maximum flexibility and individualization - both regarding your learning path as well as regarding content. Whether you prefer a structured approach or independent learning by completing practical projects, we offer you the right environment.

1Green Joe

2Optimized Sam

3Start-Up Annie

Structured and passionate
Joe is passionate about Green IT and likes to learn with a structured approach. Over several semesters, he acquires sustainability skills in a self-directed manner in modules and a challenge on the topic of Green IT.

Practical learning with challenges
Sam is interested in climate modelling. He acquires many skills in the course's practice-oriented challenges and works in interdisciplinary teams to predict CO₂ emissions. In independent research projects and interactive workshops, he learns to analyze complex systems and develop data-based solutions.

Flexible learning for entrepreneurial solutions
Annie combines her studies with her own sustainable mobility start-up enterprise. She integrates real data into her projects, models traffic systems for cities and uses open learning to acquire competencies individually and practically. Her learning journey is characterized by networking, her own initiatives and direct transfer into practice.

• Sustainability Data Analyst:
  Analyze and optimize business processes for greater sustainability.
• Machine Learning Engineer for environmental solutions:
  Operationalize AI models to predict climate data.
• Sustainability Consultant:
  Support companies in the data-based implementation of sustainable business models.
• Energy Data Specialist:
  Optimize energy efficiency with intelligent data analysis and AI
• Data Scientist for NGOs:
  Use data science for environmental protection and social justice.

Our community is at the heart of this degree program. We connect students, coaches, companies and NGOs to exchange knowledge, share experiences and work together on innovative solutions.

• Students:
  Make contacts, exchange ideas and work in teams on practical projects.
• Coaches:
  Receive support from experienced mentors who will guide you on your journey.
• Companies & NGOs:
  Benefit from direct access to partners who bring real challenges from the field and work with you on sustainable solutions.

Our community organises regular networking events, hackathons and workshops that offer you valuable insights and contacts.

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The School of Computer Science will continue to explore and advance the interface between computer science and art.