Master of Science in Computational Science

Structure and contents

The Master in Computational Science (MCS) program is an exciting new approach to understanding complex systems in a broad range of knowledge areas, including the natural and physical sciences, the social sciences, the life sciences, management science and medical science. By integrating computer simulation, mathematical modelling, and data analysis, recent developments in computational science are making possible what was unthinkable only a few years ago. Problems that are inaccessible to traditional experimental and empirical methods can now be addressed thanks to new techniques in algorithmic modelling and the increasing speed of modern computers.

The MCS program combines courses from computer science, mathematics, statistics, and data analysis to build application-oriented competencies in simulation science and data science. Students enrolled in the MCS program acquire valuable and much sought-after analytical skills through direct involvement in modelling projects addressing a wide range of real-world problems spanning many interdisciplinary applications.

The program introduces students to the university's blend of innovative scientific research and real-world applications, thus providing an excellent foundation for a career in industry and science. Students may emphasize numerical software, mathematical modelling, deterministic and probabilistic theory, computer simulation, or data science. Our graduates are ready to pursue professional careers in research, engineering, scientific computing, data science, data and business analytics, computational medicine, and information systems.

For the master's thesis, students can participate in ongoing research projects at the Institute of Computing at the Faculty of Informatics or the Euler Institute. Topics include, e.g., Statistical Computing, High-Performance Computing, Multiscale Modelling, Computational Engineering, Optimization, High-Dimensional Data Analysis and Computational Finance. Interested students will also be given the possibility to participate in ongoing research projects. Elective courses and the master thesis allow students to tailor their learning experience to their individual interests and professional objectives while creating innovative combinations of knowledge across multiple disciplines.

INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS

USI in the Times Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS), which are amongst the world's most popular and well-known global rankings - latest available data:

• QS World University Rankings 2023
  240th globally
  (out of 1500 universities considered)
  
• THE World University Rankings 2023
  Range 201-250
  (out of 1799 universities considered)
  
• THE World's Best Small Universities 2022
  15th worldwide
  among small universities.
  
• THE Young University Rankings 2022
  57th worldwide
  among ‘young’ universities (less than 50 years old)
  
• QS Top 50 Under 50 2021
  26th worldwide
  among ‘young’ universities (less than 50 years old)

U-MULTIRANK 2022

With 16 "A" in the indicators taken into consideration, USI ranks 3rd in the ranking of Swiss universities (Country Report Switzerland).

RANKINGS BY SUBJECT AREA

In addition to the global university rankings, USI has made significant progress in subject area rankings:

• THE Subject Rankings
  with important results in particular in Computer Science, Clinical and Health, Economics.
• Forschungsmonitoring
  with high scores in the rankings that measure the impact of research in Economics, especially when referring to the most prestigious academic journals of the field.

Master of Science in Computational Science

Career Prospects

Career opportunities for computational scientists are continuously expanding and changing. The future is very promising for graduates with in-depth knowledge and understanding of mathematical modelling and computer systems. The advanced technical and problem-solving skills developed by our graduates are highly valued by employers. In addition, successful completion of the MCS also provides preferential access to the PhD. programme at the USI Faculty of Informatics offered at the Università della Svizzera italiana.

The MCS programme is directed by Prof. Ernst Wit and Prof. Olaf Schenk at the Institute of Computing (CI, Faculty of Informatics), a central node in a network of advanced research institutions. Besides strong international connections, this network includes other Swiss universities such as ETH. In Ticino, other nodes of this network include the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA) focusing on machine learning, intelligent decision support systems and bio-inspired systems, the Euler Institute focused on mathematical modelling of complex systems, and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), home of one of the fastest supercomputers in the world; This network with global reach provides students with access to some of the most active and exciting career opportunities open today in the world of research and industry.

In Computational Science and the emerging field of Data Science, USI offers:

• Competence.
  The Institute of Computing in Switzerland with research in various related disciplines of simulation and data sciences
• Industrial collaborations.
  Industrial collaborations with established national and international companies
• Practical experience.
  Student research projects in research groups and companies
• Direct and individual support.
  National and international summer schools, mentoring, small classes, small tutorial groups, student advisory
• Interdisciplinary skills.
  Teamwork, presentation techniques, management and personality training, access to university courses spanning multiple disciplines in other faculties, career services
• Lugano as a versatile place of study.
  Many possibilities for cultural, sporting and leisure activities
• Excellent career perspectives.
  Due to a shortage of skilled personnel in the field of information technology in simulation and data sciences

Employability Data

• Employed 100%
• Average Time to Job 2.2 months
  (56% within 3 months: 39% before graduation)