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Interdisciplinary Data Sciences (Minor)

Trains students in statistics, programming and data analysis across disciplines like physics, biology, chemistry, psychology and astronomy, preparing them for careers or graduate study in data-driven research and analytics.
Type: Minor
Credit Hours: 18
College: College of Arts and Sciences
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Provides 18 credit hours of interdisciplinary training in scientific programming, statistics and data science. Students complete core programming and statistics courses, select data science electives and take supporting math courses. The program emphasizes practical applications in natural and social sciences, preparing students for research, technology and analytics careers.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Interdisciplinary Data Sciences

Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Academic Plan Code(s): PHYSMINIDS

The minor in Interdisciplinary Data Sciences combines foundational knowledge in statistics, scientific programming, and data science applications in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology for exploring applications in natural science and social science disciplines.

To earn the minor, students must take 18 credit hours, with a minimum of 3 credit hours from each section and the remaining 6 credit hours from any of the sections.

Program Requirements

Core Scientific Programming Courses3-6
PHYS 275
Introduction to Scientific Computing and Data Analysis
PHYS 375
Intermediate Scientific Computing and Data Analysis
PHST 421
Statistical Computing in R
Core Statistics Courses (Choose at least one)3-6
MATH 360
Statistical Data Analysis - WR
BIOL 350
Biostatistics
PSYC 301
Introduction to Social Statistics
PHST 302
Intermediate Statistical Analysis
Data Science Electives3-6
PSYC 451
Introduction to Computer Programming for Psychology
PHYS 475
Machine Learning in the Physical Sciences
PHST 520
Statistical Computing and Data Management with SAS
PHST 500
Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I
Supporting Courses3-7
MATH 180
Elements of Calculus - QR
MATH 205
Calculus I - QR
MATH 325
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Minimum Total Hours18

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.