B.Sc. in Econometrics and Operations Research: Econometrics and Data Science

In your first year you will receive a broad introduction to data science. You will develop your methodological skills in data analysis, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. You will receive an introduction to macroeconomics and to finance, and you will start learning how to program. You will also learn key skills such as academic writing and how to cite sources. Almost all the first-year courses for operations research and data science are the same, so it is easy to switch tracks if you discover you are more interested in operations research after having started.

• English Language Test
• SAM Programme EOR
• Analysis I
• Colloquium 1
• Introduction to Data Science
• Introduction to Programming (Java)
• Linear Algebra
• Data Analysis 1
• Macroeconomics I
• Analysis II
• Colloquium 2
• Statistics
• Finance I
• Academic Skills: Probability and Inference

Your second year will build on your core foundation. You will deepen your methodological skills when it comes to econometrics, computer science, and statistics. You’ll learn how to set up and structure a database, for example, and how to create and work with algorithms. You’ll deal with statistical models for multivariate data. Plus, you’ll study the ethical dilemmas behind using data. You’ll work on real-life case studies in small groups, in which you’ll use the data analysis techniques you’ve learned to develop practical solutions. You’ll also report on and present the results of your project, learning how to give and receive feedback.

In your third year, you’ll broaden your horizons by choosing a minor – either within the faculty or outside it. Alternatively, you can study abroad at one of VU Amsterdam’s partner universities. In the second half of the year, you’ll follow in-depth courses on machine learning and multivariate econometrics, plus you’ll write a Bachelor’s thesis on a subject of your interest. For example: if a bank fails, what is the risk to other banks within the same financial system?