IITM BS Data Science Course Prerequisites Explained

A prerequisite is a course you must complete before you can register for another course. A corequisite is a course you must complete earlier or take in the same term. In IITM BS Data Science, you need all 8 foundation courses before any diploma course, and all diploma courses and projects before any degree course. Some courses inside each level also have their own prerequisites.

Prerequisite and corequisite, in simple words

• Prerequisite: finish course A first, then you can register for course B. Example: Mathematics 2 needs Mathematics 1.
• Corequisite: course A must be done before course B, or both can be taken in the same term. What you cannot do is take B without A. Example: Mathematics 2 is a corequisite of Statistics 2.

You can register only for courses whose prerequisites you have completed.

Foundation level

So in your first term, only Maths 1, Stats 1, English 1 and Computational Thinking are open. See the foundation level for how these fit into a year.

Diploma level

• You must complete all 8 foundation courses before you register for any diploma level course.
• In the Diploma in Data Science, Introduction to Deep Learning and Generative AI (BSDA2001) has Machine Learning Practice (MLP) as a corequisite. This course is part of one of the two options in the Diploma in Data Science.
• The Deep Learning and Generative AI project (BSDA2001P) has the BSDA2001 theory course as a corequisite.
• The handbook does not list course by course prerequisites for the other diploma courses. Confirm on the course page or with support before you register.

Direct entry students follow a set order. Those who enter the programming diploma study Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python first. Those who enter the data science diploma start with Mathematics 2 and Statistics 2. See direct entry to the diploma level.

Degree level

You cannot register for any degree level course until you have completed all 8 foundation courses, all 12 diploma courses and all 4 diploma projects. Entry to the degree level also needs a minimum CGPA, covered in checkpoints to enter the degree level.

After that, these degree courses have their own rules:

The course table leaves the Application Development Lab's prerequisite blank. The Diploma in Programming requirement comes from the handbook's note on the two new lab electives. For the full course list, see IITM BS Data Science electives.

Deep Learning opens many electives

Deep Learning (BSCS3004) is a prerequisite or corequisite for four of the courses above. It is also one of the five mandatory BSc courses. Taking it early in the BSc level keeps more electives open to you.

Prerequisites for minors

Three minors list a prerequisite of their own:

For minors, the prerequisite is checked when the minor is awarded, not by the order in which you took the courses. See IITM BS minors.

Common questions

Can I register for Statistics 2 and Mathematics 2 in the same term?

Yes, if you have already passed Statistics 1 and Mathematics 1. Maths 2 is a corequisite, so taking both together is allowed. You cannot take Statistics 2 without Maths 2.

Can I take Operating Systems in the same term as Computer Systems Design?

No. Computer Systems Design is a prerequisite for Operating Systems, not a corequisite. You need to complete it first.

Can I take Reinforcement Learning alongside Deep Learning?

Yes. Deep Learning is listed as a corequisite of Reinforcement Learning, so you can take them in the same term or do Deep Learning first.

I have one foundation course left. Can I start a diploma course now?

No. All 8 foundation courses must be completed before you register for any diploma level course. Clear the last one first.