Department of Advanced Computing Sciences
The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences - sometimes abbreviated as DACS - is Maastricht University’s largest and oldest department broadly covering the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, mathematics and robotics.
We maintain a large network of public and private partners through our research collaborations and through the award-winning KE@Work programme. In addition, our staff teaches approximately 900 bachelor’s and master’s students in specialized study programmes in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.
The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is the new joint identity of the Institute of Data Science (IDS) and the former Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering (DKE).
Fast facts
- Home to over 100 researchers and PhD candidates
- 11 professors in total: 7 full professors, 3 endowed chairs and 1 distinguished university professor
- Data Science, AI and Computer Science education to around 900 students in dedicated study programmes
- More than 80 private collaborators ranging from local SMEs to large multinationals
- History tracing back to 1987
Research
Research at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences spans the disciplines and interfaces of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, applied mathematics and robotics.
We develop new tools and methodologies to advance these fields. At the same time, we collaborate with a wide range of institutes both within and outside of Maastricht University and work on diverse applications, including in the fields of health and medicine, logistics, biology, art, physics, agrifood, smart industries, neuroscience and education.
Education
BSc Computer Science
This 3-year bachelor's programme focuses on developing software for the purpose of improving the performance of computers.
BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Our 3-year bachelor's programme offers a combination of applied mathematics and programming, and focuses on the technical aspects of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
MSc Artificial Intelligence
Our 2-year master's programme in Artificial Intelligence focuses on simulating human intelligence for a wide variety of applications: from game design to patient diagnosis.
MSc Data Science for Decision Making
Our 2-year master's programme in Data Science for Decision Making teaches students to extract valuable information from large datasets for widespread applications.
Teaching method
All of our study programmes employ project-centred learning: an educational model that trains employability skills in addition to technical skills.
We also offer an exchange programme for students looking to study abroad.
News
Quantum Computing Research @ UM
"Just do the calculations" is a common saying in the field of quantum computing, the development of software for quantum computers. Everything in this field is new; simply doing the math is often the best way to proceed. At Maastricht University, an interdisciplinary group of scientists works in...
Maastricht University partners in ICAI collaboration
As of September 1st, the Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence has officially become a collaboration between 18 Dutch knowledge institutions, including Maastricht University.
What is Quantum Computing?
Programming quantum computers, like the quantum computer itself, is still in its early stages. Quantum computing researchers tend to be physicists, mathematicians, or computer scientists who have a special interest in the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics.
How UM computer scientists are developing software for farmers
For the series "The societal impact of UM research", Professor Christopher Brewster was interviewed by Observant's Dennis Vaendel. This edition is entitled "How UM computer scientists are developing software for farmers".
What is Quantum?
Atoms and smaller elementary particles behave in unusual, sometimes unpredictable ways. It sounds strange, but it is this unpredictability that gives a quantum computer its power. Executing precise calculations with previously unheard-of possibilities in a way that physicists still do not completely...