About the Actuarial Science Cohort

This cohort of The Data Mine provides training for returning Actuarial Science students to solve real-world problems that lie at the intersection of Actuarial Science and Data Science. A wide variety of data science techniques will be combined with practical application. Special attention will be paid to education on business and data ethics. Students will learn to deal with large amounts of unstructured data.

During the first semester, students will work in groups to complete a mortality and lapse study using data from a life insurance company.

During the second semester, students will use publicly available data to model and price financial derivatives. Students will apply techniques from courses to real-world data using data analytic methods and tools to complete research.

Eligibility

This cohort accepts returning student Actuarial Science majors only. Continuing students are welcome to apply. Incoming first-year students should consider the General cohort of The Data Mine.

NOTE: continuing students should be majoring in Actuarial Science, have the equivalent of calculus III completed before the beginning of fall semester, and have not yet taken the required classes for this learning community.

Duration

Fall and spring semesters

Required classes for students who will be Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors when participating in The Data Mine

The information below is subject to change.

Fall

  • STAT 41600 (3 credits; section SC7: CRN 68717) Probability

Spring

  • STAT 41700 (3 credits; CRN 15858) Statistical Theory

Events and Activities

  • Weekly dinners with Data Mine participants
  • Faculty and TA office hours onsite in Hillenbrand
  • Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
  • Social gatherings with Data Mine members
  • Meals with campus and community leaders
  • Game / recreation nights
  • Career and graduate school panels
  • Hackathons / data competitions
  • Professional development activities
  • Tour of Purdue’s computational facilities

faculty

Dr. Jianxi Su

Associate Professor of Statistics

Associate Director of Actuarial Science

jianxi@purdue.edu