Ben-Gurion University of the Negev will launch a cybertech program for international students this summer in data mining and business intelligence.
University President Prof. Rivka Carmi described the curriculum in her opening remarks Tuesday at the 2016 Cybertech Conference and Exhibition. BGU is the academic sponsor of the event for the third year in a row.
Over the last few years, data mining has become a factor in the competitive environment and is used in organizations from operational decisions to strategic planning.
The summer program in data mining and business intelligence is designed to meet the need for academic training in these fields, Carmi said. The Summer Program in Data Mining and Business Intelligence is to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, including tools, on data mining.
The program offers two academic courses where students learn the basic tools of data mining and the utilization of machine learning techniques for cyber security. The program includes a mandatory one week internship at BGU’s Cyber Security Research Center. The internship corresponds with the course materials and contributes the practical experience component. In addition, students will take part in professional field trips to leading companies, in order to enhance their understanding of data mining and cyber security.
The program is intended for high achieving students in their final year of undergraduate studies or pursuing graduate studies in Information Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Industrial Engineering and Management. Applicants must have a GPA no lower than 82 and be proficient in English.
“The world is increasingly turning to Israel for cyber security, and within Israel, BGU is leading Beer-Sheva to become a major national and international center,” Carmi said.
BGU has gathered partners to create the CyberSpark hub in Beer-Sheva.
Deutsche Telekom, EMC, Lockheed Martin, IBM, PayPal and others will cooperate in launching centers of excellence at the Gav Yam Negev Advanced Technologies Park (ATP) adjacent to the University.
“The Park is a one-of-a-kind public-private partnership arousing international interest because of its rapid growth and achievements,” Carmi said.
Israel’s government is providing financial and logistical support via the Israel National Cyber Bureau. In addition, Israel’s CERT will move to Be’er Sheva in the coming months as well.
In a few years the IDF’s elite technology units will also have their own campus adjacent to the Advanced Technologies Park. Soldiers will earn degrees from BGU and conduct joint research with the University and industry partners.