Data Science and AI: Connections and Differences
12 March 2025Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) are two of the most dynamic and revolutionary areas in today’s technological landscape. Although closely related, each of these disciplines has its own focus, techniques, and applications.
Relationship between data science and artificial intelligence
Data science and AI are two sides of the same coin, as both work with data but use different approaches and for distinct purposes. While data science primarily focuses on the analysis and interpretation of data, utilizing statistical, mathematical, and computational methods to identify patterns, extract meaningful information, and support informed decision-making, artificial intelligence focuses on creating systems and algorithms that can learn from data and act autonomously.
The two disciplines are consequential: while data science is concerned with extracting insights from data, AI is able to make decisions or take actions based on those insights.
Big data for AI
The concept of big data is closely linked to AI, as AI requires large volumes of data to learn and improve. Big data refers to vast amounts of data that cannot be processed and analyzed using traditional methods and that come from various sources, such as sensors, social media, commercial transactions, IoT devices, and many others.
Big data is critical for powering machine learning and deep learning models. Without big data, neural networks and AI algorithms would not be able to learn effectively.
Differences between data science and artificial intelligence
Although there is a strong interconnection between data science and AI, there are also substantial differences between the two fields. Data scientists focus on how to collect, organize, and analyze data, using descriptive and inferential analysis tools to generate useful insights. AI, on the other hand, focuses on automation and learning from data. AI algorithms are designed to improve their performance automatically through experience, without being explicitly programmed.
To pursue a career in data science and AI, it is necessary to pursue educational paths that combine a solid background in mathematics and statistics with advanced programming and data analysis skills. In these highly specialized fields, postgraduate education becomes crucial.
Bologna Business School, for years at the forefront of formulating and constantly updating pathways dedicated to these areas, offers several Masters and vertical courses for those interested in pursuing a career in data science or artificial intelligence.
Professional Master
The Professional Master Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Management, a full-time, 12-month, English-language program sponsored by Lab Cini, a landmark of academic research in computer science, is a training program that, thanks in part to its connection with CINECA, an inter-university consortium and home of the supercomputer Leonardo, is aimed at young graduates who want to become professionals capable of managing innovations.
The Professional Master Data Science and Business Analytics, a full-time, 12-month program in English with 500 hours of internships at partner companies, designed for young graduates looking to enter the data analysis field.
Executive Master
The Executive Master Artificial Intelligence for Business is a 12-month, part-time hybrid program in English, aimed at professionals who want to acquire a solid set of skills to leverage the potential of artificial intelligence in a business context.
The Executive Master in Business Analytics and Data Science is a part-time, hybrid program (part online, part on-campus) in English, offering all the tools to learn how to read, understand, and use data. It serves as a passport to becoming a key player in the world of innovation, techniques, and technologies related to Big Data and data analysis.
Vertical Programs
The Open Program Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI, is a 5 days part-time, on-campus program in Italian designed to offer an in-depth and practical understanding of how generative AI can be integrated into business processes to enhance productivity and accelerate innovation.
The (Big) Data and Artificial Intelligence open program, in Italian, part-time 4-day on-campus + 12 online sessions, was created to fill the knowledge gap that incorporates the most advanced technologies, operational models and innovative methodologies in the market. Designed to promote a critical approach to data analysis, this course strengthens decision-making skills and enhances the value of knowledge for professionals already working in the field.
Data science and artificial intelligence are two closely related disciplines, but with different goals and methodologies.
Bologna, home to the Leonardo supercomputer, the fourth-largest in the world for computing capacity and part of the European high-performance computing network EuroHPC, is the ideal place to start a successful career in these cutting-edge fields, thanks to the programs offered by Bologna Business School, designed to create highly qualified professionals capable of driving change.
