Dr. Placida Dassanayake

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Placida Dassanayake is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) and Co-Director of the Master of Data Science and Analytics Program at the University of Calgary. Holding a PhD in Mathematics and an MSc in Statistics from Texas Tech University, she specializes in Data Science and Analytics as well as Educational Research, focusing on Teaching and Learning. Her research aims to integrate real-world relevance into the mathematics curriculum, enhancing learner engagement through contextual learning. She emphasizes innovative teaching methods to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. Her projects include improving curriculum design for statistics and engineering courses to empower students to apply mathematical knowledge to real challenges, particularly in sustainability and data science. As a recipient of the Taylor Institute Teaching and Learning Grant, she is committed to advancing pedagogical innovations and improving teaching effectiveness in higher education.

Research Interests

Courses

Statistical Data Analysis Statistical Machine Learning Introduction to Statistics

Requirements for University of Calgary

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:97
GRE General
Verbal
Required:150
Quantitative
Required:159
Analytical Writing
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:5.5
Prerequisites
4-year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent 3rd or 4th year course in Theory of Computation 3rd or 4th year course in Software Engineering 3rd or 4th year course in Systems (OS, Compilers, Networking) 3rd or 4th year course in Application (AI, Graphics, Databases)
Application Checklist
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Reference
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science Master's program. GRE scores are expected for international students.