You can do both. If you are keen on understanding the concepts, there are many self-learning courses available online (both for math/linear algebra concepts etc

You can do both. If you are keen on understanding the concepts, there are many self-learning courses available online (both for math/linear algebra concepts etc., and data science/analytics). Check out: https://ocw.mit.edu/ https://ocw.mit.edu/ https://see.stanford.edu/ https://see.stanford.edu/ https://www.edx.org/ https://www.edx.org/ https://www.mooc.org/#course-categories https://www.mooc.org/#course-categories I would say, earmark some time each day for self-paced learning and in a couple of months you would have the required conceptual knowledge. If your BCA program allows you to pick electives, you may also choose these subjects if they are offered by your school.