Coordinator: Listed under `Mathematics'
Statistics
is the branch of mathematics that captures the interplay of data and theory.
Applied and mathematical statistics combine to extract useful knowledge from
data. Mathematical statistics develops the methodology, while applied
statistics exploits the theory to learn from real-life information.
The discipline caters for the application of statistics in scientific research
and data analysis. In the applied statistics (STA) stream, statistics is taught
as a mathematical science and not a field of mathematics. The emphasis is on
statistical ideas and offers a real career choice with excellent employment
prospects with industry, commerce and government organisations.
Mathematical statistics has cross-links with areas of pure and applied
mathematics as well as applications in the fast-developing fields of financial
mathematics, mathematical biology and signal system analysis. The mathematical
statistics (MTH) sequence caters for these highly sought-after disciplines.
The use of statistics is constantly expanding, and a sound knowledge of the
discipline is important even for those who do not complete a major sequence in
the area.
Minor sequence in applied statistics (24 points):
Minor sequence in statistics (24 points):
Major sequence in mathematical statistics (48 points):
Details of the MTH units and some related sequences are provided in the `Mathematics' entry in this section of the handbook.
STA1010
is introductory and does not require that a student has completed any previous
studies in statistics, although it is most suitable for those who have
completed either VCE Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4 or SCI1020.
Students considering completing a major sequence in mathematical statistics who
have not completed VCE Specialist Mathematics with an average grade of B or
above should take MTH1020 before MTH1030, as well as STA1010. Students with an
average grade of B or above are advised to complete MTH1030 and MTH2010 at
level one.
MTH2222 covers the theoretical material needed to complete a major sequence in mathematical statistics. It is only offered in second semester, so students who wish to complete MTH2222 and who have not completed MTH2010, MTH2021 or MTH2111 by the end of the first semester must take MTH2010 concurrently with MTH2222. STA2032 is an applied statistics unit with STA1010 or MTH1030 as a prerequisite.
A major sequence in statistics includes the three units MTH3230, MTH3241 and MTH3251 at level three. Students who complete MTH2010 but not STA1010 at first level and who do not complete either MTH2021 or MTH2111 at second level will have to complete an additional mathematics unit at either level two or three.
An honours program in mathematical statistics is available; see the `Mathematics' discipline entry for further details. Some honours lecture topics are taught through the Key Centre for Statistical Science, which is a collaborative arrangement between Monash University, the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT.
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