STA1010

Statistical methods for science ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Anthony Lun (Clayton) and Assoc Prof Philip Rayment (Gippsland/OCL)

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2006 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2006 (OCL)
Singapore First semester 2006 (OCL)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Descriptive statistics, scatter plots, correlation, line of best fit. Elementary probability theory. Confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using normal, t and binomial distributions. Use of computer software.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will understand the key steps of the 'scientific method' and how it can be applied to real problems that involve data analysis and interpretation; gain an appreciation of: how statistical data is collected, analysed and stored, the meaning of population statistics such as mean, variance, and median and the importance of statistical tests in the analysis of data; understand how to: present and interpret data graphically, determine confidence intervals for population statistics, distinguish between a population parameter and a sample statistic, determine which statistical test is appropriate in a given context, be able to perform simple statistical operations using Excel and be able to enter and analyse data in the Minitab statistical computing package, take a random sample from a population and determine when data fits a statistical hypothesis, be able to prepare and write a scientific report.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 60% + Assignments/ laboratories and tests: 40%. Students must pass the examination to be awarded a pass grade.

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour support class per week and six 1-hour computer laboratories.

Prohibitions: BUS1100, ETW1102, MAT1097 and STA2010 + Students who have completed STA1010 cannot subsequently undertake SCI1020