SCI1020 - Introduction to statistical reasoning - 2017

Scientific method. The role of mathematical models in science. Principles of experimental and sampling design, data acquisition, analysis and presentation of data. Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. Relationship between quantitative variables. Communication of scientific information.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Understand the key steps of the scientific method and apply these to real problems that involve data analysis and interpretation;
2. Understand the importance of statistical techniques in the analysis of data;
3. Describe how statistical data is collected and analysed;
4. Use Excel to present and interpret data in numerical summaries and/or graphs;
5. Use appropriate statistical summaries to explore data;
6. Perform regression and interpret results;
7. Determine confidence intervals;
8. Conduct hypothesis testing and interpret results;
9. Communicate findings through a scientific report.

Examination (3 hours): 60% (Hurdle)

Continuous assessment: 40%

Hurdle requirement: To pass this unit a student must achieve at least 50% overall and at least 40% for the end-of-semester exam.

Three 1-hour lectures per week and one 2-hour workshop per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Dianne Atkinson (Sem 1 and 2)

Dr Daniel McInnes (October intake)

STA1010, ETC1000, ETW1000, ETW1102, ETX1100, FIT1006, MTH1030. Note that SCI1020 is an introductory unit and students who have already completed one of these prohibited units cannot subsequently enrol in SCI1020. Students who have completed MTH1030 should enrol in STA1010 instead.