sta1ss statistical science
STATISTICAL SCIENCE
STA1SS
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides an introduction to applied and theoretical statistics. (The applied component of this subject is identical to the content covered in STA1LS.) It introduces students to the basic applied statistical methods used in the biological sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, nutrition, and health sciences and also provides an introduction to the mathematical theory used in the area of statistics. The three main areas of study are descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference and the use of a statistical computing package is an integral part of this subject. This subject is a possible pre-requisite for the second-year subjects in statistics.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Year-12 mathematics.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects STA1LS; STA1PSY; STA1STM; STA1CTS; BUS1BAN; ECO1ISB
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Recommended | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012 |
| Readings | Introductory Statistics: a problem-solving approach | Recommended | Kokoska, S 2011 | FREEMAN |
| Readings | Manual for SPSS and R with Examples from the Life Sciences | Prescribed | Farchione, D. (2015). | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2015 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Convert data into information by using appropriate numerical and graphical summaries.
- Activities:
- Assignment 1; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the statistical computer package (computer lab type question), the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) and the third involves theoretical statistical problem solving (practice class type question), with written conclusions. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes and assignments.
02. Calculate probabilities and other quantities from discrete and continuous probability distributions and by applying the basic rules of probability.
- Activities:
- Assignments 2 and 3; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the statistical computer package (computer lab type question), the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) and the third involves theoretical statistical problem solving (practice class type question), with written conclusions. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes and assignments.
03. Identify and apply appropriate statistical inference methods for decision making.
- Activities:
- Assignments 4 and 5; Final Exam Assignment 4 consists of 4 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the statistical computer package (computer lab type question), the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) and the third and fourth involves theoretical statistical problem solving (practice class type question), with written conclusions. Assignment 5 consists of 5 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. Three of the 5 short answer questions involve theoretical statistical problems. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes and assignments.
04. Compute, display and interpret numerical and graphical summaries, probabilities and various statistical inference procedures using the statistical software packages SPSS and R.
- Activities:
- Assignments 1-5; Final Exam Each assignment consists of short answer questions and multiple-choice questions. They involve using SPSS or R (computer lab type question), applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) and theoretical statistical problem solving (practice class type question). The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes and assignments.
05. Apply basic mathematical theoretical techniques in the area of statistics.
- Activities:
- Assignments 4 and 5; Final Exam Assignment 4 consists of 4 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the statistical computer package (computer lab type question), the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) and the third involves theoretical statistical problem solving (practice class type question). Assignment 5 involves 5 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes and assignments. Three of the 5 short answer questions involve theoretical statistical problems.
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| five assignments (equivalent to 1800-words) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |