Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module MATH3361: Topics in Statistics III

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH3361: Topics in Statistics III

Type	Open	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2016/17 and alternate years thereafter	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

Statistical Methods III (MATH 3051).

Excluded Combination of Modules

Topics in Statistics IV (MATH 4071).

Aims

To provide a working knowledge of the theory, computation and practice of a number of specialised statistical tools, complementing Statistical Methods III.

Content

Likelihood-based inference
Generalised linear models
Log-linear modelling of contingency tables
Advanced topic: one of multivariate analysis, time series analysis, medical statistics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

By the end of the module students will:
be aware of a wide range of applicable statistical methodology.
have a systematic and coherent understanding of the theory, computation and application of the mathematics underlying the statistical topics studied.
have acquired a coherent body of applicable knowledge on likelihood methods as a general approach to inference.
have acquired a coherent body og knowledge of generalised linear methods and log-linear modelling.

Subject-specific Skills:

In addition students will have specialised mathematical skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance: Modelling, Computation.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Computer practicals consolidate the studied material and enhance practical understanding.
Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems..

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	38	2 per week for 19 weeks (omitting two slots) and 2 in term 3	1 Hour	38
Computer Practicals	2	In unused lecture slots in first two terms	1 Hour	2
Problems Classes	8	Four in each of terms 1 and 2	1 Hour	8
Preparation and Reading				152
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written examination	3 hours	100%

Formative Assessment:

Four written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University