Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module MATH1541: STATISTICS

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH1541: STATISTICS

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Normally, A level Mathematics at grade C or better, or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module is designed to be a first statistics course, suitable for all students satisfying the entrance requirements.
  • No prior statistical knowledge is assumed.
  • The emphasis is upon the understanding of real-life statistical problems, and develops the basic concepts and statistical methods by example.
  • Most practical sessions are devoted to computing with a statistical package to apply and illustrate the material presented in lectures.

Content

  • Sources of data.
  • Descriptive statistics.
  • Exploring two-variable relationships.
  • Methods for more than two variables.
  • Data analysis topics.
  • Probability.
  • Random variables.
  • Inference.
  • Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
  • Inferences for means of Normally distributed populations.
  • Inference for relationships.
  • Methods of categorical data.
  • Distribution-free methods.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable or less predictable problems in statistics.
  • have an awareness of the basic concepts of theoretical mathematics in the field of statistics.
  • have a broad knowledge of the basic understanding of these subjects demonstrated though one or more of the following topic areas:
  • Principles of data collection.
  • Basic analysis of variance and multiple regression.
  • computing for data analysis.
  • Probability, random variables and statistical inference.
  • an introduction to confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.
  • Parametric and nonparametric procedures for common applications.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • students will have basic mathematical skills in the following areas: Modelling, computation.
  • students will have basic skills in exploratory data analysis.
Key Skills:
  • students will have basic problem solving 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.
  • Tutorials provide the practice and support in applying the methods to relevant situations as well as active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
  • Summative weekly coursework provides an incentive for students to consolidate the learning of material as the module progresses (there are no higher level modules in the department of Mathematical Sciences which build on this module). It serves as a guide in the correct development of students' knowledge and skills, as well as an aid in developing their awareness of standards required.
  • The end-of-year written examination provides a substantial complementary assessment of the achievement of the student.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 42 2 per week 1 Hour 42
Tutorials 15 Fortnightly in weeks 2-10, weekly in weeks 12-20, and one in week 21. 1 Hour 15
Computer Practicals 13 Weekly in weeks 2-10, fortnightly in weeks 14-20. 1 Hour 13
Preparation and Reading 130
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 90%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 3 hours 100% Yes
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment each teaching week 100% Completing the May/June exam paper over the summer, to be returned by the start of the resit exam period

Formative Assessment:

45 minute collection paper in the first week of Epiphany term.


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