Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module MATH2041: STATISTICAL CONCEPTS II

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH2041: STATISTICAL CONCEPTS II

Type	Open	Level	2	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2018/19	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Calculus and Probability I (MATH1061) and Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (MATH1551), Single Mathematics A (MATH1561), Single Mathematics B (MATH1571)

Aims

To introduce the main ideas, methods of statistics and statistical computing, including a comparison of the Bayesian and frequentist approaches.

Content

Exploring data.
Probability models.
Bayesian inference.
Frequentist inference.
Likelihood methods.
Goodness of fit and diagnostics.
Non-parametric inference.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable and unpredictable problems in Statistical Concepts.
have an awareness of the abstract concepts of theoretical mathematics in the Field of Statistical Concepts.
have a knowledge and understanding of fundamental theories of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: Finite population sampling.
Confidence intervals and significance tests.
Probability models, linear models, goodness of fit.
Likelihood methods, maximum likelihood, Fisher's information.
Bayesian inference.
Nonparametric methods.
Statistical computing, using R.

Subject-specific Skills:

In addition students will have the ability to undertake and defend the use of alternative mathematical skills in the following areas with minimal guidance: Modelling.

Key Skills:

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

Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Weekly homework problems provide formative assessment to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
Tutorials provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
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	42	2 per week for 21 weeks	1 Hour	42
Tutorials	10	Fortnightly for 21 weeks	1 Hour	10	■
Problems Classes	9	Fortnightly for 20 weeks	1 Hour	9
Computer Practicals	10	Fortnightly for 20 weeks	1 Hour	10	■
Preparation and Reading				129
Total				200

Summative Assessment

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

Formative Assessment:

One written assignment to be handed in every third lecture in the first 2 terms. Normally each will consist of solving problems from a Problems Sheet and typically will be about 2 pages long. Students will have about one week to complete each assignment.

■ 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