Thinking and Reasoning with Data

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

It is expected that students have previously attended an introductory statistics subject or be otherwise familiar with elementary statistics.

What conclusion can be drawn from a pool of data? How can a scientist draw meaningful conclusions while not overreaching? How can modelling help the scientist interpret data? This subject will address these questions by teaching students critical thinking and data analysis skills. After completing this subject students will understand the basic principles of sampling and experimental design, how the results of statistical analyses are reported, the statistical thinking behind common statistical procedures and will be able to carry out a range of standard statistical techniques.

After completing this subject students should understand:

• the principles of sampling and experimental design;
• how the results of statistical analyses are reported;
• the statistical thinking behind common statistical procedures and be able to carry out many standard statistical techniques.

Up to 50 pages of written assignments (50%: three assignments worth 10%, 20% and 20% due early, mid and late in semester), a 2-hour written examination (50%, in the examination period).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

• problem-solving skills (especially through tutorial exercises and assignments) including engaging with unfamiliar problems and identifying relevant strategies;
• analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of the analysis;
• the ability to work in a team, through interactions with other students.