Probability and Distribution Theory
Subject POPH90148 (2011)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.
| Credit Points: | 12.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Level: | 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dates & Locations: | This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011: Semester 1, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Semester 2, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Distance Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time Commitment: | Contact Hours: None Total Time Commitment: 8-12 hours total study time per week | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites: | - Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corequisites: | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recommended Background Knowledge: | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non Allowed Subjects: | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core Participation Requirements: | For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. |
Coordinator
Prof John CarlinContact
Semester 1: Professor Andrew Forbes, Monash University
Semester 2: A/Professor Rory Wolfe, Monash University
Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia
Email: bca@ctc.usyd.edu.au
Website: www.bca.edu.au
OR
Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au
| Subject Overview: |
This subject begins with the study of probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, and the use of calculus to obtain expressions for parameters of these distributions such as the mean and variance. Joint distributions for multiple random variables are introduced together with the important concepts of independence, correlation and covariance, and marginal and conditional distributions. Techniques for determining distributions of transformations of random variables are discussed. The concept of the sampling distribution and standard error of an estimator of a parameter is presented, together with key properties of estimators. Large sample results concerning the properties of estimators are presented with emphasis on the central role of the normal distribution in these results. General approaches to obtaining estimators of parameters are introduced. Numerical simulation and graphing with Stata is used throughout to demonstrate key concepts. |
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| Objectives: | This subject will focus on applying the calculus-based techniques learned in 505-105 Mathematical Background for Biostatistics (MBB). These two subjects, together with the subsequent 505-107 Principles of Statistical Inference (PSI) unit, provide the core prerequisite mathematical statistics background required for the study of later units in the Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree. |
| Assessment: |
Two written assignments to be submitted during semester worth 40% each (approx 12 hours work each). Four practical written exercises to be submitted during semester worth 5% each (approx 6 hrs work each). |
| Prescribed Texts: |
Wackerly DD, Mendenhall W, Scheaffer RL. Mathematical Statistics with Applications, 7th Edition, 2008, Duxbury Press, USA. (ISBN 978-0-495-11081-1) Resources Provided to Students: Printed course notes and assignment material by mail, email, and online interaction facilities. |
| Breadth Options: | This subject is not available as a breadth subject. |
| Fees Information: | Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date |
| Generic Skills: |
Independent problem solving, facility with abstract reasoning, clarity of written expression, sound communication of technical concepts.
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| Links to further information: | http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au |
| Notes: |
This subject is not available in the Master of Public Health.
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| Related Course(s): |
Master of Biostatistics Postgraduate Certificate in Biostatistics Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics |
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