Thinking and Reasoning with Data

Subject MAST90044 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours comprising two 1-hour lectures per week and one 2-hour computer laboratory session per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

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

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Ray Watson

Contact

Email: raymondw@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Objectives:

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.
Assessment:

Up to 30 pages of written assignments (50%: three assignments worth 15%, 15% and 20% due early, mid and late in semester), a 2-hour written examination (50%, in the examination period).

Prescribed Texts:

To be advised.

Recommended Texts:

To be advised.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.
Related Course(s): Master of Biotechnology
Master of Science (Biomedical and Health Sciences)
Master of Science (Botany)
Master of Science (Computer Science)
Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Master of Science (Geography)
Master of Science (Information Systems)
Master of Science (Physics)
Master of Science (Vision Science)
Master of Science (Zoology)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Environmental Science
Environmental Science

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