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STAT170: Introductory Statistics

This unit provides a broad introduction to statistical concepts and data analysis techniques. The unit is concerned with the development of an understanding of statistical practice and is illustrated by a study of those techniques most commonly used in the sciences, social sciences and humanities. The aim of statistical practice is to make the scientific research process efficient; for this reason statistics is used in disciplines ranging from accountancy to zoology. Whilst this unit may be taken as a terminating unit, it provides only basic statistical knowledge. Students intending to complete a major in statistics, or those wishing to acquaint themselves with the practical application of statistical techniques, are advised to include STAT270 Applied Statistics and STAT273 Introduction to Probability in their program. Topics covered in this unit include: data collection methods; data quality; data summarisation; and statistical models like the normal distribution, followed by sampling distributions and statistical inferences about means, proportions and quantiles. Also studied are methods of analysis relating to comparisons, counted data and relationships, including regression and correlation. Statistical computer packages are used for handling and analysing data along with word processing for reporting the results. However, no prior computing knowledge is assumed.

Credit Points: 3
Contact Hours:
When Offered:

Summer Session - Offered in January-February 2011 as part of Summer School program

D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year

D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year

E1 - Evening; Offered in the first half-year

E2 - Evening; Offered in the second half-year

X1 - External study; Offered in the first half-year (Session Dates: 14 May 2011)

Session 3 - Offered in January-February 2012

Staff Contact(s): Dr Brian Jersky, Ms Anne Karpin
Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

NCCW(s): STAT122, STAT171, PSY122
Unit Designation(s):

Science

Engineering

Technology

Medical Sciences

Commerce; Economics

Assessed As: Graded
Offered By:

Department of Statistics

People or Planet: Planet

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website .

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