ST447      Half Unit
Data Analysis and Statistical Methods

This information is for the 2018/19 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Yining Chen

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Operations Research & Analytics. This course is available on the MSc in Data Science. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Course not available on MSc in Statistics nor on MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) nor on MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics).

Pre-requisites

Basic knowledge in calculus and linear algebra, as well as a first course in probability and statistics.

Course content

This course will provide an introduction to methods of statistics and data analysis. The statistical software R will constitute an integral part of the course, providing hands-on experience of data analysis. The syllabus will consist of:

Part I - Introduction

- Statistical Software: R

- Data exploration and visualisation

- Probability, random variables and distribution

Part II - Tools of statistical inference

- likelihood

- estimation

- hypothesis testing

Part III - Regression Methods

- linear regression

- logistic regression

Part IV - Basic time series analysis (topics as time permits)

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of computer workshops in the MT.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 5 exercises in the MT.

The bi-weekly exercises will enable students to learn how to implement statistical methods in R and provide preparation for the project. They will also ensure that students learn about the different methods of statistics and data analysis, as assessed later on the examination. 

Indicative reading

All of Statistics, by Larry Wasserman, Springer.

Data Analysis and Graphics using R: an Example-based Appoach, by John Maindonald an John Braun, CambridgeUniversity Press.

Assessment

Exam (70%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Project (30%) in the MT.

Key facts

Department: Statistics

Total students 2017/18: 63

Average class size 2017/18: 29

Controlled access 2017/18: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills