Students

STAT670 – Introductory Statistics

2019 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor, Lecturer
Anne Karpin
Contact via 9850 9617
12 Wally's Walk Office 6.30
Tuesday 12pm-1pm, Wednesday 11am-12pm
Linda Owens
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAppStat or GradCertAppStat or GradDipAppStat or MBiotech or MRadiopharmSc or MSc or MDataSc or MLabQAMgt or GradDipLabQAMgt or GradCertLabQAMg or MScInnovation
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides a broad introduction to statistical concepts and data analysis techniques, providing basic statistical knowledge. 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. 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.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

General Assessment Information

Students are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, i.e. the final day of the official examination period.

The only excuse for not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these special circumstances you may apply for special consideration via ask.mq.edu.auIf you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 10% No by 5pm Friday Week 6
Mid-semester Exam 20% No Online in Week 7
Statistical Report 20% No by 5pm Friday Week 12
Final Examination 50% No University Examination Period

Assignment

Due: by 5pm Friday Week 6
Weighting: 10%

The assignment will be made available on iLearn one week prior to the due date. Submission is to be made through the iLearn turnitin link before the due date and time. More details will be made available in the assignment paper.

LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK: All assignments and assessment tasks must be submitted by the official due date and time.

No marks will be given for late submission of work unless an extension has been granted following a successful application for Special Consideration.

Please contact the unit convenor for advice as soon as you become aware that you may have difficulty meeting any of the assignment deadlines.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.

Mid-semester Exam

Due: Online in Week 7
Weighting: 20%

The mid-semester exam is a take-home exam and will be made available on iLearn in week 7. The start time will be from Thursday 11th April at 5pm (week 7) to Sunday 14th April at 5pm. From the time students start the exam, they will have 45 minutes to complete the exam online.

It is the student's responsibility to find a appropriate location with a reliable internet connection where they can complete the exam. It is advisable to plan in advance.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.

Statistical Report

Due: by 5pm Friday Week 12
Weighting: 20%

Students will be required to conduct statistical data analysis identifying and applying appropriate methods and techniques, interpret statistical results and summarise the results in a report. This assignment requires students to use Minitab to analyse data using appropriate techniques.

The statistical report will assess: 

  • all material covered up to the end of week 10
  • student's ability to use Minitab to solve statistical problems

The requirements for the report will be made available on iLearn one week prior to the due date. To complete this report, students will need to have worked through all of the practical material and have become proficient at using Minitab which is a statistical package, to carry out a statistical analysis. Students will also need to be able to write up their analysis and the results of this analysis in the report format which will be outlined in iLearn when the report is posted.

Submission must be via the iLearn turnitin link only and details will be given in the requirements for the report.

LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK: All assignments and assessment tasks must be submitted by the official due date and time.

No marks will be given for late submission of work unless an extension has been granted following a successful application for Special Consideration.

Please contact the unit convenor for advice as soon as you become aware that you may have difficulty meeting any of the assignment deadlines.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

The Final Examination will be a two hour written exam (plus ten minutes reading time) and will be held during the examination period. Students will be permitted to take one A4 sheet (any colour), handwritten on both sides (using pens and/or pencils) into the final examination. This sheet must be submitted with your final exam paper at the conclusion of the exam. A statistics calculator may also be taken into the final examination. See the week 13 iLearn important information for more details on preparing for the final exam.

The University Examination timetable will be available in draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations at:http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/

IMPORTANT: If you apply for Special Consideration for the final examination, you must make yourself available for the Supplementary Examination as organised by the Faculty of Science & Engineering. 

If you are not available at that time, there is no guarantee that an additional examination time will be offered. Specific examination dates and times will be determined at a later date.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

STAT670 will be delivered remotely, and no classes are scheduled.

Students will be given the opportunity to watch STAT170-INT lecture recordings on iLearn and may sit in on STAT170 lectures if they wish (please see timetable for locations and times).

Please note: there are no small group teaching activities (SGTA) or practical classes for STAT670, but students are expected to work trough the material used in STAT170 classes and may sit in on STAT170 SGTA and/or practical classes if they wish. Please  email the unit convenor to make arrangements.

Help with STAT670 Related Administrative Matters

For help with STAT670 related administrative matters students should email the convenor.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

  • A calculator with statistics mode is essential and should be brought to all classes.
  • The statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/.  For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page. 

Recommended textbook used in this unit:

  • Modern Statistics: An introduction, Don McNeil and Jenny Middledorp (ISBN 9781486007011). This can be purchased in hard copy from, for example, the Coop Bookshop or in e-format (ISBN 9781486022120, access details to be provided in class).

Other recommended reading:

  • Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, Moore, D.S. and McCabe, G. P (W.H. Freeman)
  • Statistics without Tears by Rowntree (Penguin)
  • Mind on Statistics by Utts & Heckard (Thomson, 2004)
  • Elementary Statistics by Johnson & Kuby (Thomson, 2007)
  • Statistics: The Art & Science of Learning from Data by Agresti & Franklin (Prentice Hall, 2007)
  • The Statistical Sleuth by Ramsey and Schafer (Duxbury, 2002)

Technology Used and Required

iLearn, (which is a version of Moodle) is used for delivery of STAT670 course material and can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Unit Schedule

WEEK LECTURE TOPIC IN-CLASS ASSESSMENT

1

2

Introduction to statistics, Graphing data

Numerical summaries

Assignment [10 marks]

  • Due in week 6
  • Topics: modules 1 and 2, Minitab

Mid-semester exam [20 marks]

  • Due in week 7 
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Topics: modules 1 and  2

3

4

5

The Normal distribution

Distribution of means and proportions

Confidence intervals

6 More on populations and samples. Review of Modules 1, 2
 

7

 

8

One sample hypothesis test for a population mean

2 wks break 

Hypothesis tests for comparing population means

 

 

Statistical report [20 marks]

  • Due in week 12 
  • Topics: modules 3 and  4, Minitab

9

10

Simple linear regression (Part 1)

Simple linear regression (Part 2)

11

12

Hypothesis tests for a population proportion: z-test and chi-squared goodness-of fit

Chi-squared test of independence

13 Review of STAT170  

SGTA and practical activities by week:

WEEK LECTURE SGTA MATERIAL TO BE COVERED PRACTICAL MATERIAL TO BE COVERED
1 L1 T1: Intro P1: Intro
2 L2 T2: on L1 P2: on L1
3 L3 T3: on L2 P3: on L2
4 L4 T4: on L3 P4: on L3
5 L5 T5: on L4 P5: on L4
6 L6 T6: on L5 P6: on L5
7 L7 T7: on L6 -
8 L8 T8: on L7 P8: on L7
9 L9 T9: on L8 P9: on L8
10 L10 T10: on L9 P10: on L9
11 L11 T11: on L10 P11: on L10
12 L12 T12: on L11 P12: on L11
13 L13 T13: on L12 P13: on L12

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.

SGTA material

Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.

Practicals

Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.

Staff consultation (office) hours

A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.

Numeracy Centre

The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.

Computing Laboratories

Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-semester Exam
  • Statistical Report
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.
  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.
  • Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.
  • A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.
  • The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.
  • Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Mid-semester Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment
  • Mid-semester Exam
  • Statistical Report
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.
  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.
  • Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.
  • A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.
  • The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.
  • Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment
  • Mid-semester Exam
  • Statistical Report
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.
  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.
  • Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.
  • A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.
  • The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.
  • Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Deeply understand and apply appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of various types of data.
  • Use Minitab to organise, manipulate, summarise and analyse data.
  • Be able to check the assumptions underlying the statistical models; carry out a statistical analysis and draw conclusions from the results of data analysis.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.
  • Have a deep understanding of the differences between one-sample and two-sample statistical tests and be able to apply the tests in statistical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-semester Exam
  • Statistical Report
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.
  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.
  • Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.
  • A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.
  • The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.
  • Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Manipulate, classify and summarise different types of data both graphically and numerically.
  • Interpret statistical results and write a statistics report based on the results of a statistical analysis.
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to address a range of practical problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment
  • Mid-semester Exam
  • Statistical Report
  • Final Examination

Learning and teaching activities

  • Lectures begin in Week 1. Copies of the lecture slides will be made available via iLearn. The lectures for stat170 students are recorded and will be available on iLearn. Students need to work through a lecture each week of semester to keep on top of the material.
  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.
  • Practical worksheets, P1 to P13 will be available on iLearn and must be worked through according to the Unit Schedule. During these sessions students will be introduced to Minitab18 which is a dedicated statistical package. Every week throughout the semester students will be required to work through practical material that teaches them how to apply techniques learned during lectures by using Minitab. The weekly practical material is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. Practical material, and the required Minitab datasets, will be made available via iLearn. For students with PCs the statistical software package Minitab 18 can be downloaded from: the student portal. This can be accessed from the web page for Student IT services: http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/. For students with Mac computers, iLab can be used to access Minitab. Information on using iLab can also be found on the Student IT services web page.
  • A list of consultation times will be made available both on iLearn and on the Department's website. No appointments are necessary during these hours.
  • The Numeracy Centre exists to help students who are experiencing difficulties with numeracy-based subjects such as STAT670. Any student who lacks the knowledge of mathematics needed for STAT670 is encouraged to seek the help of the Centre. The Centre offers a number of services including individual help, supplementary workshops that run each week and an opportunity to meet with other students to discuss problems.
  • Minitab will be used in practical sessions and for completing assignments. Assignments and quizzes can be completed in the computing labs. Opening hours of computing laboratories during semester: 8am - 10pm Mon-Fri; 9am - 5pm Sat-Sun. For opening hours during semester breaks, see the notice boards outside the computing laboratories. Look for additional information on the whiteboards in the labs. Please note that computing labs may be booked for classes. Check the timetable on the door of the lab to make sure that the room is free.

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning and teaching activities

  • Each SGTA (T1 to T13) is based on work from the previous week’s lecture. STAT670 students should work through T1 to T13 according to the Unit Schedule shown above. The aim of this work is to practise techniques and understand concepts learned in lectures. STAT670 students should keep in mind that tutorials are designed for students to work together in groups. The emphasis on group work is to explore ideas, devise and ask questions and plan ways to answer them. SGTA material will be made available via iLearn.