Students

STAT8101 – Sampling Design and Analysis

2026 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Nan Zou
nan.zou@mq.edu.au
Room 606, 12 Wally’s Walk
See iLearn for consultation hours
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(STAT6180 or STAT8310 or STAT8830(Cr)) or (BUSA8000 and ECON8040) or (Admission to GradCertResFSE or GradDiptResFSE)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of sampling methodology and their analysis. The unit covers the basic principles of sampling methods, survey design, questionnaire construction, and data collection techniques. Throughout the unit, students will learn how to use statistical software which will enable them to import, clean, and manipulate data, as well as to visualise and summarise data. Additionally, students will apply an understanding of the end-to-end process by designing a survey, collecting data, and performing exploratory data analysis (EDA) on their data set, which will culminate in a final report. This unit contains elements of Working Integrated Learning (WIL) that students will experience activities that relate to or simulate professional practice as part of their learning. 

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the key principles of survey methodology, including different types of surveys, sampling methods, questionnaire design, and data collection techniques.
  • ULO2: Critically evaluate the methodology used in a survey and the reliability of the results for a given research question.
  • ULO3: Design and justify sampling schemes to ensure ethical and inclusive practices, including for indigenous projects and data
  • ULO4: Use statistical software to import, clean, and manipulate survey data
  • ULO5: Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to summarise survey data
  • ULO6: Communicate survey findings in a clear manner to non-specialist audiences
  • ULO7: Demonstrate career planning and apply an understanding of the job market for statistics skills. 

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.

Hurdle Assessments

There are no hurdle assessments for this unit. 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

    • Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

In this unit, late submissions will be accepted as follows:

  • Quizzes - NO, unless Special Consideration is granted
  • Case Study - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • Group Project - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Attendance and participation

Regular engagement in workshops is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
iLearn Quiz 20% No 03/04/2026 Individual No Observed
Case Study 50% No 15/05/2026 Individual No Open AI
Group Project 30% No 05/06/2026 Group No Open AI

iLearn Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 03/04/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed

You will complete an online quiz to test your ability to recall key ideas, interpret results, and apply core methods.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the key principles of survey methodology, including different types of surveys, sampling methods, questionnaire design, and data collection techniques.
  • Critically evaluate the methodology used in a survey and the reliability of the results for a given research question.
  • Design and justify sampling schemes to ensure ethical and inclusive practices, including for indigenous projects and data
  • Use statistical software to import, clean, and manipulate survey data
  • Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to summarise survey data

Case Study

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 29 hours
Due: 15/05/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

You will review relevant literature and deliver a live presentation focusing on Indigenous issues. You will then reflect on the work you have undertaken in this unit and consider its implications for your career plan. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate the methodology used in a survey and the reliability of the results for a given research question.
  • Design and justify sampling schemes to ensure ethical and inclusive practices, including for indigenous projects and data
  • Communicate survey findings in a clear manner to non-specialist audiences
  • Demonstrate career planning and apply an understanding of the job market for statistics skills. 

Group Project

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

You will define a research problem, design and implement a survey and analyse it using exploratory techniques. You will then synthesise your findings and communicate them in a final report tailored to a non-specialist audience.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the key principles of survey methodology, including different types of surveys, sampling methods, questionnaire design, and data collection techniques.
  • Critically evaluate the methodology used in a survey and the reliability of the results for a given research question.
  • Design and justify sampling schemes to ensure ethical and inclusive practices, including for indigenous projects and data
  • Use statistical software to import, clean, and manipulate survey data
  • Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to summarise survey data
  • Communicate survey findings in a clear manner to non-specialist audiences

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Workshops (beginning in Week 1): There is one two-hour class each week.

Required textbooks

The following textbooks are required in this unit. The Macquarie University library provides online access to these books:

Technology Used and Required

The R software (freely available online) will be used in the unit

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to the convenor can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the staff email address from your university email address.

COVID Information

For the latest information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please refer to the Coronavirus infection page on the Macquarie website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/coronavirusfaqs. Remember to check this page regularly in case the information and requirements change during semester. If there are any changes to this unit in relation to COVID, these will be communicated via iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Tentatively: 

Week Topic
1 Chap 1 of Lohr (2021) Welcome & Introduction to Sampling
2 Chap 2 of Lohr (2021) Simple Random Sampling
3 Chap 3 of Lohr (2021) Stratified Sampling
4 Chap 3 of Lohr (2021) Stratified Sampling (Continued)
5 Chap 4 of Lohr (2021) Ratio and Regression Estimation
6 Chap 5 of Lohr (2021) Cluster Sampling
7 Tidy Survey Analysis in R
8 Tidy Survey Analysis in R
9 Guest Speaker - Library Workshop
10 Chapt 8 of Lohr (2021) Non-response & Missing Data
11 Frontier of Data Science
12 Frontier of Data Science
13 Frontier of Data Science

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes from Previous Offering

We value student feedback to be able to continually improve the way we offer our units. As such we encourage students to provide constructive feedback via student surveys, to the teaching staff directly, or via the FSE Student Experience & Feedback link in the iLearn page. Student feedback from the previous offering of this unit was very positive overall, with students pleased with the clarity around assessment requirements and the level of support from teaching staff. One major change in this session is we have removed the previous log-book assessment. Additionally, subject to the number of student enrollments, the live presentation of the case study may be changed into written report. We will continue to strive to improve the level of support and the level of student engagement.

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook