Students
ACST6040 – Quantitative Research Methods
2026 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
UC, Lecturer
Pavel Shevchenko
Lecturer
Simon Wong
Contact via email
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MActPrac
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
STAT8310
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
This unit is co-badged ACST8040
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit focuses on statistical approaches for research in Business and Economics and related disciplines. Topics include a range of probability and statistical models, their theoretical basis, the assessment and evaluation of the models, and methods of statistical inference for data analysis. The unit will also consider applications of the above models and techniques to the actuarial practice discipline. |
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: Understand the theoretical basis of a range of statistical models used in actuarial research and the practice of modelling and inference using statistical models.
- ULO2: Critique, replicate and extend basic actuarial research using statistical models.
- ULO3: Ask questions and communicate problems relating to statistical models, and to explain and discuss ideas relating to implementation of statistical models.
- ULO4: Explain how a variety of statistical models are used in actuarial research and how empirical results are communicated in practice.
- ULO5: Use statistical software R to solve actuarial problems.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
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 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
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 for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional practice: Statistical analysis problem set 1 | 50% | No | 07/09/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Professional practice: Statistical analysis problem set 2 | 50% | No | 05/11/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
Professional practice: Statistical analysis problem set 1
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 07/09/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your capability of solving complex statistical problems and providing detailed solutions using the statistical software R.
You will apply statistical techniques using R to generate robust solutions to problem scenarios.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
- Digital skills
- Communication skills
Deliverable(s): Solutions to the problem-solving questions
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical basis of a range of statistical models used in actuarial research and the practice of modelling and inference using statistical models.
- Critique, replicate and extend basic actuarial research using statistical models.
- Ask questions and communicate problems relating to statistical models, and to explain and discuss ideas relating to implementation of statistical models.
- Explain how a variety of statistical models are used in actuarial research and how empirical results are communicated in practice.
- Use statistical software R to solve actuarial problems.
Professional practice: Statistical analysis problem set 2
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 05/11/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your capability in solving complex statistical problems and producing detailed numerical solutions using the statistical software R.
You will perform numerical analyses and apply appropriate statistical techniques to solve a set of problem-based questions.
Skills in focus:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Discipline knowledge
- Digital skills
- Communication skills
Deliverable(s): Solutions to the problem-solving questions
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical basis of a range of statistical models used in actuarial research and the practice of modelling and inference using statistical models.
- Critique, replicate and extend basic actuarial research using statistical models.
- Ask questions and communicate problems relating to statistical models, and to explain and discuss ideas relating to implementation of statistical models.
- Explain how a variety of statistical models are used in actuarial research and how empirical results are communicated in practice.
- Use statistical software R to solve actuarial problems.
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
- Academic Success 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
Please refer to iLearn
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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.
- Ask a Study Coach
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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For help with University computer systems and technology, visit https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk.
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.
Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook