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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : Statistics
Statistics involves the investigation of data and the study of randomness, probability, estimation and prediction. Statistics is an increasingly important field of study. This is because greater and greater amounts of data are produced each year, as society becomes more complex and computers make it easier to store and analyse data.
The Department of Statistics covers a wide range of both theoretical and applied topics, including probability and distribution theory, stochastic processes and their applications, experimental design and data analysis.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts who have majored in Statistics have found employment in the following areas: in biology (population modelling), in business (quality management and improvement), in demography and behavioural science (survey sampling, analysis and prediction of human populations), in economics (the study and forecasting of production, consumer behaviour and stock prices), in engineering (design and testing of structures, flood control and predication, analysis of computer networks), and in the medical sciences (analysis and control of the spread of diseases). Thus, people with a degree in Statistics are well qualified as general problem solvers and for management roles.
Many statisticians work with large companies concerned with market research, product testing and quality management. They also work in similar areas for government departments or as private consultants. Statisticians deal with a range of problems determined by their place of employment. Some statistical consultants choose to deal with a narrow range of problems - for example, medical or engineering statistics. Others may be employed by a large company to solve the statistical problems which arise in the research and development activities of the company. A similar role exists in medical research institutions and some government authorities.
Employment opportunities for statisticians also exist in universities and research organisations.
The Statistical Society of Australia, for which a major in Statistics is necessary for entry, provides formal accreditation for statisticians.
First-year subjects require VCE Mathematics at level 3/4. The general prerequisite for second-year Statistics, is the successful completion of first-year Statistics subjects and in some cases, a first year Mathematics subject. The general prerequisite for third-year Statistics, is the successful completion of second-year Statistics subjects.
The following sequence is recommended for students seeking to major in Statistics:
First year: 618-121, 618-122, 618-130 and 619-100 (or 618-141, 618-142, 618-130 and 619-100)
Second year: 619-201, 619-202, and one of 619-200, 619-230.
Third year: four of the units 619-310, 619-320, 619-330, 619-340, 619-355 or 619-360,
Note: No distinction exists between pass and honours up to (and including) third-year level.
Students wishing to enter Fourth Year Honours in 1997 will need to have taken four third year Statistics units and some Mathematics units. The approval of the head of department must be obtained. These requirements apply to both Pure and Combined Honours.
The Department of Statistics offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Science which is similar to the honours degree, but suitable for students who have not taken Statistics at 300 level, MSc by coursework, MSc by research and PhD.
The Department of Statistics
The University of Melbourne
Telephone: (03) 9344 7886, or visit our web site:
http://www.stats.mu.oz.au:8001/
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : Statistics
Status: OFFICIAL 1997 Last Modified: Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm SGML to HTML Conversion: Information Technology Services Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email Enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.