This is a practical module to develop the skills required by a professional statistician (report writing, consultancy, presentation, wider appreciation of assumptions underlying methods, selection and application of analysis method, researching methods).
Software: R, SPSS and Excel (where appropriate/possible). Report writing in Word. PowerPoint for presentations.
• Presentation of data
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Hypothesis testing: formulating questions, converting to hypotheses, parametric and non-parametric methods and their assumptions, selection of appropriate method, application and reporting. Use of resources to explore and apply additional tests. Parametric and non-parametric tests include, but are not limited to, t-tests, likelihood ratio tests, chi-squared tests, Mann Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, McNemar's test.
• Linear and Generalised Linear Models: simple linear and multiple regression, ANOVA and ANCOVA, understanding the limitations of linear regression, generalised linear models, selecting the appropriate distribution for the data set, understanding the difference between fixed and random effects, fitting models with random effects, model selection.
• Consultancy skills: group work exercise(s)
In addition, for level 7 students:
• Advanced presentation of data, such as visualisation of data points on a map
• Further extensions to Linear and Generalised Linear Models, such as hierarchical generalised linear models
Total contact hours: 36
Private study hours: 114
Total study hours: 150
Level 6 and level 7 modules are co-taught via terminal classes and seminars, but with some different material for level 7 in the form of examples and extended techniques.
Spring
Assessment 1a (group task), requiring on average between 4 and 7 hours to complete 5%
Assessment 1b (group task), requiring on average between 4 and 7 hours to complete 5%
Assessment 1c (group task), requiring on average between 4 and 7 hours to complete 5%
Assessment 1d (group participation) 5%
Assessment 2 (individual assessment), requiring on average between 4 and 7 hours to complete 20%
Individual Presentation and questions, 10minutes 10%
Examination (open book computing exam), 3 hours 50%
The coursework mark alone will not be sufficient to demonstrate the student's level of achievement on the module.
Chatfield, C. (1995). Problem Solving: a Statistician's Guide. Second edition. London: Chapman & Hall.
Cox, D.R. & Snell, E.J. (1981). Applied Statistics: Principles and Examples. London: Chapman & Hall.
Dobson, A.J. & Barnett, A. (2008). An Introduction to Generalized Linear Models. Third edition. London: Chapman & Hall.
Hand, D.J. & Everitt, B.S. (1987). The Statistical Consultant in Action.
Sprent, P. & Smeeton, N.C. (2007). Applied Nonparametric Statistical Methods. Fourth edition. London: Chapman & Hall.
On successfully completing the level 7 module students will be able to:
9.12 work competently and independently, be aware of their own strengths and understand when help is needed;
9.13 demonstrate a high level of capability in developing and evaluating logical arguments;
9.14 communicate arguments confidently with the effective and accurate conveyance of conclusions;
9.15 manage their time and use their organisational skills to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working;
9.16 solve problems relating to qualitative and quantitative information;
9.17 make effective use of information technology skills such as word-processing and spreadsheet use, online resources (Moodle), internet communication;
9.18 communicate technical and non-technical material competently;
9.19 demonstrate an increased level of skill in numeracy and computation;
9.20 demonstrate the acquisition of the study skills needed for continuing professional development;
9.21 give an individual presentation independently and effectively;
9.22 work effectively as a member of a team.
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