Statistics (2022)

Statistics is the science of collecting and interpreting data subject to uncertainty. We live in a world where variability is everywhere. To make informed decisions we must understand the nature of variability, and make use of meaningful information. Without data we have to resort to hunches or guesses, neither of which can be relied on. Statistics tells us how to deal with variability, and how to collect and use data so that we can make good decisions.

Statistics is available as a minor.

To complete a minor in Statistics, students must complete 60 points of STATS coded papers, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: There will be no new enrolments in the Statistics major which has now changed name to Data Analytics. Students enrolled in 2018 or previously in the Statistics major should consult the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science for programme advice. Please refer to the Data Analytics subject for further information.

Note on Assessment: To be eligible to pass these papers students should normally achieve a minimum grade of D in the internal assessment and the final examination, and an overall grade of C-.


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  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(Stats) and GradDip(Stats)

    A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Statistics at an advanced level in their first degree.

    For further details, contact the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science Office.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(Stats), PGDip(Stats), BSc(Hons), MSc and MSc(Res)

    The paper STATS520 is normally available only for the BCMS(Hons) degree.

    To complete a PGCert(Stats), students must complete 60 points at 500 level consisting of 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    To complete a PGDip(Stats), students must complete 120 points at 500 level including at least 90 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    Enrolment in papers towards the BSc(Hons) is only by invitation of the Convenor of Statistics. To complete a BSc(Hons) in Statistics, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from the papers listed for Statistics, of which at least 30 points must be in research (normally STATS591).

    To complete an MSc in Statistics, students admitted under section 2(a) of the MSc regulations must complete 180 points at 500 level including STATS592 and at least 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    To complete an MSc (Research) in Statistics, students admitted under section 2(a) of the MSc (Research) regulations must complete 180 points at 500 level consisting of STATS594 and 60 points from papers listed for Statistics.

    Candidates for these graduate qualifications should select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Advisor in Statistics of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

  • Prescriptions for the MPhil

    The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    CSMAX101The World of Data15.022B (Hamilton)
    This paper teaches students how to build datasets for analysis in health science, and critically evaluate and effectively present the results of such analyses, using commonly used software such as Excel, R, and SPSS. Students are introduced to issues of privacy, and cultural considerations for Maori and Indigenous health.
    STATS111Statistics for Science15.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Tauranga)
    An introductory paper in statistics that uses Microsoft Excel. Topics include the collection and presentation of data, basic principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression and the analysis of categorical data.
    STATS121Introduction to Statistical Methods15.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Online)
    An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    STATS221Statistical Data Analysis15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to the R programming language which is used to investigate a collection of real data sets. Analysis of variance, multiple regression, non parametric methods and time series are covered.
    STATS222Principles of Probability and Statistics15.022B (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces the theoretical background that underpins modern probability and statistics. Topics include discrete probability and mathematical statistics from a frequentist and Bayesian viewpoint.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    STATS321Advanced Data Analysis15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper covers the use of statistical packages for data analysis and modelling. The emphasis is on observational rather than experimental data. The topics covered are regression modelling and its generalisations, and multivariate analysis.
    STATS322Probability and Stochastic Processes15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to probability theory and stochastic processes. It covers formally the theoretical foundations of probability, random variables, statistics, stochastic processes and Markov chains.
    STATS323Design and Analysis of Experiments and Surveys15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper outlines the principles and practicalities of designing and analysing experiments and surveys, with emphasis on the design.
    STATS326Computational Bayesian Statistics15.0No occurrences
    Bayesian approach has the potential to model any complex real life problem. In practice, Bayesian methods are implemented using various computational algorithms. This paper introduces the basics of some of the most widely used computational methods, viz the ABC method and the MCMC methods.
    STATS390Directed Study15.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
    Students carry out an independent research project on an approved topic under staff supervision.
    STATS391Undergraduate Research Project30.022A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton), 22D (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
    Students carry out an independent research project on an approved topic under staff supervision.
    STATS397Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study15.022X (Hamilton)
    Students carry out an independent work-related project on an approved topic under staff supervision.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    STATS505Optimization15.022B (Hamilton)
    This paper teaches students a toolbox of optimization techniques. It covers traditional approaches, such as linear programming and Newton's method, and heuristic methods such as simulated annealing and evolutionary algorithms.
    STATS520Dissertation45.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    A directed investigation and report on an approved project or study topic.
    STATS525Topics in Statistics30.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper will discuss advanced topics in statistics. The exact topics covered could change subject to the preference and research expertise of the academic staff. Students preferences may also be taken into account.
    STATS590Directed Study30.022B (Hamilton)
    Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
    STATS591Dissertation30.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    STATS592Dissertation60.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    STATS593Statistics Thesis90.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    STATS594Statistics Thesis120.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    STATS800Statistics MPhil Thesis120.022X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    STATS900Statistics PhD Thesis120.022I (Hamilton), 22J (Hamilton), 22K (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
    No description available.

2022 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 September 2023 8:09pm

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