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Course profile

Analysis of Scientific Data (STAT1201)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mathematics & Physics School

Analysis of scientific data and experiments: Design of experiments and ethical research. Data modelling and management. Exploratory data analysis. Randomness and probability. Statistical analysis including linear regression, analysis of variance, logistic regression, categorical data analysis, and non-parametric methods.

The aim of STAT1201 is to provide an understanding of the nature of scientific data and the subsequent need for statistical analysis. You will develop your statistical expertise and critical judgement in scientific studies, including an awareness of ethical issues in research and analysis. You will learn about the different types of data and how each can be visualised and summarised, and how you can make conclusions and predictions from the statistical analysis. You will also see that these statistical tools are based on simple mathematical ideas and associated assumptions.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Mathematics equivalent to Queensland Mathematical Methods.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

MATH1040; or a grade of C or higher in Queensland Year 12 Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4) (or equivalent).

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ECON1310, ENVM2000, STAT1301, STAT2201, STAT2203, STAT2701, PUBH2007, HRSS3100, STAT7120.

Restrictions

Not available to BE, BE/Biotech, BE/BSc students, BMath, BMath/BArts, BMath/BCom, BMath/BEcon, BMath/BEd(Sec), BMath/BSc

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • STAT7120

STAT1201 and STAT7120 are co-badged courses and will share learning activities. STAT7120 will have some differences in assessment to evaluate students at Level 9 (Masters) of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

 

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

All classes will be conducted on campus. Consult your personal timetable for times and locations. Students are expected to attend these sessions in person unless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness).

Important: if you are ill, then do not attend any classes in person. Alternative arrangements can be organised – consult Blackboard for details. 

Contacts start in Week 1.

Workshops start in Week 2. There are no workshops in Weeks 1, 4 or 11.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of STAT1201 is to provide an understanding of the nature of scientific data and the subsequent need for statistical analysis. You will develop your statistical expertise and critical judgement in scientific studies, including an awareness of ethical issues in research and analysis. You will learn about the different types of data and how each can be visualized and summarized, and how you can make conclusions and predictions from the statistical analysis. You will also see that these statistical tools are based on simple mathematical ideas and associated assumptions.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain the nature of scientific data and the need for statistical analysis.

LO2.

Identify factors related to the design of a scientific study, including sample size and power.

LO3.

Identify and critically evaluate the role of data analysis and statistics in scientific research and publications.

LO4.

Identify and critically evaluate ethical issues in scientific research.

LO5.

Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of statistical methods by being able to carry out simple statistical procedures by hand.

LO6.

Use statistical software appropriately and confidently for exploratory data analysis and to make relevant statistical conclusions.

LO7.

Plan and carry out a research project, and analyse and communicate the results.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set Online Quizzes 16%

Individual questions are due by 4:00pm Fridays. Collaborative questions are due by the end of your allocated workshop.

Essay/ Critique Paper Review 14%

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

Presentation, Project Research Project 20%

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

Examination Final Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Online Quizzes

Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
16%
Due date

Individual questions are due by 4:00pm Fridays. Collaborative questions are due by the end of your allocated workshop.

Learning outcomes
L02, L05, L06

Task description

In each of the ten weeks that there is a workshop there will be a quiz to complete online. Each quiz will involve 10 questions:

  • Five questions are individual questions. These questions will open at 8:00am on Monday and close at 4:00pm on Friday. Most will involve analysing data using RStudio and completing these will be an important opportunity to learn the details of working with RStudio. You are encouraged to discuss these questions using the Ed Discussion Board.
  • Five questions are collaborative questions. These questions will be completed during your allocated workshop.

Your best eight quiz marks will each count 2% towards your overall grade (for a maximum of 16%).

Submission guidelines

Complete via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

An approved extension will be applied to the individual questions but taken as an exemption from the collaborative questions in the workshop.

Late submission

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for the individual questions you will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. If you are unable to complete the group quiz questions in your workshop then you are welcome to attend a different workshop session during the week instead (space permitting).

Paper Review

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
14%
Due date

23/08/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

The Paper Review involves finding a scientific paper of interest to you through the library. You can choose any paper you like as long as it has a P-value and a DOI, and was published no earlier than 2021. Each paper can only be reviewed by one group so once you have your paper you must register it on Blackboard.

You will provide a brief summary of the use of statistical inference in the paper you choose and an essay discussing the ethical issues involved in the study. See Blackboard for example reviews.

The review is submitted using a form on Blackboard. The combined word length of the statistical component should not exceed 250 words, while the ethics essay has a maximum of 500 words.

The Paper Review may be completed in groups of up to three students. Use the tools on Blackboard if you want to form a group. Groups must be formed by the due date.

Submission guidelines

Complete via Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

The late submission penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24 hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Research Project

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation, Project
Weight
20%
Due date

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L02, L06, L07

Task description

For the Research Project you will design a study, carry it out with a population of virtual subjects to collect your data, and then analyse the results and present them in the form of a presentation, as would be given at a scientific conference.

The research project may be completed in groups of up to three students.

Your video should be roughly 6 minutes in length and feature each person in the group talking to camera (separately or together). Further information about creating your video is provided on Blackboard.

Submission guidelines

Submit via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

The late submission penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24 hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Final Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L05, L06

Task description

The final examination in this course will be held during the end-of-semester examination period. It will be an in-person exam held on campus.

The final examination will cover the statistical content of the course, as covered in UQ Extend, contacts and workshops.

You will be provided with a sheet of useful definitions and formulas.

Hurdle requirements

See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 -

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to partially analyse very few data settings. Presentation of statistical results will be poor and accuracy in graphical and numerical work will be low.

2 (Fail) 20 -

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to partially analyse a few important data settings. Presentation of statistical results may be poor and accuracy in graphical and numerical work may be low.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 -

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: You will be able to partially analyse the important data settings. You will demonstrate the ability to present statistical results and show some accuracy in graphical and numerical work.

4 (Pass) 50 -

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to analyse the important data settings, identifying some key assumptions that might affect the analysis. You will demonstrate the ability to present statistical results and show accuracy in graphical and numerical work.

5 (Credit) 65 -

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to analyse many data settings, identifying the key assumptions that might affect the analysis. You will demonstrate the ability to present statistical results and show accuracy in graphical and numerical work.

6 (Distinction) 75 -

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to analyse most data settings, identifying important assumptions and other factors that might affect the analysis. You will demonstrate proficiency in communicating statistical ideas and a high level of accuracy in graphical and numerical work.

7 (High Distinction) 85 -

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: You will be able to analyse a broad range of data settings, providing insight and thoroughness in the form of necessary assumptions and other factors that might affect the analysis. You will demonstrate excellent proficiency in communicating statistical ideas and a high level of accuracy in graphical and numerical work

Additional course grading information

If you receive less than 40% of the available marks on the Final Examination then the maximum grade you can obtain is 3.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

Group Work

In this course we do not teach you how to work in groups but you are welcome to complete the Paper Review and Research Project in a group of up to three students if you wish. Use the tool on Blackboard (under Assessment) if you want to form a group. After the Paper Reviewᅠis due the groups will reset and the group formation tool for the Research Project will become available (so you will need to re-register your group, or form a new group if you want). Please keep in mind the following three rules:

  1. You can only join one group for each assignment and once you have joined a group you will not be able to leave it.
  2. All group members must approve a new person joining the group.
  3. All group members will receive the same mark for the assignment.

Artificial Intelligence

The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
  • Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
  • If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
  • If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
  • If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
  • For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
  • Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
  • If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
  • There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
  • There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
  • Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
  • All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
  • You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
  • If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 1

Evidence from data

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Workshop

Workshop 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 2

Ethics in science

Learning outcomes: L04

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Workshop

Workshop 2

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 3

Exploring data

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 4

Understanding randomness

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Workshop

Workshop 3

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 5

Sampling distributions

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Workshop

Workshop 4

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 6

Statistical inference

Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Workshop

Workshop 5

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 7

Comparing means

Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Workshop

Workshop 6

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 8

Regression models

Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Workshop

Workshop 7

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 9

Multiple predictors

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 10

Experimental design in practice

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Workshop 8

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L07

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 11

Categorical data analysis

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Workshop

Workshop 9

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

General contact hours

UQ Extend - Module 12

Nonparametric methods

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Workshop

Workshop 10

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

General contact hours

Case Studies and Revision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.