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Statistics

Introduction

Statistics is discipline in its own right and a fundamental tool for investigation in all fields of scientific endeavour.  Statistics was originally created to serve the needs of the natural sciences, has itself affected the content and methods of the sciences.  People working in the physical, biological and social sciences, as well as in business, agriculture and medicine all use statistics.  Whatever degree you pursue, statistics will complement your other subjects and be of great benefit in the future.

Why Study Statistics at UNE?

A decision to study statistics is often motivated by the need to expand career horizons.

Because the choice to study statistics can be made at the outset, in midstream, or at the end of a person’s professional life, flexibility in the mode of delivery and guidance through our units is important. The University of New England has a long and distinguished tradition in providing a choice of modes so that students can attend lectures and tutorials on campus during the semesters in Armidale, or work on units from home, keeping in regular contact with the lecturer or unit coordinator. Statistics residential schools also provide an opportunity for external students to engage with the lecturer in an intensive overview of unit material during a scheduled three-to-four day visit in Armidale.

Class sizes in statistics from second year on tend to be relatively small, so students can receive a high level of one-to-one attention from lecturers and tutors.

The picturesque rural environment of Armidale has great potential for anyone seriously committed to mathematics and statistics study, and offers a variety of activities for lovers of the out-door life. Armidale is also a regional centre for the Arts and Music.

Courses

Units

Second Year
STAT260, STAT261, PMTH212, AMTH250

Third Year
STAT354, STAT356, STAT357
BINF350, STAT300, COMP389

Careers

Statisticians are in great demand.  Starting salaries have remained above the median graduate starting salary for at least the last 25 years.  Past graduates have found employment with starting salaries above $45,000.  Graduates in Statistics from this department have found employment in a number of areas:  CSIRO, Australian Bureau of Statistics, NRMA, Universities, Survey Companies (eg Gallup Poll), Banks and Insurance Companies, to name a few.

Partnerships

Cross Institutional Study

The Statistics Group at UNE has arrangements with the University of Newcastle and the University of Southern Queensland for cross-institutional study.  Currently UNE and Newcastle share Honours units.  The UNE unit STAT260 is taught jointly with USQ, and, in place of STAT356, UNE students now undertake the USQ course STA3301 Statistical Models by distance, with tutorial support at UNE.

ASEARC (Applied Statistics Education and Research Collaboration)

Under this program, the statistics departments of the universities of Wollongong, Newcastle, New England and Western Sydney are collaborating to improve education in statistics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, research in statistics and statistical consulting services available to industry.  The collaboration will focus on joint development and delivery of subjects and courses, as well as forming a graduate programme to improve the research environment for students through shared seminars, training, workshops and shared supervision across institutions.

Contacts

Dr Bernard Ellem
Email: bellem@turing.une.edu.au
Telephone: 02 6773 2284