Key facts
UNE unit code: QMER100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Quantitative skills are critical in investigating and advancing our understanding of earth, environmental and agricultural science. Today, it is more important than ever to learn how to collect, explore and analyse data, as well as summarise and model these systems.
This unit introduces you to core mathematical and statistical concepts in the field. Among the topics covered are fundamental mathematical concepts and introductory statistical methods.
These skills are taught using real-world examples and hands-on data collection and treatment, to demonstrate why they are so critical for the earth, environmental and agricultural sciences.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Science and Technology considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) for on campus students is mandatory.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)


Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- summarise, display and interpret data in context;
- use computer software to summarise and communicate insight from data;
- solve simple equations and use mathematical concepts in applied situations;
- apply statistical skills appropriately to real world data; and
- demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate, through written and visual means, mathematical and statistical results to a range of audiences for a range of purposes.
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Statistics for the Life Sciences
ISBN: 9781292101811
Samuels, M.L., Witmer, J.A., Schaffner, A.A., Pearson Education Limited 5th ed. 2016
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Introductory Mathematics for the Life Sciences
ISBN: 9780203483039
Pheonix, D., Taylor & Francis Group 1st ed. 1997
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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