Key facts

UNE unit code: QMER100

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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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 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in an award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science
Restrictions
MTHS100 and STAT100

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)

profile photo of Beatrice Bleile
Beatrice BleileSenior Lecturer in Mathematics - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Science and Technology
Sophie Collins
profile photo of Masoud Ganji
Masoud GanjiLecturer - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; School of Science and Technology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. summarise, display and interpret data in context;
  2. use computer software to summarise and communicate insight from data;
  3. solve simple equations and use mathematical concepts in applied situations;
  4. apply statistical skills appropriately to real world data; and
  5. 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

Note: Book available online for free https://bcrti.co.in/digitallibrary/includeFolder/noticeFolder/211111032524119.pdf

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

Note: Book available online through the library. Paper copy not available.

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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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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