Handbook home
Probability and Distribution Theory (POPH90148)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
OR
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Email: Contact Stop 1
Future Students:
- Further Information: MSPGH Website
- Email: Enquiry Form
Semester 2
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
OR
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Email: Contact Stop 1
Future Students:
- Further Information: MSPGH Website
- Email: Enquiry Form
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Online Semester 2 - Online |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject begins with the study of probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, and the use of calculus to obtain expressions for parameters of these distributions such as the mean and variance. Joint distributions for multiple random variables are introduced together with the important concepts of independence, correlation and covariance, and marginal and conditional distributions. Techniques for determining distributions of transformations of random variables are discussed. The concept of the sampling distribution and standard error of an estimator of a parameter is presented, together with key properties of estimators. Large sample results concerning the properties of estimators are presented with emphasis on the central role of the normal distribution in these results. General approaches to obtaining estimators of parameters are introduced. Numerical simulation and graphing with Stata are used throughout to demonstrate key concepts.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject will focus on applying the calculus-based techniques learned in POPH90015 Mathematical Background for Biostatistics (MBB). These two subjects, together with the subsequent POPH90017 Principles of Statistical Inference (PSI) unit, provide the core prerequisite mathematical statistics background required for the study of later units in the Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree.
Generic skills
Independent problem solving, facility with abstract reasoning, clarity of written expression, sound communication of technical concepts.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
Two written assignments to be submitted mid semester and end of semester worth 35% each (approx 12 hours work each).
Four practical written exercises to be submitted during semester worth 7.5% each (approx 4 hrs work each).
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator John Carlin Mode of delivery Online Contact hours None Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
OR
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Email: Contact Stop 1
Future Students:
- Further Information: MSPGH Website
- Email: Enquiry Form
- Semester 2 - Online
Principal coordinator John Carlin Mode of delivery Online Contact hours None Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
OR
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Email: Contact Stop 1
Future Students:
- Further Information: MSPGH Website
- Email: Enquiry Form
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Wackerly DD, Mendenhall W, Scheaffer RL. Mathematical Statistics with Applications, 7th Edition, 2008, Duxbury Press, USA. (ISBN 978-0-495-11081-1)
Special Computer Requirements: Stata Statistical SoftwareResources Provided to Students: Printed course notes and assignment material by mail, email, and online interaction facilities.
- Subject notes
This subject is not available in the Master of Public Health.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics Course Master of Biostatistics - Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022