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Probability and Distribution Theory (POPH90148)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
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
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Two written assignments to be submitted mid semester and end of semester worth 35% each (approx 12 hours work each).
| Throughout the teaching period | 70% |
Four practical written exercises worth 7.5% each (approx 4 hrs work each).
| During the teaching period | 30% |
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 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 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 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 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 delivered online via our partners in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (www.bca.edu.au). It is not generally available in the Master of Public Health nor in any program outside the MSPGH.
- 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