Data and Decision Making (MAST90072)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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The basis for decision making in biotechnology is often the analysis of data. In order for these decisions to be reliable data must be correctly collected and analysed. To control costs data should be efficiently collected and it needs to be properly stored and managed. The interpretation of an analysis requires some knowledge of basic statistical ideas and techniques and the results will often be communicated to a non-specialist audience who will make decisions based on the presentation. Alternatively decisions may be made from the analyses and interpretations of others. This subject examines the whole process of data collection, analysis and decision making.

This subject is a core subject for Master of Biotechnology (MC-SCIBIT) and examples and curriculum are designed for MC-SCIBIT students.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Apply statistical techniques from experimental design and data collection to present a report to a possibly non-specialist audience;
  • Recognise and apply different statistical techniques used in biotechnology;
  • Identify statistical processes and associated resources required to effectively manage projects;
  • Demonstrate competence in using major statistical computing package.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • problem-solving skills (especially through tutorial exercises and assignments) including engaging with unfamiliar problems and identifying relevant strategies;
  • analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of the analysis;
  • the ability to work in a team, through interactions with other students.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Previous exposure to statistics through an introductory statistics subject or familiarity with elementary statistics.

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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

3 written assignments of approximately 500 words each. Due early, mid and late semester

  • 500 words (each)
During the teaching period30%

Project Report

  • 1500 words
Late in the teaching period20%

Written Examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorWei Huang
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours comprising two 1-hour lectures per week and one 1-hour computer laboratory.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    wei.huang@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Geoscience
    CourseGraduate Certificate in Professional Skills for Scientists
    CourseMaster of Biotechnology
    CourseBachelor of Agriculture (Degree with Honours)
  • Links to additional information

    http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au/

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further 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: 4 March 2025