Statistical problem solving using Excel and VBA, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course gives a solid basis for using Excel and VBA on statistical problems, and for managing, exploring and visualizing data. The skills are practised through working with some larger statistically targetted projects, solved groupwise. Basic training in the use of the type setting language LaTeX for the written reports is also an important part of the course.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student must be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• account for Excel's object model

Skills

• manage, explore and visualize data using Excel
• conduct calculations using Excel's built-in functionality
• simulate, statistically analyze and solve problems with Excel and VBA
• produce reports with mathematical text of high quality concerning type setting and layout, with the type setting software LaTeX
• plan and conduct work concerning statistical problems involving managing large data sets, large calculations,pinpointing questions, choise of methods and limitations
• present the results of a statistical project orally and in written form

Judgement and approach

• value the results of a statistical project, and draw relevant conclusions through judgements, and by considering relevant scientific and ethical aspects, decide what statistical methods that are suitable for analyzing given data

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, computer sessions and supervision of statistical projects and written reports using the type setting program LaTeX.

Examination modes

The course assessment consists of the parts
1) Written exam,
2) Written project reports.
The parts 1) and 2) are awarded with one of the following judgements: Fail (U), or Pass (3), Pass with merit (4) or Pass with distinction (5). The grade for the whole course is determined by total score on the exam and the reports, where the written exam constitute 70% and the project reports 30% of the total score. The grade is not awarded until all parts are approved.

A student who has been awarded a passing grade for the course cannot be reassessed for a higher grade. Students who do not pass a test or examination on the original date are given another date to retake the examination. A student who has sat two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, provided there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEO). The request for a new examiner is made to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Examinations based on this course syllabus are guaranteed to be offered for two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Credit transfer
All students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent, and  their working life experience evaluated for possible consideration in the corresponding education at Umeå university. Application forms should be adressed to Student services/Degree evaluation office. More information regarding credit transfer can be found on the student web pages of Umeå university, http://www.student.umu.se, and in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). If denied, the application can be appealed (as per the Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. This includes partially denied applications

Other regulations

This course can not be included in a degree together with another course with similar contents. When in doubt, the student should consult the director of study at the department of mathematics and mathematical statistics.