WHY STUDY STATISTICS?
"Statistics ... the most important science in the whole world: for upon it depends the practical application of every other science and of every art; the one science essential to all political and social administration, all education, all organisation based upon experience, for it only gives the results of our experience."
- FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
"Statistical Thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write."
- H.G. WELLS
Who needs statistics in the year 2000 and beyond? Anyone who wants to be able to look critically at numerical information and not be easily misled. Anyone who has problems to solve, problems they won't be able to solve until they find out a little more about the world and how it operates -- problems from finding ways to make a business more profitable right through to improving living standards and fighting cancer. Investigation -- asking questions, designing ways to collect data to answer those questions, collecting data, and making sense of what that data says to produce reliable answers -- this is the subject matter of statistics.
We live in an Information Age. Computers allow us to collect and store information in quantities that previously would not even have been dreamed of. What is this information? It might be costs, values, sales volumes, measurements, ratings, distances, prices, percentages, counts, times, market shares. But raw, undigested data stored on computer disks is useless until normal human beings can start to make sense of them. Statistics is the human side of the computer revolution, an information science, the art and science of extracting meaning from seemingly incomprehensible data. In your future life and career, you will need to be able to make good use of such information to make sound decisions.
Statistics applies to almost any field. This is what makes the study and practice of statistics so exciting. In one week, a practising statistician may help to design an experiment to evaluate the effects of a new treatment for a disease, analyse a set of data gathered by an ecologist, and help a freight carrier to study work processes to find ways of making the company more profitable.
More students at the University of Auckland study first year statistics than any other subject. It is taken by one out of every two students who come to this university. Many see statistics as an ideal complement to their other subjects. Others know that it will be fun. And still others have to take it because some very popular university programmes (e.g. psychology, marketing and others listed below) have made it compulsory.
CAREERS IN STATISTICS
Statisticians find work in all of the following areas: insurance companies, finance companies and banks, market research companies, manufacturing, as private consultants, in crown research institutes, crown health enterprises, government departments (e.g. Treasury, Statistics N.Z., in AgResearch, MAFTech, etc.), and local bodies, and as academics/researchers in universities and technical institutes. In all of these jobs they are designing studies, analysing data, making projections and helping to make decisions. Successful statisticians often begin in technical roles and end up in management.
There are excellent job opportunities for people who know a lot about statistics and also know a lot about a business specialty. We have shared programmes (see Conjoint BCom/BSc and BCom/BA) preparing people for careers as financial analysts (designing investment strategies and managing risks), actuaries (in the insurance and superannuation industry), market researchers (conducting opinion polls, identifying market opportunities, testing consumer perceptions and the effectiveness of advertising, predicting market trends), management scientists (finding how to make the most effective use of limited resources, e.g. stock control strategies for supermarkets, scheduling shifts and duties, determining the number of tellers to have operating in a bank, formulating cost efficient maintenance strategies for fleets of vehicles), quality managers (improving the quality of products and services in business and industry), and econometricians (investigating the economy at all levels from individual businesses through to national economies).
COURSES TAUGHT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS
Statistics courses at the University of Auckland are designed not only for intending statisticians, but for all students to help them become better accountants, market researchers, psychologists, biologists, geographers, engineers and so on. Statistics can be studied for most of the popular university degrees. After first year, we teach two types of Statistics papers. "Applied" papers are about practical methods for collecting and analysing data. Computers do the mechanical work of constructing graphs, estimates and tests, leaving people free to concentrate on understanding what it all means and how to react. "Theory" papers are concerned with underlying principles and mathematical derivations. They are fun for people who like doing maths. Theoretical understanding is necessary for those who will go on to develop new statistical methods but it is also helpful for understanding advanced techniques. Our first year courses are predominantly applied. The teaching of theoretical (mathematical) statistics begins with 475.210 at Stage 2.
We also teach papers in Operations Research. Because there is little overlap between the mainstream Statistics programme and the Operations Research programme in terms of required courses, they are presented separately.
[We also have suggested programmes for quantitative conjoint degrees combining business specialties with statistics.]
THE STATISTICS PROGRAMME
As described above, there are two themes in the statistics programme, namely applied (or practical) statistics and theoretical (or mathematical) statistics.
Applied Statistics papers: Any Stage 1; 475.201 or 208 and/or 475.210; 475.301, 475.330, 475.340, 475.350
Theoretical Statistics papers: Any Stage 1; 475.210; 475.310, 475.325
DIAGRAM OF THE STATISTICS PROGRAMME
THE OPERATIONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME
In addition to mainstream Statistics, we teach courses in Operations Research (OR). OR is the application of mathematical and scientific methods to solve certain classes of problem in the design and management of large or complex systems found in business, industry and government. Typical problems involve deciding how to make the most effective use of limited resources such as people, machines, money and time. Frequently mathematical and computer representations of problems are used to solve them. OR papers teach the basic techniques used in solving resource management problems and discuss the most common areas of application. The basic techniques of OR can be grouped broadly into two classes, namely optimisation methods such as linear programming (which may be used to minimise costs, for example), and modelling techniques like computer simulation and forecasting. Most of this modelling is probabilistic or statistical. Application areas include: inventory control (what should a supermarket stock, in what quantities, when should goods be re-ordered and in what quantities), transportation problems (how to manage a fleet of trucks), scheduling problems (constructing duty rosters for airline crews), games and competition (bidding for contracts, political campaigns), production planning (eg. how often to produce batches of ice-cream, whether a single long production line is better than two parallel lines), queueing problems (what sort of customer queueing system should be set up in a bank, number of tellers operating in various situations), reliability (how long does equipment function, when should it be serviced or replaced), location problems (eg. where to place warehouses) and quality control (ensuring that good quality goods are produced).
The Operations Research programme begins at second year. To prepare yourself for third year Operations Research, you should take Mathematics at 1st and 2nd year and at least 1st year Statistics.
Operations Research papers: 475.255, 475.320, 475.391
Enquiries about the Operations Research programme should be directed to Professor David Ryan (Engineering Science, ext 8398), Dr Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051), Dr Geoffrey Pritchard (ext 5267). A separate booklet describing Operations Research at Auckland is available from both the City and the Tamaki Student Resource Centres. 3rd year OR students require 2nd year Pure Mathematics and some computing skills.
OPERATIONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME
STAGE 1 PAPERS IN STATISTICS
Since 1999, students have been able to take up to 2 papers in Statistics at Stage 1.
You may take:
ONE paper from the 475.10x series (hereafter the "10x papers")
and/or
475.110 (New for 1999)
The "10x series" – Papers 475.101, 475.102, 475.107, and 475.108
Anyone who tells you about having done Stage 1 Statistics will have done one of these papers. These are our basic Statistics papers and cover material similar to Bursary statistics but at a more advanced level. The 10x papers are virtually identical and their exams are almost identical. You may choose only one of them.
Points : These are all 2 point papers
Taught:
475.101: Introduction to Statistics Both Semesters City
475.102: Statistics for Social Sciences Both Semesters City
475.107: Statistics for Science and Technology Both Semesters Tamaki
475.108: Statistics for Commerce Both Semesters City and Tamaki
Restrictions : You can take up to two papers in Statistics at Stage 1 – at most one paper from 475.101 - 475.108 and/or paper 475.110.
Credit for Coursework : Final Exam = 65%; Coursework = 35%; 1 test worth 20% and assignments worth 15%; must obtain at least 45% in exam to pass. Conditions for plussage are given in the Study Guide for 475.10x.
Textbooks : Text and other materials produced by the Department; available from the City and Tamaki Resource Centres.
A calculator which can automatically compute means and standard deviations (see page 23 for further discussion of calculators).
Advice about the 10x Papers : Constance Brown (ext 5756), Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051), Maxine Pfannkuch (ext 8794), Stephanie Budgett (ext 8750), Joss Cumming (ext 8755), David Smith (ext 5390); Tamaki: Matt Regan (ext 5242), Ross Parsonage (ext 6608).
Choosing your 10x paper
The paper you should enrol in depends upon your degree and Campus in which you are enrolling. Pick the paper to pre-enrol in by using the following table.
If you cannot fit the paper given in the diagram into your timetable, enrol for one of the others instead. The papers are sufficiently similar.
Topics covered in the 10x papers
The topics studied in any 10x paper include: Statistics as investigation; types of investigations; tools for exploring and summarising data; probability and distributions; tools for extrapolating from data (includes confidence intervals to convey uncertainty, statistical significance, t-tests and p-values); nonparametric methods; analysing relationships (includes comparing groups and one-way analysis of variance, simple linear regression and correlation, tables of counts and the chi-square test).
The Department tries to make Statistics come alive by:
- showing videos that show statistics at work in the real world;
- using class experiments to illustrate concepts;
- using small groups to brainstorm ideas or get the answers to exercises;
- using computer demonstrations to clarify ideas, and
- choosing enthusiastic lecturers who want to see students do well.
In fact if your idea of fun is copying formulae off blackboards you probably won't like our courses!
If you think Statistics 10x sounds good but you have always been a bit worried about Maths we offer a variety of ways to prepare for Stage 1.
We try to make our courses easier by:
- organising student study groups -- make friends and help each other at the same time;
- running voluntary tutorials for people whose skills are a bit rusty;
- staffing a "Help Clinic" that is open 40 hours per week to assist you with any problems.
Differences between the 10x papers
Paper 475.101 is our basic statistics course. Paper 475.102 primarily for Arts students (City campus), is identical to 475.101 but with more emphasis on examples from the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, political studies). Paper 475.108 for Commerce students has more commerce examples and an additional computer component (learning to use computers as a tool to make data analysis easier). Paper 475.107 (Tamaki campus) has the same computer component as 475.108 but with an emphasis on examples from Science. Although we put on slightly different versions of 475.10x to cater for the interests of different groups of students, the contents all of these papers and their examinations are almost identical. Consequently, if you cannot timetable the version that would normally suit your degree "best", you should transfer into one of the others.
All students with very high bursary Mathematics marks (e.g., over 80) are encouraged to discuss their study plans and the possibility of direct entry to Stage 2 statistics with Alan Lee (ext 8759), Chris Wild (ext 8797), George Seber (ext 8745) or Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051).
Preparation required for the 10x papers
All 10x papers assume a good grasp of 6th Form Mathematics.
If you do not have a good grasp of 6th Form Mathematics, or you are a mature student who has had no contact with Mathematics for a long time,we strongly advise you to do some preparatory work prior to the course. (This material is also useful for those who have done 6th Form Mathematics, but not 7th Form Mathematics with Statistics.)
475.110: Information Visualisation (Taught for the first time in 1999)
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 2nd Semester City
Prerequisites : A 10x paper or a good mark ( 65%) in Bursary Mathematics with Statistics
Restrictions : None
Credit for coursework : Final Exam = 65%; Coursework = 35% (1 test worth 20% and assignments worth 15%); must obtain at least 45% in exam to pass.
Textbooks : No text required
For Advice : Ross Ihaka (ext 5054)
This is a new course designed to introduce students to modern computer-based techniques for visualising and analysing data from a variety of disciplines. A major emphasis will be computer graphics (see handbook cover). There is almost no overlap with Bursary and the course can be taken either by itself or together with one Statistics 10x paper. Any student with a serious interest in Statistics should include this paper.
STAGE 2 PAPERS IN STATISTICS
We teach two different aspects of Statistics at Stage 2, namely Data Analysis (475.201 or 475.208) and Statistical Theory (paper 475.210). If you wish to advance in Statistics you are advised to study both topics (ie. take one of 475.201/8 and also 475.210). You may also wish to take the introductory Operations Research paper 475.255.
475.208 Data Analysis For Commerce
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 475.201: Both Semesters City, Both Semesters Tamaki
475.208: Both Semesters City, Both Semesters Tamaki
Prerequisites : 2 Points in Stage One Statistics
Restrictions : You may take only one of these two papers.
Credit for Coursework : Final Exam = 60%; Coursework = 40%; 1 test worth 20% and assignments worth 20%; must obtain at least 45% in test and exam to pass.
Textbooks : Consult the SMIS Student Resource Centre or Tamaki SRC
For Advice : Chris Wild (ext 8797), Lynne Gilmore (Tamaki - ext 5217), David Scott (Tamaki - ext 6830) , John Pearson (ext 8756)
Topics studied include : index numbers, exploratory data analysis, introduction to analysis of variance and experimental design, regression techniques, contingency tables, sampling and questionnaire design. 475.208 includes time series.
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : Both Semesters City, 2nd Semester Tamaki
Corequisites : 445.251 or equivalent (any second year calculus paper is acceptable)
Prerequisites : 445.108 or 445.130 or 445.152
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 100 or 75%; coursework = 0 or 25%;
1 test worth 7%, tutorials worth 8% and assignments worth 10%
Textbooks : Manuscript available in class
For Advice : Alain Vandal (ext 5713), Alastair Scott (ext 8751), George Seber (ext 8745)
This paper provides the theory underlying and LEFTing the statistical methods used in Stages 1 and 2. It is aimed at students who have some interest in Statistics and who like Mathematics. In nature, this paper is much more like a Mathematics paper than it is like our Stage 1 Statistics papers. It assumes students have a good working knowledge of calculus. 475.210 is required for all more advanced papers in statistical theory. It is a good paper for students with interests in Mathematics, Operations Research, Finance, Econometrics, and theoretical aspects of Marketing Research, as well as those who consider their main interest to be Statistics. 475.210 is a prerequisite for 475.310 and admission to a Masters degree in statistics.
Topics studied include : Probability axioms; univariate discrete and continuous distributions; bivariate and multivariate distributions; change of variable techniques; moment generating functions; sampling theory for the Normal distribution; t, chi-squared and F distributions.
475.255 Introduction to Operations Research
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : Both Semesters City, 2nd Semester Tamaki
Prerequisites : 2 points in Stage 1 Statistics or Mathematics
Restrictions : 675.255, 675.311
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 80 or 70%; coursework 20 or 30%; computer based problem solving exercises and assignments.
Textbooks : Mathur & Solow, Management Science, The Art of Decision Making, (1994) (Prentice Hall)
Storm, Personal version 3, Quantitative Modelling for Decision Support, (1992) (Prentice Hall). Text only; the Storm software is provided on servers.
Package of both books, $107.00, with student discount (1998 price), from the University Bookstore
For Advice : Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051), David Ryan (Eng. Science - ext 8398), Andy Philpott (Eng. Science ext 8394), Alastair McNaughton (Tamaki - ext 5244)
This paper considers a range of practical operations research problems, including effective use of limited or valuable resources such as machines and personnel, understanding queues and forecasting. The paper is valuable for students interested in Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
The course will emphasise the relationship between business and industrial applications and their associated Operations Research models. Computer package software will be used to solve practical problems.
Topics such as linear programming, transportation and assignment models, network algorithms, queues, inventory models, and simulation will be considered.
STAGE 3 PAPERS IN STATISTICS
All Stage 3 papers are different and you may take as many of them as you wish. We will discuss 3rd year papers under two broad headings, namely, Theory papers and Applied papers. Before reading further, please look back at the statistics course diagram.
Papers 475.201 and 475.208 are identical for prerequisite purposes and are hereafter referred to as 475.201/8.
THEMES
Applied Statistics [Papers: 475.301, 475.330, 475.340, 475.350]
In content, the Stage 3 applied papers follow on from 475.201/8. All Stage 3 applied papers have restricted entry made necessary by limited laboratory space. You can confidently expect to be admitted to any of these papers if you have a grade point average of 3.5 or more.
Theoretical Statistics [Papers: 475.310, 475.325]
Paper 475.310 deals with theoretical statistics (statistical models and statistical inference). Paper 475.325 deals with applied probability and stochastic processes. Both require 475.210 (or B+ or better in 475.320 for 475.325) and second year pure mathematics.
Operations Research [Papers: 475.320, 475.325, 475.391]
Paper 475.320 deals with stochastic (probabilistic) Operations Research. Paper 475.391 deals with deterministic Operations Research. Both require Stage 2 pure mathematics.
DESCRIPTIONS OF STAGE 3 PAPERS
475.301 Data Management and Analysis
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester Tamaki, 2nd Semester City
Prerequisites : 475.201/8 or 475.210
Credit for coursework : Final Exam = 60%; Coursework = 40%; 1 test worth 15% and assignments worth 25%; must obtain at least 50% in final exam to pass.
Textbooks : Recommended: The Little SAS Book: a primer (SAS 1995). This book can be purchased in class.
For Advice: Thomas Yee (Tamaki - ext 6857), Russell Millar (Tamaki - ext 5289)
Topics studied include : The SAS package; issues of study design; study management, data management; report writing.
This paper is very useful for almost all subjects in Commerce, for Operations Research, for any experimental or social science, and those interested in medical research. It is a useful complement to Computer Science and Information Systems.
475.310 Advanced Statistical Theory
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester City (May be offered 2nd Semester City - See the HoD)
Prerequisites : 475.210 and 445.251 or equivalent
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 100 or 75%; coursework 0 or 25%; 1 test worth 15% and assignments worth 10%.
Textbook : J.A. Rice, Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, 2nd edn (1995), Duxberry Press, available from the University Bookshop
For Advice : Alastair Scott (ext 8751), Alan Lee (ext 8749)
This paper follows on from paper 475.210 and provides the theory underlying the statistical methods used in Stages 2 and 3. Many 4th year statistics papers use this paper as a prerequisite. It is a good paper for students with interests in Mathematics, Econometrics or Finance, as well as those who consider their main interest to be Statistics.
Note: This paper differs substantially from the 475.310 taught up until 1997. It is more similar in level to 475.210 than the previous 475.310.
Topics studied include : Point and interval estimation, likelihood and other approaches to inference, hypothesis testing, the linear model, decision theory and Bayesian methods.
475.320 Applied Stochastic Modelling
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester City, 2nd Semester Tamaki
Prerequisites : 2 points in Stage 1 Statistics and 445.162 or 415.101 and 445.251 or equivalent. [445.251 or equivalent means any second year calculus paper. Suitable computing experience can be substituted for 445.162 or 415.101. Check with the Department.]
Restrictions : 636.385
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 65 or 90%; coursework 35 or 10%; 10% compulsory computer assignments; 25% optional coursework consisting of 1 test and assignments; 50% in final exam to pass.
Recommended Reading : Kleijnen, J. & van Groenendaal, W., Simulation. A Statistical Perspective (Wiley 1992)
For Advice : Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051), Andy Philpott (Eng. Science ext 8394), David Ryan (Eng. Science - ext 7716), David Scott (Tamaki - ext 6830), Wiremu Solomon (ext 8771), Geoffrey Pritchard (Tamaki - ext 5267)
This paper concentrates on stochastic methods used in operations research, biology etc. It covers the construction, analysis and simulation of stochastic models, as well as some optimization questions connected with these models. It is valuable for students interested in Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science and the Biological Sciences.
Topics studied include : The Poisson process, birth and death processes, queueing theory, simulation, random number generation, variance reduction, optimization. Simulations will be done using Matlab and Extend.
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 2nd Semester City
Prerequisites : 475.210 or equivalent and 445.251 or equivalent
[445.251 or equivalent means any second year calculus paper. An equivalent to 475.210 is a B+ or better in 475.320. Check with the Department.]
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 100 or 75%; coursework 0 or 25%; 1 test worth 10% and assignments worth 15%.
Textbooks : Grimmett, G.R. and Stirzaker, D.R., Probability and Random Processes, (OUP 1992) recommended reading
For Advice : Ilze Ziedins (ext 5051), Wiremu Solomon (ext 8771), Geoffrey Pritchard (Tamaki - ext 5267)
This paper concentrates on the theory of stochastic processes. Particular attention is given to models with discrete state spaces, in both discrete and continuous time. The paper is useful for students with interests in Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Finance and Theoretical Biology.
Topics studied include : an introduction to stochastic processes, generating functions, random walks, Markov chains, branching processes, the Poisson process, Markov processes including birth and death processes.
475.330 Advanced Statistical Modelling
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester City
Prerequisites : 475.201/8 or 475.210
Restrictions : 616.321
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 60%; coursework 40%; 1 test worth 15% and assignments worth 25%; must obtain at least 50% in final exam to pass.
Textbook : Course notes available from the Student Resource Centre
For Advice : Arden Miller (ext 5053), Ross Ihaka (ext 5054), Chris Triggs (ext 8750), Alan Lee (ext 8749)
The main emphasis of this paper is on analysing data using extensions of the regression methods seen in 475.201/8. These extensions permit, for example, the building of models for response variables which are not continuous. The main statistical computer package used is Splus. Students from 475.210 who have not taken 475.201/8 will need to do some preparatory reading.
Topics studied include : Application of the generalised linear model to fit data arising from a wide range of sources, including multiple linear regression models, log-linear models and logistic regression models.
It is very useful for almost all subjects in Commerce, for Operations Research, for any experimental or social science. It is also a useful complement to Computer Science.
475.340 Design of Surveys And Experiments
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester City, 2nd Semester Tamaki
Prerequisites : 475.201/8 or 475.210
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 60%; coursework 40%; 1 test worth 15% and assignments worth 25%; must obtain at least 50% in final exam to pass.
Textbooks : Lecture notes can be purchased from the Student Resource Centre.
For Advice : Chris Triggs (ext 8750), Alastair Scott (ext 8751)
The paper looks at the design (and to some extent the analysis) of two of the most important types of statistical research study, the survey and the designed experiment (eg. how to compare sixteen consumer products when each individual can only compare four, how to produce the most robust paint surface on kitchen appliances).
Topics studied include : Survey methods including stratified, multistage and cluster sampling; experimental designs including incomplete block, Latin square, split plot, factorial and fractional designs.
This paper is useful for intending statisticians, Operations Research or Management Science professionals, and anyone wanting to do research in an area which uses such studies (eg. Market Research, the Social Sciences, the Biological Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture).
475.350 Total Quality Management
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : Full Year Tamaki
Prerequisites : 475.201/8 or 475.210
Restrictions : 636.372
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 60%; coursework 40%; 1 test worth 10%; assignments 10%; 20% project.
Textbooks : To be announced in lectures
For Advice : Peter Mullins (ext 6893/7510), Arden Miller (ext 5053)
This paper explores an area where statistics meets management. It discusses quality management philosophies, and techniques for quality assurance and improvement, including statistical quality control. Material is considered from a managerial perspective. Strict limits are enforced on the numbers of students taking this paper. [636.372 is parallel paper which assumes some knowledge of management issues and less knowledge of statistics.]
Topics studied include : Statistical quality control; quality planning; total quality management; Deming approach; costs of quality; integration of operations management and quality, in both manufacturing and services; relationship between quality management and information systems.
Please note: Emphasis will be on project work in the latter half of the course.
475.391 Optimisation in Operations Research
Points : 2 point paper
Taught : 1st Semester City, 2nd Semester Tamaki
Prerequisites : 445.162 or 415.101 and 445.251 or equivalent.
[445.251 or equivalent means any second year calculus paper. Suitable computing experience can be substituted for 445.162 or 415.101. Check with the Department.]
Restrictions : 636.392, 675.391
Credit for coursework : Final exam = 70 or 85%; coursework = 30 or 15%; 15% compulsory computer assignments; 15% optional coursework consisting of assignments and short tests.
Textbooks : Bazarra, Jarvis & Sherali, Linear Programming and Network Flows, 2nd edn, (Butterworth-Heinemann)
For Advice : David Ryan (Eng Science - ext 8398), Andy Philpott (Eng Science - ext 8394)
This paper provides an understanding of some of the mathematical ideas underlying the computer package used in 475.255, together with some practical experience in the use of the methods. 475.391 concentrates on deterministic methods based on linear optimisation models such as linear programming, integer programming and network optimisation. This paper is valuable for students interested in Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Topics studied include : Linear programming; Simplex and revised Simplex methods; duality and the dual Simplex method; post optimal analysis; integer programming; cutting planes and branch and bound; dynamic programming; network analysis; transportation and flow problems.
PREPARING FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN STATISTICS
To gain entry to the BSc(Hons), BA(Hons) or Master's programmes (MSc, MA, etc.), you will need to pass 475.210 (Statistical Theory) and one of the mathematics papers 445.252, 445.208, 445.230.
In addition, ...
BSc (Hons): 10 points in papers at Stage 3 or higher of which at least 6
shall normally be from papers in Statistics.
BA (Hons): A BA degree with at least a B- average in at least 6 points at Stage 3 or higher in Statistics.
Master's: 8 points in papers at Stage 3 or higher of which at least 6
shall normally be from papers in Statistics.
Rules can be bent for students with very good university records and a demonstrated interest in Statistics.
For further information about graduate study, see our booklet Postgraduate Statistics at Auckland.