Maths (Statistics) (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in Maths (Higher tier); (GCSE grade C in English Language preferred).

About the Subject

Information processing skills are increasingly important in the 21st Century. Being able to collect, process, analyse & interpret data are sought after skills. Many employers and higher education courses are looking for applicants who are both numerate and able to handle data.

The study of A or AS level Statistics will equip you with these vital skills. You will also broaden your numerical knowledge and understanding.

As a tool, Statistics will complement and aid many other subjects such as: Social and Environmental Sciences, Biology, Economics, Business Studies and Medicine. It is one of the most useful courses on the curriculum in terms of its fit with other subjects. We would strongly recommend Psychology students consider this as an option.

Course Content

Year 1

In the first year you will study three modules: Statistics 1 (SS01). The module extends the Statistics you will have covered as part of GCSE Maths including probability and numerical measures (averages and measures of spread); techniques for solving real-life problems using the Normal and Binomial Probability distributions are developed. What is the probability of a man being over 2 metres tall? What is the probability of obtaining 7 heads from 10 coin throws?

In Statistics 2 (SS02) via Time Series analysis you will investigate seasonal variation and trends using moving averages to estimate seasonal effects and make forecasts. Can we predict the winning time for the 110m hurdles at the London Olympics? Sampling methods are considered - How would you select a sample of 60 college students? You will learn the procedure for hypothesis testing and will investigate the various ways in which data can be represented diagrammatically. You will model real-life situations using the Poisson distribution and solve practical problems related to Discrete Probability distributions. What is the probability of there being 5 people at the checkout at the local supermarket?

The Statistics 3 (SS03) module investigates many of the Statistical tests used by social scientists to test hypotheses. Does increased sleep raise achievement level? Do people prefer chunky Kit-Kats to regular ones? You will also calculate correlation coefficients to test for association between two variables. Are longer books more expensive than short books?

S3 is taken in January and S1 and S2 are taken in summer.

Year 2

In the second year you will study 3 more modules Statistics 4,5 and 6. All assume that students are familiar with the knowledge, skills and understanding implicit in the AS modules. Continuous probability distributions and hypothesis testing are applied to practical situations and results are interpreted in context. What is the probability that my 8 year old spends more than one hour on the X-Box? The t-test is introduced and the Poisson distribution is revisited in Statistics 4 and the examination is sat in January. In Statistics 5 realworld situations are modelled using Rectangular and Exponential probability distributions, - Investigate the time between goals at a football match. Experimental design, analysis of variance and further sampling is covered in Statistics 6.

Both S5 and S6 are taken in summer.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by a 1½ hour exam