Key facts
UNE unit code: MATH460
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Understanding probability is vital not only for mathematics and scientific modelling, but also in daily life. Probability helps us to assess and understand risk, chance and random events, uncertainty and variation, with diverse applications that range from science and research to computer gaming, sports, insurance and risk management and weather forecasting.
This unit is an introduction to probability distributions and how to apply its concepts to solve practical problems. It also lays the foundations for further studies in statistics, data science or machine learning.
Through lectures, tutorials and practical computing exercises presenting real-world problems, you will explore random variables, expected values, standard discrete and standard continuous distributions, bivariate distributions, and transformation of random variables. Extend your theoretical knowledge and fine tune technical skills that are invaluable in many sectors or prepare yourself for postgraduate studies.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Online students must have access to the statistical package R
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- use probability to infer outcomes from processes with random events in a variety of contexts;
- use simulation to do calculations for complex problems where the analytical methods are intractable;
- demonstrate an advanced knowledge of probability and simulation by applying an understanding of a range of discrete and continuous distributions to solving complex problems; and
- demonstrate a high level of understanding and highly developed communication skills by independently and critically analysing a special topic on probability and simulation.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 8% | All offerings | Problem solving and equation-based assignment. Students must obtain at least 40% overall for the first four assignments and at least 50% in assignment 5. |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 8% | All offerings | Problem solving and equation-based assignment. Students must obtain at least 40% overall for the first four assignments and at least 50% in assignment 5. |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 8% | All offerings | Problem solving and equation-based assignment. Students must obtain at least 40% overall for the first four assignments and at least 50% in assignment 5. |
Assessment 4 | Yes | 8% | All offerings | Problem solving and equation-based assignment. Students must obtain at least 40% overall for the first four assignments and at least 50% in assignment 5. |
Assessment 5 | Yes | 8% | All offerings | Advanced reading topic. Students must obtain at least 40% overall for the first four assignments and at least 50% in assignment 5. |
Final Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Students must achieve a minimum of 40% in the final examination. An overall passing grade for this unit will only be awarded when all assessment task requirements are met and an overall passing mark of at least 50% is achieved. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Mathematical Statistics with Applications
ISBN: 9780495110811
Wackerly, D., Mendenhall, W. and Scheaffer, R.L., Duxbury 7th ed. 2007
Text refers to: All offerings
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