Statistics · 6 ECTS
- Semester
- Spring semester
- Workload
- 6 ECTS
- Degree
- OEC · INF
Module overview
Statistics is the science of data. The aim of the lecture is to provide a thorough introduction to this science and to discuss its fundamental concepts. The first part deals with how to look at data sensibly and analyze them exploratorily—one could call this "informal statistics." The second part briefly examines where data come from. Statistical methods extract information from data, so the quality of that information depends crucially on data quality. We discuss how to collect data and how not to. The fourth and fifth parts cover the classical methods of statistical inference: confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. The goal is to draw conclusions about the entire underlying population based on a limited sample—this could be called "formal statistics." The third part builds the bridge from informal to formal statistics via probability theory. For us it is mainly a means to an end: we learn the tools needed to do formal statistics, though it is also interesting in its own right.
Retained from the earlier FVOEC module texts. The current description in the UZH module catalogue is authoritative.
What you will learn
- Probability and distributions
- Estimation and testing
- Simple regression
Tips from a student perspective
FVOEC student experience
- Statistics is not everyone’s favorite, but there is no way around it. You will need this knowledge at some point, and you may wish you had paid more attention back in semester 2. The topics of confidence and the null hypothesis will likely follow many of you up to the bachelor’s thesis and beyond, so here are some tips:
- The basic concepts of statistics are crucial because future courses build on them. If you lose the thread with some theories, search YouTube for explanation videos; there are many.
- Do the weekly exercises before attending the tutorial. The statistics exercises are quite manageable if you have internalized the lecture material. We recommend solving them with a study buddy; learning is more enjoyable that way.
- Find a tutor who goes through the exercises at a pace that works for you. Each tutorial group has its own speed; pick the one that fits your learning style.
- Do all the mock exams you can find. Search online or ask friends from higher years. You will find answers much faster in the exam if you have already solved similar formats many times, and you will be less nervous.
- Do not underestimate the MOVO/clicker questions on the slides. They are gold. Review them again before the exam.
- Creating your own formula sheet can help structure the material. Check the current OLAT information to see which aids, if any, are permitted in the exam.
These notes reflect earlier course editions. Teaching staff, assessments, compulsory coursework, materials, and permitted aids can change.
Established study materials
- Formula sheets, past exams
SO22 V2 · HS26
Authoritative module information
Availability, language, teaching staff, and assessment can change. Check the current semester in the UZH module catalogue.