This Level 2 unit completes an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of statistics. There are two strands to the subject: distribution theory and statistical inference. The aim of the unit is to present a solid foundation in statistical theory and to provide an understanding of the relevance and importance of the theory in solving practical problems in the real world. The theoretical basis of the dual arms of classical statistical inference (estimation and hypothesis testing) is discussed relating the probabilistic half of the course to the final objective - inference.

The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modeling methods, techniques for database design using a set of business rules that are derived from a case study and finally implementation of the database using a commercial relational database management system. The unit also examines a number of important database concepts such as database administration, concurrency, backup and recovery and security. At the same time student learning and intercommunication skills are enhanced by running tutorial presentations and group assignments.

This unit presents data mining as a well structured standard process, namely, the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CISP-DM). Further, this unit emphasizes (1) the presentation of data mining as a process, (2) the “White box” approach, emphasizing an understanding of the underlying algorithmic structures, (3) the graphical approach, emphasizing exploratory data analysis, and (4) the logical presentation, flowing naturally from the CRISP-DM standard process and the set of data mining tasks. This unit gives the insight of the data mining algorithms, by using small data sets and then provides examples of the application of the various algorithms on actual large data sets. Finally it provides the hands-on analysis problems, representing an opportunity to apply acquired data mining expertise to solving real problems using large data sets.

Biometry introduces students to various statistical techniques necessary in scientific endeavours. Presentation of the content will emphasize the correct principles and procedures for collecting and analysing scientific data, using a hands-on approach. Topics include effective methods of gathering data, statistical principles of designing experiments, error analysis, describing different sets of data, probability distributions, statistical inference, non-parametric methods, simple linear regression and analysis of categorical data.

Statistics for Business introduces the basic concepts and techniques of statistics that are particularly relevant to problem solving in business. It also provides a sound base for more advanced study in statistics and forecasting in subsequent sessions. Topics include: presentation of data; descriptive statistics; the role of uncertainty in business decision making; hypothesis testing; and basic forecasting.

Statistical Decision Making introduces students to various statistical techniques supporting the study of computing and science. Presentation of the content will emphasize the correct principles and procedures for collecting and analysing scientific data, using information and communication technologies. Topics include describing different sets of data, probability distributions, statistical inference, and simple linear regression and correlation.