NFYK13011U Applied Statistics: From Data to Results

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Physics
Content
The course will give the student an introduction to and a basic knowledge on statistics. The focus will be on application and thus proofs are omitted, while examples and use of computers take their place.


The course will cover the following subjects:
  • Introduction to statistics.
  • Distributions - Probability Density Functions.
  • Error propagation.
  • Correlations.
  • Monte Carlo - using simulation.
  • Statistical tests.
  • Parameter estimation - philosophy and methods of fitting data.
  • Chi-Square and Maximum Likelihood fits.
  • Simulation and planning of an experiment.
  • The power and limit of statistics. The frontier.
Learning Outcome

Skills
The student should in the course obtain the following skills:

  •   Determining mean, width, uncertainty on mean and correlations.
  •   Understading how to use probability distribution functions.
  •   Be able to calculate, propagate and interprete uncertainties.
  •   Be capable of fitting data sets and obtain parameter values.
  •   Know the use of simulation in planing experiments and data analysis.

Knowledge
The student will obtain knowledge about statistical concepts and procedures, more specifically:

  •   Binomial, Poisson and Gaussian distributions and origins.
  •   Error propagation formula and how to apply it.
  •   ChiSquare as a measure of Goodness-of-fit.
  •   Calculation and interpretation of ChiSquare probability.

Competences
This course will provide the students with an understanding of statistical methods and knowledge of data analysis, which enables them to analyse data in ALL fields of science. The students should be capable of handling uncertainties, fitting data, applying hypothesis tests and extracting conclusions from data, and thus produce statistically sound scientific work.

Literature
Primary literature: Statistics - A Guide to the Use of Statistical Methods in the Physical Sciences, Roger Barlow.
Additional literatur: Statistical Data Analysis, Glen Cowan. Data Reduction and Error Analysis, Philip R. Bevington. Statistical Methods in Experimental Physics.
Programming is an essential tool and is therefore necessary for the course. Elementary mathematics (integral calculations and combinatorics).
Lectures, exercises by computers, and discussion/projects.
Course webpage: www.nbi.dk/​~petersen/​Teaching/​AppliedStatistics2013.html
The course webpage is administered by: Troels C. Petersen (petersen@nbi.dk)

It is expected that the student brings a laptop.
Necessary software:
Windows: Xming
.Xming:http:/​/​sourceforge.net/​projects/​xming/​ & http:/​/​www.straightrunning.com/​XmingNotes/​
For support please contact SCIENCE IT, e-mail: it-support@science.ku.dk, 35 32 21 00
Linux:X11 runs automatically
MAC: For all systems since OS 10.5 you can use X11, which you can download for free at http:/​/​xquartz.macosforge.org/​landing/​.
X11 is a part of OS X in Leopard and Lion.
There will be an introduction the week before the course begins. You will be informed about time and place later.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 122
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Written assignment
25% from projects, 25% from mandatory problem sets, and 50% from take-home exam.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Re-exam
Take-home exam in coordination with the course responsible. The exam form is identical to the regular exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
SeeSkills.