Signal from noise

What we just did

Low replication

High replication

High replication (real difference)

Life skill

Chair: if “good” requires pupil performance to exceed the national average, and if all schools must be good, how is this mathematically possible?

Michael Gove: By getting better all the time.

Chair: So it is possible, is it?

Michael Gove: It is possible to get better all the time.

Chair: Were you better at literacy than numeracy, Secretary of State?

Michael Gove: I cannot remember.

link

What I would like you to get out of your first year data science

  • Why do we do statistics? Separating signal from noise
  • R is a useful thing to learn
  • A properly designed experiment can always be analysed, no amount of stats will save a poor experiment
  • A few statistical techniques to get you started
  • A burning desire to come and do the second year course

Structure of the statistics teaching

  • Taught over BS1040 and BS1070/MB1080
  • Tested by continous assessment and in the exams
  • BS1040
    • Today: Getting started
    • Central tendency and variation
    • Single samples
    • Two samples
  • BS1070/MS1080
    • Regression
    • Analysis of variance
    • Reproducible science / Looking forward to second year

Structure of each fortnight

  • Friday before - material released
  • 1st Monday lecture
  • 1st Wednesday Help session
  • 2nd Wednesday (week later) submit MCQs