PG Dip Statistics

kencoo

hi all,

Im trying to decide if i will do a post grad dip in trinity college this september. Closing date is fast approaching!

Thing is i am rubbish at maths, always was, and am wondering realistically if maths is a big aspect of the course? Im nervous of being completely out of my depth very quickly....the website says maths isnt a big aspect but im not so sure.....

I have a law degree and a professional chartered qualification (so im not that thick!) and work in insurance which requires some level of stats (mostly straighforward stuff).

Has anyone done this course? Is maths realistically a large component? Is it a tough course?

Any advice is most welcome.

Thanks

Aoibheann

You've probably seen all this, but I'll go ahead just in case! The course outline gives a description of the modules involved, it actually specifically states that one of the electives may not be suitable for those coming from a weak mathematical background. I'd imagine the rest should be doable if that's the case.

Also, from the FAQ section, it states:

Is there much maths involved?

The course focuses on ideas and applications rather than mathematical detail. However, participants need to be comfortable with the use of mathematical notation. Leaving certificate mathematics would be a more than adequate basis for most modules. Note, though, that the Time Series module is a bit more technical and might not be suitable for those with a weak mathematical background.

At the end of that paragraph, there's a link to a word doc relating to the math. background, and it's honestly very simple stuff that it goes over. The base module and the first two electives (particularly the Intro to Regression) definitely look doable if you have some background in stats. Also, the fact that it's geared towards non-stats graduates almost certainly means that they'd have to start fairly near the basics for anything.

Hopefully someone who's actually taken the course can confirm this, but it does definitely seem manageable.

General Atomic

I did the course last year and the level of maths required isn't high at all. You're mainly learning about concepts and analytical methods as well as how to use software packages like Minitab to do the heavy lifting. You'll have to do some maths in class and the exam but it doesn't go much further than a bit of algebra, the occasional sessions with logarithms, some geometry and interpretin tables of numbers.

It's a very interesting course but its usefulness depends on your particular walk of life. I find it very useful for my Ph.D work for quantitative analysis of my results.

kencoo

Guys,

Thanks for the comments. The minitab comment is most useful.

Do you know if the majority of the class managed to graduate from the program or were there may failures?

General Atomic

When I glanced at the noticeboard it appeared as though 30-40% of the class either had to do supplemental exams or failed. The course can be difficult if you don't keep up attendance and study before the exams but it's quite passable in my estimation.