Statistics

XtotheZ

Hi is there anyone here doing Statistics in UCD and could give me and idea of what its like and what they think of it? Id be very sciency/math type of person and think id like it. Also what are the hours like?
Cheers

pacni

I'm currently a first year science student focusing on Maths. For statistics, you would have to enter through the general science route and focus on Statistics in later years. I've taken some statistics modules this year and will be taking several more next year so do you have any specific questions about it?

XtotheZ

Hi, do you find it interesting? Also is it more 'real world based' or theoretical and are there any project?
Also in the general science, is it all sciences ie Biology, Chemistry or just mathmatical sciences?
Cheers

pacni

XtotheZ wrote: »

Hi, do you find it interesting? Also is it more 'real world based' or theoretical and are there any project?
Also in the general science, is it all sciences ie Biology, Chemistry or just mathmatical sciences?
Cheers

Honestly, not really. I don't particularly like statistics for several reasons but I know many people who do so that's just my opinion! I prefer more challenging pure or applied mathematics. In first year you can take modules across all of science, or you can pick a stream and focus on a certain type - the streams are Biology, Chemistry or Maths/Physics. If you were interested in Statistics you would probably choose the Maths/Physics stream and that would mean you'd have to take the core modules for these in addition to any optional Statistics modules you choose. It's very accessible in 1st year, the statistic modules are basic statistical modelling involving hypothesis testing etc. Statistics doesn't really get interesting until later years when you start using Linear Algebra and the mathematics gets much more complicated. My impression at the minute is it's really just putting a lot of numbers into lots of different formulas.

The best thing about UCD's general science is that it lets you take modules across all of science and there is lots if flexibility if you decide that your original choice isn't what you want to continue doing. You don't actually chose your final degree until 3rd year, although obviously you need to have met the prerequisites so you need to start narrowing down before that. However, if you chose your modules correctly, you can have the option of several different degree choices in 3rd year - Mathematics, Mathematical Science, Statistics.

Statistics is always going to be the most relatable subject with regards to "real world" applications, from the very beginning you can use it in situations that are perfectly plausible e.g. Assessing statistical significance in drug testing, grades, sports results etc. I am not sure if you do a project in later years but you can choose to base your Scientific Enquiry module on statistical methods like our group did. (This is a compulsory 1st year module to try and give an introduction to academic research). The lecturers are great (for the most part) and almost all of your classes will be in the brand new Science Centre which is a fantastic facility!

Hope this helps.

Durz0 Blint

I know someone doing economics and statistics, through the arts omnibus, and based off what they say, it seems to be a tough course.