NCEA Level 3 Statistics and Probability
Subject Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. Johnstone.
What is Statistics?
We live in an increasingly data-rich and digital world. Computers allow us to collect and store information in quantities that previously would not even have been dreamt of. However, raw, undigested data stored on computers is useless until people can start to make sense of it.
Statistics is the human side of the digital revolution, an information science, the art and science of extracting meaning from seemingly incomprehensible data. Statistics applies to almost any field, which is why some training in statistics can help make you more effective and more employable, regardless of the career direction you choose.
Statistics is about investigation: asking questions, designing ways to collect data to answer those questions, collecting data, making sense of what the data say to produce sensible answers.
The aim of the course is to introduce and develop basic mathematical and statistical skills appropriate for students interested in any field where the collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data is important.
The course will consolidate and extend upon work introduced in Year 12 on basic statistical and probability methods, and extend students’ abilities to tackle simple modelling and problem-solving situations. The course will develop students’ awareness both of the wide range of applications of statistics and probability and of the reason for its usefulness.
Careers and pathways:
Statisticians make sense of data and use those insights to explain what is observed and predict what is as yet unknown. There are many avenues for study and work, from statistical theory to its application in biology, climate science, medicine, the social sciences, physics, agriculture, finance and economics, and even history and archaeology.
What the course is like:
There is more reading and writing than calculating in Statistics. The course consists of three internals, which involve writing a full statistical investigation report, and two externals – one involves mainly calculations and the other requires knowledge of concepts.
Comparing Courses: 13STAT and 13MAS
13MAS | 13STAT |
Bivariate Data | Bivariate Data |
Systems of Equations | Time Series |
Linear Programming | Experiments |
Critical Path Analysis | |
Probability Distributions | Probability Distributions |
Probability Concepts | Statistical Reports |
total credits = 20 | total credits = 20 |
Subject Overview
Term 1
Bivariate Data
Time Series
Term 2
Time Series
Statistical Experiments
Probability Distributions
Term 3
Probability Distributions
Statistical Reports
Term 4
Statistical Reports
Revision for Exams
Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
- Achievement in at least 3 of the standards offered in the Level 2 Mathematics courses, with 2.12 (Probability) being one of these standards.
- A minimum of 1 Merit in an Achievement Standard. For students coming from 12MAS or 12STAT, this Merit grade must be from a Statistics Achievement Standard.
- Competence in statistical report writing.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Approximately $45 to cover the costs of workbooks and notes
Laptop
Casio FX9860 Giii graphics calculator
Please refer to the stationery list for stationery requirements.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Mathematics and Statistics 3.8 - Investigate time series data
NZQA Info
Mathematics and Statistics 3.9 - Investigate bivariate measurement data
NZQA Info
Mathematics and Statistics 3.11 - Conduct an experiment to investigate a situation using experimental design principles
NZQA Info
Mathematics and Statistics 3.12 - Evaluate statistically based reports
NZQA Info
Mathematics and Statistics 3.14 - Apply probability distributions in solving problems
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Disclaimer
Your selection does not guarantee course placement. Course costs and standards listed may vary.