MEK2200 Statistics and Risk Management Course description

The course includes training in statistical methods used for the processing of measurement data, handling sources of error, calculating probability and estimating measurement uncertainty. Furthermore, an introduction will be provided into regression analysis and methods for calibration and quantification, hypothesis testing and variance analysis. Emphasis will be placed on showing the application of statistical theory through examples and statistical problems. The course also includes definitions and discussions of basic concepts in risk management. The course gives the students basic knowledge and an understanding of quality control and quality assurance through, amongst other things, the application of knowledge acquired in statistics and risk management.

Admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student is capable of explaining:

• probability, probability calculation and probability distribution
• basic statistical processing of measurement data
• confidence and significance, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, variance analysis
• errors and uncertainty, error accumulation and uncertainty estimates
• calibration and calibration curves
• what a risk assessment is, how a risk assessment is conducted, common methods used and how risk assessment is used in risk management
• quality control and quality assessment principles

Skills

The student is capable of:

• assessing uncertainty and sources of error in measurement results
• using statistical methods to interpret and quality check measurement results
• performing risk assessments of various problems and interpreting and presenting the results of the analysis as a contribution to decisions concerning risk and quality

General competence

The student:

• has basic insight into quality assessments and requirements
• has knowledge of how accuracy and precision in measurement results are affected by sources of error and uncertainty in instrumentation, procedures and work techniques
• has insight into statistical methods for the processing and interpretation of measurement data
• has a basic understanding of ethical issues relating to risk assessment, the use of risk acceptance criteria and how risk assessments can be used and abused

The teaching will mainly consist of lectures and exercises.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Two individual written assignments (1-10 pages each), which correspond to a total of approximately 15 hours of work.
• One project assignment in groups, 1-5 students per group, which corresponds to approximately 10 hours of work per student.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• thorough knowledge of main social science philosophy topics relevant to social welfare and health policy studies
• knowledge of theories and concepts enabling systematic reflection on social science

Skills

The student can

• analyse, discuss and evaluate social science from the viewpoint of philosophy of science

General competence

The student has

• thorough understanding of the relation between actual research and theories about research
• a well developed understanding of the foundations of research results and design

The teaching consists of lectures (including electronic lectures), seminars and tutorials related to the coursework requirements. Students are expected to play an active role.

The following coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam:

Students must submit three essays on the philosophy of social science (500 Words each).

The four essays are separately awarded a Pass or Fail. A Pass in all of them qualifies for sitting the school exam.

Students whose coursework requirement is not approved may resubmit once. If not approved after two submissions the student will be disqualified from sitting the final school examination.

The assessment consists of a six hour school exam.