General description

The importance of quantitative and in particular statistical methods is increasing in many domains of science. Growing complexity of scientific problems induces the need for the development of new and appropriate statistical methods. Current challenges include for example: • ecology: biodiversity quantification

• infectious disease epidemiology: outbreak detection • financial mathematics: valuation of stock options • industrial engineering: stochastic optimization • genomics: personalized medicine
  

For an appropriate approach to the solution of these challenges a multitude of statistical techniques are to be mastered by today's scientists • regression for correlated data

• handling of missing values
  
• analysis of event time and longitudinal data • methods of model selection and validation The courses of the minor degree program in Applied Probability and Statistics will not treat all of these methods in detail but provide the participants nevertheless with a solid basis in probability and statistics. The minor degree program is attractive for all students interested in stochastic methods and modeling.
  

Admission requirements

The provisions laid out in the framework ordinance for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and the provisions defined in the program regulations at the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich, apply.

Branch of studies

Mathematics

Educational goals

A minor study program Applied Probability and Statistics provides students with an enhanced background in probability and statistics and a practical training in many fundamental and modern methods of applied probability
and statistics. Classes are interactive and the methodology is illustrated using the free programming language R. Graduates of the minor degree program are able to

• understand and interpret statistical analyses
  
• plan, conduct and convey their own experiments and analyses.
  
• to recognize a situation where their own skills are not sufficient anymore and the help of an external expert is necessary
  

Participants learn to find relevant information on a statistical topic in the primary literature, and communicate it in written and oral form using the proper terminology.
Additionally, they gain experience in independently conducting a project.

ECTS credits

60 ECTS Credits

Program structure

The minor study program in Applied Probability and Statistics includes in total compulsory modules for 30 ECTS credits and core elective modules for at least 3 ECTS credits. Those are supplemented with elective modules for
10 ECTS credits. Elective modules can be chosen from all modules containing quantitative, program relevant subjects conditional on the approval of the program coordinator. It is recommended to establish a study plan with the program coordinator.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

German, English