Bachelor of Science Honours in Statistics

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Statistics is to

• Equip learners with knowledge and expertise.
• Develop learners intellectually at a personal level.
• Enable learners to participate meaningfully in the development of the community.
• Equip learners with knowledge of various research methodologies and methods.
• Enable learners to understand the set of appropriate procedures, processes and techniques adopted for solving related problems.

The qualification focuses on the application of statistics in the fields of finance, environmental science, statistical quality control engineering and health science. The purpose will also be to expose the learners to various approaches to the process of information gathering and synthesis. An overarching purpose is also to equip the learners with knowledge and skills necessary to research postgraduate level

Graduates will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge and in-depth understanding of the concepts, theories, methods and techniques covered in the statistics.
• Apply the skills to identify, analyse and interpret complex statistical problems using appropriate techniques in statistics and other cognate disciplines
• Apply skills to access, process and manage information
• Work, communicate, anticipate and make appropriate decisions with researchers in a range of subjects.
• Apply the knowledge of relevant computer software in statistical problem-solving and modelling.

The qualification emphasises curricular attributes that are specific to the needs of these fields, which are

• Knowledge and intellectual ability.
• Interactive and personal skills.
• Workplace skills and applied knowledge.
• Teamwork.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Access, process and manage information.

Rationale

The design of the qualification focuses on meeting several employer-based requirements as well as to develop learners with statistical competencies. Employers have identified these competencies and skills as crucial. Thus, the learners will be to work in the following fields:

• Finance,
• Environmental science,
• Statistical quality control and health science.

Envisaged occupations for the learners are

• Statistical quality controller,
• Financial and economic analysts, and
• Statisticians.

Admission of learners with a Bachelor of Science qualification with Statistics is possible for this qualification. The qualification, therefore, envisages furtherance of career prospects of the graduates in statistics with other majors. The qualification has potential in terms of its applications to Business, Economics and Management industries.

The projects undertaken by the learners are related to real industrial applications which require the use of statistics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University acknowledges Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for the recognition of prior learning for admission to study at the university. Recognition of prior learning in the form of certified university qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for access. The Senate may consider appropriate professional qualifications, as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application. The relevant authority must endorse the assessment of all applicants for approval before registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science, NQF, Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Module: 40 Credits.

• Research Project, 40 Credits.

Elective Modules: 80 Credits (Choose four).

• Categorical Data Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Time Series Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Multivariate Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Correspondence Analysis and Biplots, 20 Credits.
• Stochastic Processes, 20 Credits.
• Probability Theory, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and in-depth understanding of the concepts, theories, methods and techniques covered in the statistics.
2. Apply the skills to identify, analyse and interpret complex statistical problems using appropriate techniques in statistics and other cognate disciplines.
3. Make use of information to interpret statistical data.
4. Work, communicate, predict and make appropriate decisions with researchers in a range of disciplines.
5. Apply the knowledge of relevant computer software in statistical problem-solving and modelling.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain and illustrate statistical knowledge, concepts, theories and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Analyse and solve the statistical problems.
• Interpret and manipulate statistical statements to prove key theoretical results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Access, process, and manage relevant statistical data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate communication skills through means of report-writing, and presentations.
• Make research decisions appropriately to relevant stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use appropriate statistical software to model and solve problems.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessment

Each theory module comprises a continuous assessment component and a final examination. The final mark for a theory module consists of a mark from the continuous assessment and a mark for the final examination.

Research Project (formative Assessment)

A research paper (sometimes also called a treatise) constitutes the research component which must fulfil the requirements for obtaining an Honours qualification. It is a project of defined scope and limited length and is not required to be an original contribution to a particular field of knowledge, though it may be.

Calculation of the final mark for the degree (Summative Assessment)

The mark of each of the four theory modules will carry a weight of a credit value (16.66%). In total, the theory modules will form two-thirds (2/3) of the final mark. The mark for the research project will form one third (1/3) of the final mark.