In this panel discussion, Dr Katie Chicot hosts statisticians Dr Kaustubh Adhikari & Professor Kevin McConway who explain when you can and can’t trust statistics. The discussion will cover important questions you should ask yourself about the statistics in front of you: Who produced the statistics? Why are they showing me this? Has the work been verified?
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Tim Harford presents BBC Radio 4's surprising and refreshing guide to statistics in the news.
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Qualifications
BSc (Honours) Mathematics
This degree will take your understanding of the concepts, theories and applications of mathematics to graduate level, and give you the opportunity to study some statistics, theoretical physics or mathematics education. You'll cover a wide range of topics and develop an understanding of mathematical problems and approaches. You'll get plenty of practice with essential methods and tools, and increase your familiarity with mathematical software. You'll gain an appreciation of the role and construction of rigorous proof, and build experience of communicating mathematical arguments and conclusions.
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BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Statistics
This degree will provide you with extensive knowledge of probability and statistics, combined with either pure mathematics or applied mathematics. It will equip you with problem-solving and decision-making tools; give you experience using relevant software packages; and provide practice in conducting and communicating statistical investigations. You'll develop your understanding of time series analysis, multivariate data analysis, regression analysis, and hypothesis testing; and explore classical and Bayesian approaches to statistics.
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BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Physics
In this degree, you'll develop knowledge and understanding of key concepts in theoretical physics and the underpinning mathematical ideas and methods. It will teach you how to use essential techniques and relevant software, and acquire skills in communicating arguments and conclusions clearly and concisely. You'll explore the concepts of modern physics, including Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. And have the opportunity to get plenty of practice with the tools of applied mathematics, including mathematical methods, mathematical modelling and numerical analysis.
Learn more ❯BSc (Honours) Mathematics and PhysicsModules
Discovering mathematics
This key introductory OU level 1 module provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You'll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be needed if you plan to study more mathematics modules, such as (MST124), and are also required in other areas, such as computing, economics, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.
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Essential mathematics 1
This key introductory module provides a broad and enjoyable foundation for university-level mathematics, but you do require some prior knowledge. It teaches you the essential ideas and techniques that underpin university-level study in mathematics and mathematical subjects such as physics, engineering and economics. You'll study a range of fundamental topics ? including calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers ? and use mathematical software to solve problems. You'll also develop your skills in communicating results and defining problems. This is not a module for beginners. Our MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) contains quizzes, sample material and advice to help you decide if this is the right module for you.
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Introducing statistics
Today, more than ever, statistics is part of our lives. From this key introductory module you will learn how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods that are useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics covered include: summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation. Using data from a range of applications, you'll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles, as well as using software and a calculator to analyse data. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics modules or if you encounter data in another subject or your daily life.
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Using numbers and handling data
You might not realise it, but maths is an essential component of healthcare. In fact, sloppy calculations can have fatal consequences. This free course, Using numbers and handling data, is designed for those contemplating a future in the health services industry.
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Visualisation: Visual representations of data and information
Modern society is often referred to as 'the information society' - but how can we make sense of all the information we are bombarded with? In this free course, Visualisation: Visual representations of data and information, you will learn how to interpret, and in some cases create, visual representations of data and information that help us to see things in a different way.
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Exploring data: Graphs and numerical summaries
This free course, Exploring data: graphs and numerical summaries, will introduce you to a number of ways of representing data graphically and of summarising data numerically. You will learn the uses for pie charts, bar charts, histograms and scatterplots. You will also be introduced to various ways of summarising data and methods for assessing location and dispersion.
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