STAT1070 Statistics for the Sciences Module Handbook 2026 | Newcastle STAT1070 Statistics for the Sciences How do we use data to make informed scientific decisions?
STAT1070 Statistics for the Sciences Module Handbook 2026 | Newcastle
STAT1070 Statistics for the Sciences
How do we use data to make informed scientific decisions?
This assignment introduces students to statistical thinking, data collection, data presentation and statistical analysis. Examples from a range of science related disciplines are used to illustrate the key concepts. Although the emphasis is on applied data analysis rather than statistical theory, the course also provides an appropriate introduction for those students who intend to study statistics at a higher level. Interested in studying further statistics courses to develop your skills and improve your employability? Information about available statistics courses can be found here:
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the role of statistics in developing scientific knowledge.
2. Explain how probability and sampling concepts relate to statistical analysis of data.
3. Apply basic principles of experimental design when collecting data.
4. Analyse data using common statistical software and interpret results to solve science related problems.
Assessments
This course has 3 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.
| Assessment Name | Due Date | Involvement | Weighting | Learning Outcomes | |
| 1 | Assignment | 11:59pm Sunday 12 April 2026 | Individual | 25% | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 2 | Examination | Individual | 50% | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| 3 | Online Quiz (x6) | 11:59pm Sunday, weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11. | Individual | 25% | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Assessment 1 – Assignment
| Assessment Type | Written Assignment |
| Description | The written assignment provides students with an opportunity to apply appropriate statistical methods to given problems and scenarios. It is designed to enable students to apply skills, developed in the lectorial and labs based on content in the lecture recordings, which will be used throughout their program and careers. |
| Weighting | 25% |
| Due Date | 11:59pm Sunday |
| Submission Method | Online |
| Assessment Criteria | Criteria will be provided on Canvas. |
| Return Method | Online |
| Feedback Provided | Online – . The assignment solutions will be available around seven days after the due date. Our best efforts will be made to return individual feedback within 10 days. |
| Opportunity to Reattempt | Students will not be given the opportunity to reattempt this assessment. |
Assessment 2 – Examination
| Assessment Type | Formal Examination |
| Description | Consists of written answer questions. The questions show output from statistical software and you should use the output to answer the questions provided. This is a secure assessment that aids in providing integrity to the assessment structure. |
| Weighting Due Date | 50% |
| Submission Method | Formal Exam |
| Assessment Criteria | Criteria will be provided on Canvas. |
| Return Method | Not Returned |
| Feedback Provided | No Feedback – . |
| Opportunity to Reattempt | Students will not be given the opportunity to reattempt this assessment. |
Assessment 3 – Online Quiz (X6)
| Assessment Type | Quiz |
| Description | Each online quiz consists of 10 multiple choice style questions. Students are allowed up to 60 minutes to complete the quiz but should be able to complete it within around 30 to 45 minutes. These six quizzes are designed to test knowledge of lecture recordings, lectorial and lab materials and help students maintain engagement with the course. The online nature of the quizzes facilitates timely feedback on student learning; this, coupled with the regularity of testing, enables students to self-assess their methods of studying and learning the course materials, and adjust practices as necessary in preparation for future quizzes and assessments. The quizzes highlight any areas where students may require further development or new approaches to learning which should stimulate discussion with teaching staff. An individual student’s best 5 scores of the 6 quizzes attempted will be used for the final score which contributes 25% to the course. |
| Weighting | 25% |
| Due Date | 11:59pm Sunday, weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11. |
| Submission Method | Online |
| Assessment Criteria | Criteria will be provided on Canvas. |
| Return Method | Online |
| Feedback Provided | Online – . |
| Opportunity to Reattempt | Students will not be given the opportunity to reattempt this assessment. |
Grading Scheme
This course is graded as follows:
| Range of Marks | Grade | Description |
| 85-100 | High Distinction (HD) | Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an outstanding level of academic achievement; mastery of skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives. |
| 75-84 | Distinction (D) | Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a very high level of academic ability; sound development of skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives. |
| 65-74 | Credit (C) | Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a high level of academic achievement; reasonable development of skills*; and achievement of all learning outcomes. |
| 50-64 | Pass (P) | Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an adequate level of academic achievement; satisfactory development of skills*; and achievement of all learning outcomes. |
| 0-49 | Fail (FF) | Failure to satisfactorily achieve learning outcomes. If all compulsory course components are not completed the mark will be zero. A fail grade may also be awarded following disciplinary action. |
