MSc in Applied Statistics and Datamining

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.

Compulsory

• Advanced-Data Analysis: covers modern modeling methods for situations where the data fails to meet the assumptions of common statistical models and simple remedies do not suffice
• Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: covers the main aspects of linear models and generalized linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment, and tools for diagnosing model faults
• Introductory Data Analysis: covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant to commercial analysis
• Knowledge Discovery and Datamining: covers many of the methods found under the banner of data mining, building from a theoretical perspective but ultimately teaching practical application
• Multivariate Analysis: introductory and advanced training in the applied analysis of multivariate data
• Software for Data Analysis: covers the practical computing aspects of statistical data analysis focusing on widely used packages, including data-wrangling and visualization.

Optional Undergraduate modules

Students choose one optional module, which can be chosen from the School's modules at level 3000 or above.

Undergraduate-level modules

• Bayesian Inference
• Classical Statistical Inference
• Computational Numerical Analysis
• Computing in Statistics
• Design of Experiments
• Financial Mathematics
• Introduction to Mathematical Computing
• Markov Chains and Processes
• Population Dynamics Models in Mathematical Biology
• Population Genetics
• Quantitative Risk Management
• Sampling Theory
• Spatial Statistics
• Time Series Analysis

Optional Postgraduate modules

Postgraduate-level modules

• Advanced Bayesian Inference
• Advanced Combinatorics
• Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity
• Independent Study Module
• Mathematical Oncology
• Medical Statistics
• Modelling Wildlife Population Dynamics
• Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology

Computer Science modules

In addition, students may take modules from the School of Computer Science that are consistent with the degree. Representative examples of these modules are:

• Data-Intensive Systems
• Database Management Systems

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students.

Dissertation

MSc students complete a dissertation during the final three months of the course to be submitted near the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation. Many topics are in collaboration with companies and other external bodies.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Teaching

Teaching format

The programme consists of two semesters with taught components which include a mixture of short, intensive courses with a large proportion of continuous assessment and more traditional lecture courses with end-of-semester exams.

For those on the MSc, the taught component will be followed by a dissertation project taking place during the last three months of the course.

Support

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is well equipped with personal computers and laptops, a parallel computer and an on-site library.

Graduates from this programme typically seek employment as analysts within a company, research body, government, or as statistical consultants.

Recent graduates have found employment in:

• large consulting firms and major financial institutions including:
• American Express
• Aviva
• Capital One
• Goldman Sachs
• Lloyds
• PwC
• RBS
• Scottish and Southern Energy
• Tesco Bank
• TSB
• Vodafone
  • American Express
  • Aviva
  • Capital One
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Lloyds
  • PwC
  • RBS
  • Scottish and Southern Energy
  • Tesco Bank
  • TSB
  • Vodafone
• Biomedical research, clinical trials and pharmaceuticals
• Wildlife and conservation managers including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Further study

The MSc in Applied Statistics and Datamining prepares students for further postgraduate studies in statistical data research, and many graduates of the programme continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active research groups in:

• Applied Mathematics (Vortex Dynamics Group, Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group)
• Pure Mathematics (Analysis Group, Algebra and Combinatorics Group)
• Mathematical Biology (Mathematical Oncology, Cell Migration and Tissue Growth)
• Statistics (Statistical Ecology, Statistical Medicine and Molecular Biology, and Statistical Methodology).