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Department of Physics and Astronomy

Data Analysis Techniques (890F3)

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Data Analysis Techniques

Module 890F3

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

To introduce the mathematical and statistical techniques used to analyse data. The module is fairly rigorous, and is aimed at students who have, or anticipate having, research data to analyse in a thorough and unbiased way.
Topics include: Random variables; error propagation; estimation and fitting; Bayesian probabilitry; Monte Carlo techniques.

Pre-Requisite

None.

Module learning outcomes

Understand various probability distributions, such as Binomial, Poisson and Gaussian, and be able to apply them appropriately.

Be able to propagate uncertainties in experimental (or theoretical) calculations, including use of the covariance matrix to treat correlations.

Understand and be able to apply various parameter optimization techniques such as Least Squares fitting and the Maximum Likelihood method.

Be familiar with the use of Monte Carlo techniques and Bayesian statistics.

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework70.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Software ExerciseA1 Week 1 100.00%
Coursework30.00%
Coursework components. Average of best 2 coursework marks.
Problem SetT1 Week 10  
Problem SetT1 Week 4  
Problem SetT1 Week 7  
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterWorkshop1 hour11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour22222222222

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Jonathan Loveday

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/114680

Prof Matthias Keller

Convenor
/profiles/178720

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