MME8202: Statistics and Research Methods

This course covers selected topics in statistics that are of relevance to engineers in general. Topics include: a brief review of basic statistical concepts and methods (random variables, statistical models and hypothesis tests); linear models (analysis of variance and regression); the design of efficient experiments, including factorial experiments and response surface methods; models for discrete data; and the effective display of data using tables and graphs. 
 
Objectives 
The course is meant to enable students to: 

• Design efficient experiments;  
• Correctly analyze experimental data; 
• Select an appropriate model and method for the analysis of engineering data in general 

 
Learning Outcomes 
After completing the course, the student shall: 
Knowledge and Understanding 

• Understand concepts such as random variable, probability, distribution, independence. 
• Understand the basic linear statistical models such as those used in regression and analysis of variance. 
• Understand the logic of hypothesis tests and the meaning of the terms "significance level" and "power". 
• Have an appreciation of the wide variety of statistical models that are used in engineering and an understanding of some of them. 
• Understand the principles of good experiment design. 

 
Skills and Abilities 

• Design an efficient experiment involving several factors. 
• Estimate the power of the experiment and how many subjects would be needed to achieve a specified power. 
• Correctly analyze experimental data; 
• Select an appropriate model and method for the analysis of engineering data in general 
• Understand engineering statistics in literature.