University of Alaska Fairbanks

1996-1997 catalog

Degrees and Programs


Statistics

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Mathematical Sciences
(907) 474-7332

Degree: B.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 120 credits

Statistics is a collection of methods for making decisions or estimating unknown quantities from incomplete information. Statistical techniques are useful, for example, in estimating plant, animal and mineral abundances; forecasting social, political and economic trends; planning field plot experiments in agriculture; performing clinical trials in medical research; and maintaining quality control in industry. Employment opportunities are excellent for statisticians in many of these areas of application.

The curriculum for the B.S. in statistics provides a strong mathematics and statistics background and integrates this with an area of application. The program allows considerable flexibility in the choice of the area of application.

The statistics program is administered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences. In addition to the B.S. in statistics, the department offers a bachelor's degree in mathematics with an emphasis in statistics. A minor in statistics is also available.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

No student will be allowed to declare Statistics as a major unless she/he is ready to matriculate into MATH 200, Calculus I. Upon satisfying the above condition the student must satisfy the following requirements in order to graduate with a degree in Statistics.

Statistics B.S. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements and B.S. degree requirements. The mathematics requirements should be met with MATH 200-201. ENGL 314 is recommended to fulfill one of the writing intensive course requirements.
  2. Complete the following major requirements:
    1. Statistics Core (26 Credits)
      MATH 202X Calculus (4)
      MATH 371 Probability (3)
      MATH 408 Mathematical Statistics (3)
      CS 103 Intro. to Computer Programming or any higher level CS course (3)
      STAT 200 Elementary Probability and Statistics or STAT 300 Statistics (3)
      STAT 401 Regression and Analysis of Variance (4)
      STAT 402 Scientific Sampling (3)
      STAT 498 Senior Project (3)
    2. Electives in the Major
      Choose two of the following:
      STAT 461 Applied Multivariate Statistics (3)
      MATH 307 Discrete Mathematics (3)
      MATH 310 Numerical Analysis (3)
      MATH 314 Linear Algebra (3)
      MATH 401 Advanced Calculus I (3)
      MATH 402 Advanced Calculus II (3)
      MATH 460 Mathematical Modeling (3)
      STAT, MATH or statistical discipline oriented course approved by the statistics program chairperson (3)
    3. Area of Application
      Credits received in the area of application may reduce the number of required credits in the general distribution requirements of humanities/social science and science. (24 Credits)
      Complete a minimum of 24 credits, including at least 6 upper division, in a single discipline in which a UAF Bachelor's Degree is offered. Joint approval in writing is required from the department head in the area of application and the statistics advisor.
      Examples of programs for areas of application for computer science, biology, wildlife, geology, natural resource management, and economics are available. Other areas of application are available.
      Minimum credits required 120

A mathematics minor is completed by all statistics majors.

A Statistics/Math double major may be obtained by taking the following in addition to Items 1 and 2A above: MATH 215, 308, 314, 401, 492 and complete 12 additional credits in upper division math or statistics. A math elective package is MATH 371 and 408, STAT 401 and 402 plus 8 credits upper division MATH or STAT. The statistics elective package is MATH 314 and 401. Total credit hours 60 including MATH 200-201. Other double majors are available.

Minor in Statistics

  • Complete the following:
    STAT 200 Elementary Probability and Statistics or STAT 300 Statistics (3)
    STAT 401 Regression and Analysis of Variance (3)
    MATH 371 Probability* (3)
    MATH 408 Mathematical Statistics (3)
    In addition, complete three (3) credits of approved MATH, STAT or STAT related coursework (e.g., BA 360, GEOS 430, ANTH 424, MATH 460, etc.) (3)

Fisheries majors selecting the research option need only complete MATH 371 and 408 in addition to their fisheries requirements to obtain a minor in statistics.

*MATH 371 requires MATH 200-201-202 as prerequisites.

These courses can be used to simultaneously satisfy other major or general distribution requirements.