Statistics

Statistics courses
Statistics department home page

Director of undergraduate studies: Andrew Barron, 24 Hillhouse Ave., 432-0634, andrew.barron@yale.edu

FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS

Professors

*Donald Andrews, Andrew Barron, Joseph Chang, *Donald Green, John Hartigan (Emeritus), *Peter Phillips, David Pollard, *Heping Zhang, *Hongyu Zhao

Associate Professors

*Sekhar Tatikonda, *Edmund Yeh

Assistant Professors

Lisha Chen, John Emerson, Mokshay Madiman, Harrison Zhou

Lecturer

Jonathan Reuning-Scherer

*A joint appointment with primary affiliation in another department or school.

Statistics is the science and art of prediction and explanation. The mathematical foundation of statistics lies in the theory of probability, which is applied to problems of making inferences and decisions under uncertainty. Practical statistical analysis also uses a variety of computational techniques, methods of visualizing and exploring data, methods of seeking and establishing structure and trends in data, and a mode of questioning and reasoning that quantifies uncertainty.

The Statistics program at Yale is a blend of the mathematical theory of probability and statistical inference, the philosophy of inference under uncertainty, computational techniques, the practice of data analysis, and statistical analysis applied to economics, biology, medicine, engineering, and other areas. Statistical methods are widely used in the sciences, medicine, industry, business, and government; graduates can work in these areas or go on to graduate study.

The curriculum for the Statistics major is a synthesis of theory, methods, and applications. The requirements are designed to achieve some balance and depth in each of the three directions of probability, statistics, and data analysis. Statistics can be taken either as a primary major or as one of two majors, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. Appropriate majors to combine with Statistics include programs in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics. A Statistics concentration is also available within the Applied Mathematics major.

Prerequisites. Multivariable calculus and linear algebra are required and should be taken before or during the sophomore year. This requirement may be satisfied by MATH 120a or b and MATH 222a or b or 225a or b, or equivalents.

Requirements of the major for the B.A. degree program. The program requires ten term courses beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project. Majors take two courses in the theory and applications of probability (STAT 241a and 251b), two courses emphasizing the theory of statistical inference (STAT 242b and 312a), and two courses in the methods and practice of data analysis, chosen from STAT 230b, 361a, and 363b. STAT 238a may be substituted for STAT 241a with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies. All majors are also required to take a course in computing (ENAS 130b or CPSC 112a or b). The two remaining courses are electives chosen from Statistics courses numbered above 200. Appropriate courses in other departments or in the graduate school may count toward the major with permission of the director of undergraduate studies.

Requirements of the major for the B.S. degree program. In addition to the courses indicated for the B.A. major, the B.S. degree requires a course in mathematical analysis (MATH 260b, 300b, or 301a) and an additional Statistics elective numbered above 200.

Senior requirement. In the senior year, majors in both degree programs complete a research project in STAT 490b. Students enrolled in this course work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, present and share their progress with each other during the seminar meetings, and write a final report.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

Prerequisites: Both degrees—MATH 120a or b and MATH 222a or b or 225a or b, or equivalents

Number of courses: B.A.—10 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project); B.S.—12 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project)

Specific courses required: B.A.—STAT 241a, 242b, 251b, 312a; 2 from STAT 230b, 361a, 363b; ENAS 130b or CPSC 112a or b; B.S.—same, plus MATH 260b, 300b, or 301a

Distribution of courses: B.A.—2 Stat electives numbered above 200, as specified; B.S.—3 Stat electives numbered above 200, as specified

Substitution permitted: STAT 238a for STAT 241a, with DUS permission; courses in other depts or grad courses, with DUS permission

Senior requirement: Both degrees—Senior project (STAT 490b)