Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title STATISTICS, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Code PHYS811
Coordinator Professor AJ Boston
Physics
Andrew.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 M Level Whole Session 15

Aims

To give a theoretical and practical understanding of the statistical principles involved in the analysis of data collected with radiation detectors.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Describe experimental uncertainties and probability distributions.

(LO2) Use statistical methods in data analysis.

(LO3) Apply statistical techniques to determine minimum detectable activities.

(S1) Problem-solving skills

(S2) Mathematical skills

(S3) Analytical skills

(S4) ICT / Computational skills

(S5) Investigative skills

(S6) Communication skills

Syllabus
 

Experimental errors; random and systematic errors; distributions, mean, variance; combining errors. Probability and Satistics: probability, rules of probability; statistics. distributions; binomial, poisson, gaussian, error matrix. parameter fitting; least squares, hypothesis testing; chi2 analysis t-test. Monte Carlo methods; introduction, simple examples. Quality assurance: introduction, simple examples.

Students will investigate the optimum conditions for determining the minimum detectable activity in a system and how it might be improved. The written report will cover this work and discuss the solution to the methods that could be used for improving the minimum detectable activity in a specific gamma-ray detection system.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching method 1:
Delivery: Lecture

Teaching method 2:
Delivery: Practical Laboratory Work

Teaching method 3:
Delivery: Problem-based Learning

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

         25

 37
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 37

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
No assessment details provided  0    50       
No assessment details provided  0    50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.