Admission requirements
None.
Description
Statistics is part of everyday life—from news reports to daily decisions. This course builds your ability to understand, analyze, and communicate with real-world data. Whether you're new to statistics or refreshing your skills, you'll learn practical techniques for interpreting data and drawing meaningful conclusions. No prior knowledge is required, but students less confident with math should plan to review the provided materials.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Knowledge:
Understand key concepts such as variables, distributions, probability, sampling, and statistical inference.
Explain the role of statistics in research, decision-making, and everyday contexts.
Recognize common statistical misconceptions and limitations.
Skills:
Interpret and critically evaluate data in tables, graphs, and reports.
Apply basic statistical techniques to analyze real-world data.
Use statistical tools or software to organize, summarize, and visualize data.
Communicate data findings clearly in written and verbal formats.
Make informed decisions based on data analysis.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2025-2026 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
This course focuses on both the theoretical ideas underpinning how data science works and the practical skills needed to apply data science. To this end, the course will combine in-person classroom lectures to introduce key concepts and skills with hands-on exercises, assignments, and projects that allow students to apply the material in practice.
Assessment Method
Participation in class 10%
3 assignments 35% (10 + 10 +15)
Midterm exam 10%
Final exam 15%
Final project 30%
Reading list
Literature and reading materials will be announced during the course.
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Joy Lee, j.y.lee@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
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