ETC5242 Statistical thinking
Faculty of Business and Economics
ETC5242 Statistical thinking is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 7 units, leading on to 12 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before ETC5242
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After ETC5242
7 units list ETC5242 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- ETC5250Introduction to machine learningNo reviews yet
- ETC5543Business analytics creative activityNo reviews yet
- ETC5550Applied forecastingNo reviews yet
- ETC5580Advanced statistical modellingNo reviews yet
- ETF5231Business forecastingNo reviews yet
- ETF5932Predictive analytics and machine learningNo reviews yet
- ETX5500High dimensional data analysisNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in course B6002, B6011, B6014, B6022, B6038, B6046, B6053, to undertake this unit.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit presents data analysis, statistical modelling and decision-making in the presence of uncertainty, using a computational approach. You will use different frameworks of probability that are helpful for analysing real-world problems. Topics covered will include probability distributions, statistical inference (classical & Bayesian), simulation, permutation and randomisation methods, regression models, decision theory, and model assessment and diagnosis.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Quiz / Test25%
- Written25%
- Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
characterise and understand uncertainty using data
- 2
build statistical models to support decision-making, hypothesis testing and risk assessment
- 3
use randomisation methods in data collection and to assess causality and uncertainty
- 4
learn about and use concepts from probability
- 5
understand Bayesian and frequentist approaches to statistical modelling
- 6
further develop computational skills for statistical analysis.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars24 hours
- Workshops12 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
This unit includes case-based teaching, where you apply your knowledge and engage in analytical and reflective thinking to solve complex contextual scenarios. Activities are often designed so that there is not one clear answer, but you need to work together to examine, analyse and make decisions to resolve the situation.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
Learning resources
Required resources
Software: R ( https://cran.r-project.org ), RStudio ( https://www.rstudio.com/products/RStudio/#Desktop )
Technology resources
There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Minh Huynh
- Associate Professor Damjan Vukcevic
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ETC5242?
ETC5242 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after ETC5242?
ETC5242 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including ETC5250, ETC5543, ETC5550, ETC5580, ETF5231 and ETF5932. Those lead on to 12 units in all.
When is ETC5242 offered?
In 2026, ETC5242 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is ETC5242?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ETC5242 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.