New MSc Track Mathematics: Statistical Science

The master in Statistical Science provides students with a thorough introduction to the general philosophy and methodology of statistical modelling and data analysis, and offers two specialisations: into the applications of statistical methods to the life sciences and to the behavioural sciences, respectively.

Mission
Statistical Science

Statistics is the art of drawing conclusions about phenomena in which chance plays a role. The randomness may arise through a variety of reasons: the intrinsic random nature of a phenomenon, unavoidable noise in an experiment, conscious randomization of experimental or measurement units, or as a best approximation to reality. The chance phenomena occur in a broad range of situations. This has rendered Statistical Science a highly multidisciplinary undertaking, but with a core body of concepts and methods that are common to the diverse applications.

Statistics for the life sciences

Statistics for the life sciences is almost synonymous with biostatistics. It incorporates quantitative modelling and methods of data analysis for clinical and epidemiological research (e.g. survival analysis), which in the past twenty years have become indispensable in medical research. It also includes statistical methods used in genetic research and genomics, which have a classical foundation (for instance in the work of Fisher, the founding father of statistics), but are rapidly developing in answer to present day opportunities given by data from new experimental platforms, such as micro-arrays or whole-genome scans. The programme is targeted both at human and at plant or animal genetics. In the coming years systems biology will make similar demands for new statistical methodology, and the analysis of medical images will increase in importance, both in research and in clinical applications.

Behavioural sciences

In the social and behavioural domain there is a long-standing statistical tradition in educational and psychological testing (psychometrics), and also in survey research, marketing research and quantitative demographics (sociometrics). Similar subdomains that emerged more recently are the quantitative study of the development of science and technology (scientometrics and bibliometrics), the quantitative study of stylistic forms and patterns in the use of language (stylometrics), the quantitative study of taste and smell (sensometrics), quantitative study of history (cliometrics), and the empirical approach to the law (jurimetrics). The common use of the term “metrics” here illustrates the important role of measurement problems in these fields. More generally, it is no exaggeration to say that all empirical research in the social and behavioural sciences relies predominantly on statistical analysis. Forensic statistics is another important field of application.

Multidisciplinary

Whether more attracted to the medical or to the behavioural direction, the successful student will gain a thorough understanding of statistical models, their implementation and their interpretation, and develop the ability to invent new models and techniques when needed. Graduates will thus qualify for jobs in a wide range of areas, such as academic medical hospitals, many types of industry (pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, life science in general, oil, etc.), research institutes, financial institutions, government statistics bureaus, educational services (CITO), marketing bureaus. In view of the emphasis on statistics as a science, rather than as merely a collection of techniques, many graduates will qualify for PhD programmes as well.

In view of the multidisciplinary nature of statistical science, it is an advantage that students have experience in another science before they enroll in statistics. The entrance requirements (see below) are therefore formulated in broad terms. However, students should feel at ease with and be attracted to quantitative and mathematical techniques and concepts.

Duration

The nominal duration of the programme will be two years (120 ECTS). The study time may be substantially reduced for students with particular prior knowledge.

Profile of the Statistical Science graduates’ skills and competence

The programme provides you with a thorough knowledge of:
- Statistical methods and research designs as used in a broad range of empirical research
- Practical skills such as statistical programming, statistical consultation, and written and oral communication of research results.

Graduates will be able to carry out research in the field of quantitative methods for the medical and life sciences and/or the behavioral sciences. You will be able to advise substantive researchers on methodological and statistical issues, and many of you will be expected to continue in a PhD programme.

Job opportunities

There is a large demand for applied statisticians at both the Master and the PhD level.
Job opportunities can be found in, but are not limited to:
- Biomedical research institutes
- Health Care
- TNO Institutes
- Agricultural research institutes and companies
- Bio-technology companies
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Educational testing service (ETS, CITO)
- Social survey institutes (Statistics Netherlands (CBS)
- Social en Cultural Planning Office (SCP)
- NFI (National Forensic Institute)
- Marketing companies
- Banking
- Food industry
- Other industries.

Organisation

The Master Programme will be organised jointly by groups at different institutes at Leiden University, VU University Amsterdam, and Wageningen University. The Research Master “Statistical Science” starts as a track within the Master programme at the Leiden University Mathematical Institute.

Director:
Jacqueline Meulman1,2

Steering Committee:
Richard Gill1, Willem Heiser2, Theo Stijnen3, Aad van der Vaart4, Fred van Eeuwijk5

1 Mathematical Institute, Leiden University
2 Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
3 Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center
4 Department of Mathematics, VU University Amsterdam
5 Biometris – Applied Statistics, Wageningen University and Researchcentre

Together these institutes have expertise in a wide area of statistical science and its applications, both practical and theoretical. Many of the scientific staff members are involved in other educational tasks, or are specialized in research and statistical consultation.

Information about Admission, MSc Programme and Courses
aanmelden

Students with a wide range of bachelor degrees may apply for admission, but the bachelor’s degree must include at least one introductory course and a more advanced course in statistics or probability. The candidate student should submit a letter (1 page) stating the student’s motivation to apply to the programme, and a Curriculum Vitae, including the courses and credits in the Bachelor programme.
The courses will be taught in English, so proven proficiency in English is required for non-native English speakers.

For information: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

e-Studiegids
MSc Prgramme Mathematics
Mathematical Institute

Webredactie Science - Last edited: 31 Mar 2009