Mathematics and Statistics
Aims
This introductory/refreshment course provides basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics needed in the other courses in statistics and methods curriculum at ERIM. Students are asked to participate actively, especially in the tutorials. The course is based on the principle that in mathematics and statistics we should view every error as an invitation to learn. In particular, students are asked to present their solutions of the tutorial exercises.
Information
The course consists of four parts.
1. Calculus.
• Functions and limits.
• Differentiation.
• Integration.
2. Matrix algebra.
• Vector spaces and linear maps.
• Matrix and vector multiplication..
• Rank of a matrix,
• Eigenvalue decomposition, matrix norms.
3. Probability theory.
• Random events and random variables.
• Working with distributions. Common distributions.
• Expectation, Moments and moment generating functions.
• Transformations of random variables.
4. Statistics.
• Estimators and estimates. Bias and variance of estimators.
• Hypothesis testing. Type I and Type II errors. Power.
• P-values and effect sizes.
• Some chi-square tests. Some t-tests.
Instructional method: each meeting consists of a lecture (approximately 2 hours) followed by a tutorial (approximately 1 hour).
Assessment
written (re-)examination with essay questions (100%). During the examination only FX-82SX Plus / FX-82MS / FX-350MS / TI-30XS Multiview calculator(s) are allowed.
Materials
James Stewart. Calculus Early Transcendentals. Brooks-Cole, Cengage Learning, Australia, 7th edition, 2012. ISBN 978-0-538-49887-6. International Metric version. http://www.stewartcalculus.com/media/11_home.php.
David Poole. Linear algebra: a modern introduction. Cengage Learning, Stamford CT, 4th edition, 2015. ISBN 9781285463247.
Bain, Engelhardt. Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics, Cengage, 2010. ISBN 9781408092149. Custom Edition.
These books are recommended literature in the first year of the bachelor Econometrics and Operational Research. Stewart (2012) and Poole (2015) are older editions.
In the course only selected parts of these books are discussed, the other parts may later serve as material for self-study.
Additional info
The timetable for this course can be found in the EUR course guide.
ERIM PhD candidates and Research Master students can register for this course via Osiris Student.
External (non-ERIM) participants are welcome to this course. To register, please fill in the registration form and e-mail it to the ERIM Doctoral Office by four weeks prior to the start of the course. For external participants, the course fee is 260 euro per ECTS credit.
