Senate Committee on Academic Planning gives rise to the following motion:

Motion:

"That Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of

Governors as set forth in S.97 -65, the following changes in the

Department of Mathematics and Statistics:

Proposed B.Sc. Major and Honors Degree in Statistics

ii)

Proposed B.A. Major and Honors Degree in Statistics

iii)

Proposed Minor in Statistics through the Arts and Science

Faculties"

For Information:

Acting under delegated authority the Senate Committee on Undergraduate

Studies approved the following changes:

Change in prerequisite for STAT 403

ii)

Title change for STAT 330 and 350

iii)

Change in number, description and prerequisite for STAT 440

SThe full report of curriculum revision is available in Secretariat Services for

consultation by any Senator. Please contact Bobbie Grant, Senate Assistant at 291-

3168 or e-mail bgrant@sfu.ca

if you wish to review this material.

Proposal for Major, Honors, and Minor

This is a proposal to convert current options within the Mathematics undergraduate

Programs in Statistics

program umbrella into separately designated programs in Statistics. At the same lime,

we are proposing revisions to these programs aimed at improving their relevance to the

provincial employment market and their accessibility to a broader range of students.

Rationale

The major impetus for this change is that students have expressed the importance of

creating an official "Statistics" designation for the degree. The existing options provide

the misleading designation, "Mathematics,' on their transcript and diploma. We propose

that this deficiency be removed by turning these options into fully separate programs.

The programs are already running, but with a different name. The proposal will therefore

- create-no significant new demandson fcullyor sUppft staff. Nr will it generate

increased demands for space, computing, or library resources.

The existing options have a strong track record. Enrollments have been healthy, and

students have been placed in many valuable co-op and post-degree positions. In

addition, many

the stronger graduates have enrolled in post-graduate programs. The

newly designated programs will build on this strength. Their goals are as follows:

The primary goal

the Major in Statistics is to train students who can contribute to the

solution of applied statistical problems in industry, commerce, and government

agencies. Graduates are expected to understand the difficulties and general strategies

for

handling the following components: problem identification, sampling and

experimental design, data management, statistical analysis, report generation, and

follow-up.

Graduates should be well-versed in the more basic, commonly used

techniques of sample surveys, experimental design, analysis of variance, and linear and

generalized linear modelling. They should also have developed basic practical

experience. Upon graduation, they should be fully prepared to work on well-defined

components

major projects. With further practical experience, they should be able to

assume leadership roles.

The programs are also designed so that stronger graduates, especially those

completing an honors in Statistics, should be well-prepared for further graduate

education in statistics and related disciplines.

The proposal calls for changes to three sections of the calendar. In order of appearance

in the calendar, these are:

A new Faculty of Arts program entry (along with deletion of the existing options

from the Mathematics entry)

II.

A new Facul

y of Science program entry (along with deletion of the existing options

from the Mathematics entry)

Ill. Alterations to the course descriptions for three STAT courses.

Full calendar descriptions for this proposal follow. These are very similar to the existing

descriptions for the options that they are to replace. Nonetheless, we are taking this

opportunity also to make several minor improvements. These changes are described in

detail in the following section.

Subsidiary Changes

(1)

STAT 402, 410, and 430 have been added to the list of mandatory requirements

for the major and honors programs. These courses develop core skills that are

essential components of a modern statistician's tool kit.

(2)

We are dropping MATH 242 and 252 from the requirements for a major in

statistics. MATH 242 focusses on developing skills in formal mathematics. We are

training the majority of our Statistics majors for work as applied statisticians. In this

work, the formal, deductive reasoning of mathematics plays a less important role

than the inductive reasoning of statistics. For this reason, we have removed MATH

242 from the list of mandatory courses for the Statistics Major. However, since

formal mathematics plays a key role in developing new statistical techniques and

theory, MATH 242 remains a required course in the Statistics Honors Program.

MATH 252 stresses concepts that are rarely used in statistical work, and has

therefore been dropped from the list of required courses for both programs.

(3)

The uppdr division auxiliary concentration has been changed to a requirement for a

minor in some discipline outside of Mathematics and Statistics. We continue to

believe in the importance of advanced training in a discipline to which statistics can

be applied. We want our graduates to know enough about an area of potential use

to be able to work through real applications, not contrived, textbook problems. For

practical reasons, we have changed the former requirement for an auxiliary

concentration (to be approved by an advisor in our department). It makes more

sense for economists, e.g., to determine the components of an advanced auxiliary

concentration in economics than for us to attempt this task. The proposed change

to a requirement for a minor will achieve this end. We have also removed

proscriptions against using computer science as an auxiliary concentration.

. ?

(4) We have removed a loophole in the regulations regarding the use of STAT 301 and

302 (two courses designed for students majoring in other disciplines) to fulfill the

faculty requirements for 30 upper division credits in the major or honors program.

We have deliberately not proscribed the use of STAT 403 for this purpose, as we

anticipate that this new course will develop valuable practical skills in statistics

majors as well as students from other programs.

(5)

To the honors program course requirements, we have added "MATH 332 (or 339)".

These newly-created courses now serve as alternative prerequisites for MATH

438, which will continue to be a required course in the program.

(6)

In the honors program, we have reduced the required number of upper-division

hours in MATH, STAT, ACMA, and MACM courses from 60 to a more manageable

51. This is more in line with general honors degree requirements in both faculties

-(50in Arts, 48in5cience)-- ?

(7)

We have corrected an outdated reference to ACMA course listings in the Faculty of

Arts description of the minor. (Extensive revisions to ACMA courses were not

incorporated.) The entries for the two faculties are now identical. We are therefore

proposing a minor saving of calendar space by listing the minor program only once,

in the Faculty of Science section, with the Faculty of Arts entry reduced to a cross

reference.

(8) We are proposing changes to three specific courses, STAT 330, 350, and 440, as

explained later in the proposal.

(9)

The lower-division computing course requirement has been changed from one of

CMPT 101, 102, or 103 to one of CMPT 100, 101, or 102. CMPT 103 is no longer

offered, and CMPT 100 prepares students more effectively to take full advantage

of modern statistical software packages.

(10)

The lists of course requirements have been revised so as to make them conform to

standard Calendar formatting.

Further Important Improvements not Included in this Package

In preparing this proposal, we have avoided making any recommendations that would

further tax the university's limited resources. This course of action, though necessary in

the present climate of restraint, has not been taken lightly. Our review has identified the

following key initiatives that we cannot undertake at this time.

(1) We would like to mount a new undergraduate course in data management and the

advanced use of statistical computer packages. These skills are in high demand,

and we anticipate strong enrollment for such a practical course.

(2)

We would like to mount a regularly scheduled course at the advanced-

undergraduate/graduate level in modern statistical computation. Of a more

specialized nature, this course would train students in this rapidly evolving, highly

applicable area of expertise.

(3)

We need to develop infrastructure for facilitating practical work in experimental

design and sample surveys. An experimental lab facility would permit us to

construct more sophisticated and effective opportunities for students to develop

memorable experiences in these key aspects of applied statistical work. This

facility would, e.g., provide a unique opportunity for students to explore the value

of, and practical

difficulties

associated with, randomization in sample surveys,

adaptive sampling schemes, blocking in experiments, and fractional factorial

layouts.

(4)

We need to develop better communication skills in our students. At the very least,

we need to make more persistent demands in existing courses for oral and written

presentations. The importance of communication skills is almost universally

stressed by employers. We anticipate that the achievement of high standards in

this area will become an even greater challenge in the future as increasing

numbers of students arrive for whom English is a second language. Nonetheless,

such an initiative would impose a substantial commitment of extra faculty and

teaching-assistant resources.

Each

these initiatives represents a substantial improvement to the quality

our

programs. We shall be looking for opportunities

develop them in the future.

Proposed Entry for the Faculty of Arts Section

Statistics Program

K10512 Shrum Science Centre. (604) 291-3331/3332 Tel, (604) 291-4947 Fax,

http://www.math.sfu.ca

Internet

Professors Emeriti

M.A. Stephens BSc (Bristol), AM (Harv), PhD (Tor)

C. Villegas Ing Ind (Uruguay)

Associated Faculty within Department of Mathematics and Statistics

C.B. Dean, Mathematics and Statistics

D.M. Eaves, Mathematics and Statistics

R.A. Lockhart, Mathematics and Statistics

G Parker, Mathematics and Statistics

- - -

- - - RD: Routledge, Mathematics and Statistics

C. Schwarz, Mathematics and Statistics

R.R. Sitter, Mathematics and Statistics

T.B. Swartz, Mathematics and Statistics

K.L. Weldon, Mathematics and Statistics

Labo rat oiy instructor

X.Q. Chen BMaih (Sichuan), MSc (S Fraser)

40 ?

Advisor

Mrs. M. Fankboner BA (Occidental), MSc (S Fraser), TLX 10511 Shrum Science Centre,

(604) 291-4849

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a program of study within the

Faculty of Arts leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major or honors in

Statistics. Stuçients interested in a Bachelor ofScience degree in Statistics should refer

to the Faculty of Science.

The following programs in statistics train students not only in the analysis of large data

sets, but also in the design and analysis of scientific experiments and sample surveys.

These techniques are applied in a broad range of fields. To fully appreciate their

application, it is important that students also gain advanced training in an area of

potential application. To this end, students pursuing a major or honors in Statistics are

required to complete a minor in a field other than mathematics and statistics. In keeping

with the almost universal applicability of statistical methodology, there are no other

restrictions on the selection of a minor. Students are encouraged to discuss the

selection of a minor with an advisor early in their program.

Prerequisite Grade Requirement

Students must have obtained a grade of C- or better in prerequisites for courses offered

by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

General Requirements

Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major or honors in Statistics

must satisfy the Faculty of Arts requirements.

Major

A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Statistics requires completion of 120 semester hours,

of which at least 65 semester hours must be taken within the Faculty of Arts and the

Department of Mathematics and Statistics. See general regulations in the

Faculty of Arts

section, for further breadth, upper division credit, and other requirements.

Students will also be required by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to obtain

credit for the following courses.

Lower Division Requirements

Mathematics

Students must complete one of

MATH 151-3 Calculus I

MATH 154-3 Calculus I for the Biological Sciences

MATH 157-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences I

MATH 155-3 Calculus II for the Biological Sciences

MATH 152-3 calculus II

MATH 158-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences Il

MATH 232-3 Elementary Linear Algebra

MATH 251-3 Calculus Ill

Statistics

Students must complete both

STAT 270-3 Introduction to Probability and Statistics

STAT 260-3 Applied Probability Models

Computing Science

Students must complete one

CMPT 100-3 Software Packages and Programming

CMPT 101-4 Introduction to Computer Programming

CMPT 102-3 Introduction to FORTRAN for Science Students

Upper Division Requirements

Mathematics adComputingScience ?

Students must complete

MACM 316-3 Numerical Analysis I

Probability and Statistics

Students must complete all

STAT 330-3 Introduction to Statistical Inference

STAT 350-3 Linear Models in Applied Statistics

Generalized Linear and Nonlinear Modelling

402-3

410-3 Statistical Analysis

of Sample Surveys

430-3 Statistical Design and Analysis

of Experiments

Students are also required to complete a minor in another discipline other than

450-3 Statistical Theory

mathematics dr statistics. The Certificate in Actuarial Mathematics may be used to fulfill

this requirement.

Faculty

Arts requirements stipulate that at least three other upper division courses be

taken in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Mathematics, or Mathematics/Computing

Science. Students should consult a departmental advisor before selecting thee

courses. STAT 340, 420, and 460 are recommended. Neither STAT 301 nor STAT 302

may be used

fulfill this requirement.

Honors ?

A Bachelor of

Arts with honors in Statistics requires 132 semester hours, of which at

least 65 must be taken within the Faculty of Arts and Department of Mathematics and

Statistics. See general regulations in the

Faculty of Arts

section for further breadth,

upper division credit, and other requirements.

Furthermore, in addition to the above requirements for a major, candidates for an

honors degree in Statistics will be required to obtain credit for the following:

Additional Mathematics Requirements

Students must complete all of

MATH 242-3 Introduction to Analysis

MATH 320-3 Advanced Calculus of One Variable

MATH 322-3 Complex Variables

MATH 332-3 Introduction to Applied Algebraic Systems

MATH 339-3 Groups and. Symmetry

MATH 426-3 Introduction to Lebesgue Theory

MATH 438-3 Linear Algebra

Additional Statistics Requirements

Students must complete both of

STAT 420-3 Non-Parametric Statistics

STAT 460-3 Decision Analysis and Bayesian Inference

Minor

Requirements for students completing a minor program in Statistics are listed under

Department Of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science.

Extended Minor Program

According to general faculty regulations, an extended minor program must contain the

lower division requirements for a major program, plus the upper division requirements

for a minor program. For a statistics extended minor, this entails completion of all the

course requirements for a minor plus STAT 280 and one of CMPT 100 or 101 or 102.

At least seven upper division hours counted toward this requirement must be taken at

Simon Fraser University.

Proposed Entry for the Faculty of Science Section

Statistics Program

K10512 Shrum Science Centre. (604) 291-3331/3332 Tel, (604) 291-4947 Fax,

http://www.math.sfu.ca

Internet

Professors Emeriti

M.A. Stephens BSc (Bristol), AM (Harv), PhD (Tor)

C. Villegas Ing Ind (Uruguay)

Associated Faculty within Department of Mathematics and Statistics

C.B. Dean, Mathematics and Statistics

D.M. Eaves, Mathematics and Statistics

R.A. Lockhart, Mathematics and Statistics

G. Parker, Maihemalics and Statistics ------------------------

Roulledge, Mathematics and Statistics

C. Schwarz, Mathematics and Statistics

R.R. Sitter, Mathematics and Statistics

T.B. Swartz, Mathematics and Statistics

K.L. Weldon, Mathematics and Statistics

Laboratory Instructor

X.Q. Chen B Math (Sichuan), MSc (S Fraser)

Advisor

Mrs. M. Fankboner BA (Occidental), MSc (S Fraser), TLX 10511 Shrum Science Centre,

(604) 291-4849

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a program of study within the

Faculty of Science leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major or honors

in Statistics. Sjudents interested in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Statistics should refer to

the

Faculty of Ails.

The Department also offers a minor in Statistics.

The following programs in statistics train students not only in the analysis of large data

sets, but also in the design and analysis of scientific experiments and sample surveys.

These techniques are applied in a broad range of fields. To fully appreciate their

application, it is important that students also gain advanced training in an area of

potential application. To this end, students pursuing a major or honors in Statistics are

required to complete a minor in a field other than Mathematics and Statistics.

keeping

with the almost universal applicability of statistical methodology, there are no other

restrictions on the selection of a minor. Students are encouraged to discuss the

selection of a minor with an advisor early in their program.

Prerequisite Grade Requirement

C- or better in prerequisites for courses offered

General Requirements

Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Science with a major or honors in Statistics

must satisfy the Faculty of Science upper division credit, breadth, and grade point

average requirements.

Major

Students will also be required by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to obtain

credit for the following courses.

Lower Division Requirements

Mathematics

Students must complete one

MATH 151-3 Calculus I

MATH 154-.3 Calculus I for theBiological Sciences

MATH 157-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences I

plus one

MATH 152-3 Calculus II

MATH 155-3 Calculus II for the Biological Sciences

MATH 158-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences II

plus both

MATH 232-3 Elementary Linear Algebra

MATH 251-3Calculus Ill

Statistics ?

Students must complete both of

STAT 270-3 Introduction .to Probability and Statistics

STAT 280-3 Applied Probability Models

Computing Science

Students must complete one of

CMPT 100-3 Software Packages and Programming

CMPT 101-4 Introduction to Computer Programming

CMPT 102-3 Introduction to FORTRAN for Science Students

Upper Division Requirements

Mathematics and Computing Science

Students must complete

MACM 316-3 Numerical Analysis

Statistics

Students must complete all of

STAT 330-3 Introduction to Statistical Inference

STAT 350-3 Linear Models in Applied Statistics

STAT 402-3 Generalized Linear and Nonlinear Modelling

STAT 410-3 Statistical Analysis of Sample Surveys

STAT 430-3 Statistical Design and Analysis of Experiments

STAT 450-3 Statistical Theory

-- -

Students are also required to complete a minor in some discipline other than

Mathematics or Statistics. The Certificate in Actuarial Mathematics may also be used to

fulfill this requirement.

Faculty of Science requirements stipulate that at least three other upper division

courses be taken in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Mathematics, or Mathematics and

Computing Science. Students should consult a departmental advisor before selecting

these courses. STAT 340, 420, and 460 are recommended. Neither STAT 301 nor

•

STAT 302 may be used to fulfill this requirement.

Honors

A Bachelor of Science with honors in Statistics requires 132 semester hours. See

section for further breadth, upper division

Furthermore, in addition

the above requirements for a major, candidates for an

honors degree in Statistics will be required to obtain credit for the following:

Additional Mathematics Requirements

Students must complete all of

MATH 242-3 Introduction to Analysis

MATH 320-3 Advanced Calculus of One Variable

MATH 322-3 Complex Variables

MATH 332-3 Introduction to Applied Algebraic Systems

MATH 339-3 Groups and Symmetry

MATH 426-3 Introduction to Lebesgue Theory

MATH 438-3 Linear Algebra

Additional Statistics Requirements

Students must complete both of

STAT 420-3 Non-Parametric Statistics

STAT 460-3 Decision Analysis and Bayesian Inference

Minor

Candidates for a minor in Statistics are subject to the general regulations of the faculty

in which they are registered. In addition students will be required by the Department of

Mathematics and Statistics

obtain credit for the following courses.

Mathematics

Students must complete one of

MATH 151-3 Calculus I

MATH 154-3 Calculus I for the Biological Sciences

MATH 157-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences I

MATH 155-3 Calculus II for the Biological Sciences

MATH 152-3 Calculus II

MATH 158-3 Calculus for the Social Sciences II