- An undergraduate course
in
Mathematics and Statistics.
Applications of probability
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M343 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 3 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
This course introduces models to describe patterns of events that occur in time (such as earthquakes), and in space (for instance, the occurrence of a species of plant). Situations that occur only at discrete time points, including the ruin of a gambler, are studied. Probability models are developed for those situations, such as the spread of an epidemic, in which events may occur at any time. The course ends with other situations involving probability including genetics and changes in stockmarket prices. You are expected to be reasonably competent in calculus and algebra.
Modules at Level 3 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
Register for the course
What you will study
This course in probability and its applications emphasises probability modelling and developing the properties of the models. A considerable amount of mathematics is sometimes required for this development, but we do not always give formal proofs, particularly if the proof does not illuminate the probabilistic ideas.
The course consists of six books and the first two are introductory.
The first one revises and develops ideas about probability and introduces some techniques that will be used frequently in the course.
The second book develops models for events occurring in time, including the Poisson process and several extensions of it, patterns in space including models for random scatter and clustering of objects.
The third book develops models for processes in which events can occur only at discrete time points, such as a Bernoulli process. This includes practical situations such as the ruin of a gambler and the extinction of a family surname.
In the fourth book, probability models are developed for situations in which events can occur at any time. Examples include queues, the spread of epidemics, and the change in the size of a population due to births and deaths.
In the last book models are developed for various situations including genetics; the renewal of components; and the change in stock market prices.
Computer simulations are used to illustrate some of the phenomena studied, and associated activities are included in a separate book.
You will learn
Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in understanding mathematical arguments, expressing problems in mathematical language, finding solutions to problems and interpreting mathematical results in real-world terms.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU.
You are expected to have a basic knowledge of probability: probability functions for discrete random variables and probability density functions for continuous random variables; the binomial, Poisson, geometric, exponential and normal distributions; the Poisson process. Analysing data (M248) would be ideal preparation but, if you have not studied this course, a revision of fundamental notions of probability and probability models is included in the first book. We recommend that you study this as early as you can so that you are prepared for the rest of the course.
You are also expected to have a reasonable degree of mathematical competence. Although any special techniques you need are taught in this course, it would be helpful if you were familiar with differential equations and matrices. You can get an idea of the level of mathematical competence required by looking at texts from Mathematical methods and models (MST209) which gives a useful introduction to techniques. Your regional or national centre will be able to tell you where you can see reference copies, or you can buy selected materials from Open University Worldwide Ltd (see the Open University Worldwide website for details). A diagnostic quiz that will enable you to determine whether you are adequately prepared for M343 can be found on the StatsChoices website where you can also find out more about the statistics courses available to you. Although some basic mathematical techniques are reviewed in the first book of this course, you are more likely to complete this course successfully if you have passed MST209.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
This course may be very challenging if you have severely impaired sight. Almost all the texts contain detailed diagrams and there are a few data tables. Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components (such as equations) may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Books, web-based software, website.
You will need
Calculator with the usual mathematical functions (exp, log, sin, cos), but not necessarily with statistical functions.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
Please note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view or download our Recognition leaflets 3.6 Institute of Mathematics and its Application and 3.11 Other organisations for further information.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“I studied M343 as the final module of the Statistics diploma, and whilst I found the content very interesting and ...”
Read more
“Brilliant course! The teaching material was excellent, the feedback from the tutor prompt and comprehensive and the subject material really ...”
Read more
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M343 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 3 Computer-marked assignments (CMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Your questions
Try our frequently asked questions.
Come and meet us at an event near you.
Or contact an adviser by Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35
Get a prospectus
Download ororder
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.