FAQ
General
How many semesters do the small (30 ECTS) and large (60 ECTS) AWS minors take to complete?
Since the required modules are based on one another, completing the minor program takes four semesters. It is recommended to start the minor program in the 3rd semester of studies.
Is attendance of lectures and exercise classes mandatory?
No, but it is strongly recommended. The hand in of exercises with testat is often required. See also here for more detailed answers.
What does the minor program offer in addition to foundational statistics modules of a major program?
A broad approach to probability and statistics, in depth theory, methodology, use of statistical programming language R and further applications.
Is it possible to teach mathematics in high school with a minor in applied probability and statistics?
No, it is not possible.
Can I apply to the minor program as a student from another university?
It is up to the university offering the major study program if it approves the minor.
Prerequisites
Is it possible to start the minor program before completing all the necessary requirements?
No.
I completed AOEC04 Mathematik I, AOEC09 Mathematik II and AOEC10 Statistik. Are the prerequisites for the minor program fulfilled?
Yes, a completed assessment at the faculty of business, economics and informatics is sufficient to enter the minor program.
I have successfully passed MAT183, BIO134 and BIO144, do I still have to take STA120?
The module STA120 is going deeper and discusses basic statistical topics in a more rigorous way. Evaluations have shown that you will not be annoyed with the content.
Is it required to know the programming language R prior to starting the minor program?
No, but then we really recommend to start by taking STA120 before taking any further statistics modules, since it provides a smoother intro to R.
Are students prohibited from studying mathematics allowed to enroll in the minor program?
Yes.
Modules
Are all STA modules offered regularly?
All the required modules are offered every year. Electives may or may not be offered regularly. An indication is the offered frequency of recent years.
The module title reads "STA110 Introduction to Statistics". What is "introductory" in this lecture?
The title refers to the sequence of statistics modules of the minor program. It is the first stats lecture and thus the "introduction". Of course we need to go beyond what we expect as prerequisites. Quite often, the elements of the lecture that students struggle most with have been discussed in MAT182 Stochastics for Natural Sciences.
MAT141 is required in my major program. Can I count it towards my minor program as well?
No. Each module can only be counted towards one study program. Students completing MAT141 as a required module of their major program need to replace it in the minor program by an additional elective module worth at least 5 ECTS.
I have a schedule conflict with one of the required modules. Do I have to be physically present during the lecture and exercises?
In most modules, you do not need to be there physically. We expect that you collect the information of the module yourself. Some modules offer recordings from previous years (e.g. STA120, STA121).
I cannot attend the classes of module STA472. Is it possible to enroll nevertheless?
No, due to the flipped classroom style and the structure of the content, we expect regular presence in class.
Is it possible to accredit required modules from different universities?
No, required modules have to be taken at UZH.
Is it possible to take elective modules during a study abroad?
Generally, yes. The specific modules have to be discussed with the study coordination and appropriately recorded in a learning agreement. Required modules are to be completed at UZH.
Can I book single modules of the minor program?
Yes, as long as the prerequisites are fulfilled.
Elective Modules
What are examples of elective modules from other study programs?
A detailed list of possible or not possible modules can be found here.
I cannot find an elective module in the Course Catalogue
No all electives are offered every year. Best practice is to search the module in the Course Catalogue in previous semesters. Once you have found the module, try to project the semester it will be offered again based on the rubric "Offered in:".
There is also the possiblity that a module has changed its title or course number. In such cases, please inform us to update the webpage.
Can I book programming modules AINF02 Informatik or MAT101 Programming?
Yes.
I would like to take a module as an elective which is not listed. Is this possible?
In case the module is not listed as a possible or not possible module, you may send a request to aws(at)math.uzh.ch with the link to the course catalogue. Note that the description in the course catalogue may not always be sufficient and you are asked to provide information on the content from the module from previous years.
Can I book the module STA390 Statistical Practice although I have not finished my 30 ECTS minor?
The support for the module STA390 Statistical Practice is quite time consuming. Therefore, we have to impose some enrollment restrictions. Priority is given to students enrolled in the 60 ECTS minor. It is possible to ask if there are slots on the waiting list. An ultimate decision of a slot may not be granted before the lecture starts.
Minor / Major Combinations
Is it possible to start the minor program during the master's degree?
Yes.
Is the minor program only accessible to students with a major at the faculty of science?
No, students from all faculties can enroll in the minor program, as long as their major programs permits it. Only students studying mathematics or biostatistics are excluded.
Is the minor program recommended to students from another faculty?
Yes, students with a large variety of backgrounds outside of the faculty of science have successfully completed the minor program. For students with a less quantitative major, it may provide a useful addition to their studies.
Order of Modules
Which modules are typically booked in which semester of the minor program?
The moduls of the 30 ECTS minor are typically visited as follows: MAT141 in the 3rd, STA110 and STA120 in the 4th, STA121 and an elective in the 5th and missing electives in the 6th semester.
Can I take STA121 before STA120?
We do not check your transcripts and it is up to you if you would like to take the endeavor. It is possible but we do not recommend it.
Can I take STA120 before MAT141?
Some chapters of STA120 rely on linear algebra and thus the canonical sequence helps to fully profit from the presented content. It is your responsibility to learn and assimilate the missing concepts of linear algebra as the semester progresses.
Can I take STA110 before MAT141?
Yes, it is possible.
Exams
When do exams take place?
Many of the required modules and exam dates are determined centrally and dates, hours and rooms can be accessed under "exam plan". Exams at the institute of mathematics are also listed here.
What happens if I don't pass an exam?
When an exam is not successfully passed, the module can be repeated exactly once. If the repetition exam of a required module is again not passed successfully, a student is not allowed to continue their studies in the minor program. In case of an elective module, the module has to be replaced by another elective.
I didn't pass the exam. How do I register for the repetition exam?
If you didn't pass the exam, you are individually contacted with an invitation to the repetition exam. More information can be found here (MNF) and here (I-Math).