Subject Benchmark Statement: Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Publication date: 08 Mar 2023
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Subject Benchmark Statement
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research - the basics
Publication date: 08 Mar 2023
About this subject
There is considerable overlap between mathematics, statistics and operational research (MSOR), and the modern practitioner of any of the individually named fields is likely to be familiar with elements of the others. Indeed, many MSOR courses and modules exploit this commonality to assemble a coherent educational provision that draws together elements of MSOR and other disciplines in order to address particular problems.
Mathematics is a subject in which strict logical deductions are used to draw conclusions that follow with certainty from a given set of assumptions. Statistics is the scientific discipline of collecting, analysing, interpreting and presenting data. Operational research ranges from complex optimisation procedures to rigorous problem-structuring methods and techniques for informing decision-making and strategy development.
Professor Duncan Lawson MBE – Chair of the Advisory Group
Director sigma, Coventry University
The development of this new Statement enabled the Advisory Group an opportunity to reflect on developments in the disciplines, review how they are taught and assessed, and look to potential future directions – as well as highlighting elements of good practice that already exist in equality, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
We hope that it will strengthen existing good practice and challenge others to adopt and further develop such practice, as well as helping our community to continue to enhance the experience of learners who will make significant contributions to society.
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