SDST3799 Directed studies in statistics (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) Quota 50
Course Co-ordinator Prof S M S Lee, SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) < smslee@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Various teachers as the assessors of oral presentations and written reports,Statistics & Actuarial Science)
Course Objectives To enhance students' knowledge of a particular topic and students' self-directed learning and critical thinking skills.
Course Contents & Topics The student undertakes a self-managed study on a topic in statistics under the supervision of a staff member.  The topic is preferably one not sufficiently covered in the regular curriculum.  The directed study can be a critical review or a synthesis of published work on the subject, or a laboratory or field study that would enhance students' understanding of the subject.  The project may not require an element of originality.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 gain first-hand experience in solving a research or applied problem in statistics or related areas
CLO 2 develop skills in important technical tools, including the use of computer software or programs, for typical statistical research and data analyses
CLO 3 write succinct reports on the findings of a research study
CLO 4 make concise oral presentation of the findings of a research study
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in at least 24 credits of advanced level disciplinary core/elective courses in the Decision Analytics/Risk Management/Statistics Majors; and Not for students who have already enrolled in SDST4799 in this academic year.
This capstone course is only for students majoring in Decision Analytics/Risk Management/Statistics; and subject to the consent of course coordinator. This course is mutually exclusive with SDST4710.
The earliest that a student is allowed to take this capstone course is their year 3 study.
Only for students admitted in 2025 and thereafter.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2024 Major in Decision Analytics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Decision Analytics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Decision Analytics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Decision Analytics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Risk Management ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2024 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2024 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2024 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2023 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2023 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2023 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2022 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2022 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2022 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2021 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2021 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2021 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Examination No Exam     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough grasp of the subject. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought. Insightful use and critical analysis / evaluation of information drawn from a full range of high quality sources and to quote/reference aptly. Critical use of data and results to draw appropriate and insightful conclusions. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills. [Work of A+ should show considerable additional work beyond that is required in wider areas relevant to the topic.]
B Demonstrate substantial grasp of the subject. Evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking. Critical use of relevant information from sources, showing ability to make meaningful comparisons between different secondary interpretations and to quote/reference aptly. Correct use of data of results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete grasp of the subject. Evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking. Use of relevant information from sources, showing ability to make comparisons between different interpretations and to quote/reference aptly. Mostly correct but some erroneous use of data and results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited grasp, with retention of some relevant information, of the subject. Evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Demonstrate use and reference of several sources, but mainly through summary rather than analysis and comparison. Limited ability to use data and results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate evidence of little or no grasp of the knowledge and understanding of the subject. Evidence of little or lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Limited use of secondary sources and no critical comparison of them. Misuse of data and results and/or unable to draw appropriate conclusions. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Project-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Reading / Self study discussion & meetings to be arranged by the student & the supervisor 120.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Oral presentation oral presentation & in-class discussion 40.0 1,2,4
Research report written report 60.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 NIL
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information NIL