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Statistics and Data Analysis

Code: 44079
Credits: 9
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology OB 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Abelardo Moralejo Olaizola
Email :
abelardo.moralejo@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Marc Manera Miret
Abelardo Moralejo Olaizola
Carles Sanchez Alonso
Jorge Carretero Palacios
Pau Tallada Crespi
Martin Borstad Eriksen
Francesc d'Assis Torradeflot Curero

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

It is needed a personal computer with a running installation of Python 3.

Install Python 3 with the Anaconda installer. In this way, your Python distribution will contain all the associated packages needed for this course.

Follow these steps:

  1. Download the Anaconda installer for Python 3 here https://www.anaconda.com/download/

  2. Follow the installation instructions - both GUI or terminal versions work fine. If prompted, select the option to add the new anaconda directory to your path.

The use of GNU/Linux is highly recommended.

 

Objectives

In this course we will learn how to distill scientific knowledge from experimental data, a process that relies on statistical methods. We will learn the basics concepts of Probability and Statistics (in their Frequentist and Bayesian frameworks). In addition, we will study and practice several particular statistical methods and data analysis techniques usually used in the fields of High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology. To that aim, we will learn and practice the use of modern statistics and analysis software tools.

Learning outcomes

  • CA04 (Adopt statistical techniques to solve data analysis problems, both in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.) Adopt statistical techniques to solve data analysis problems, both in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.
  • KA03 (Identify data analysis techniques to problems in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.) Identify data analysis techniques to problems in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.
  • SA04 (Critically evaluate experimental and statistical data applied to high-energy physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics, using appropriate analysis tools.) Critically evaluate experimental and statistical data applied to high-energy physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics, using appropriate analysis tools.
  • SA05 (Apply Monte Carlo techniques to model real physics problems.) Apply Monte Carlo techniques to model real physics problems.
  • SA06 (Apply data analysis techniques to problems in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.) Apply data analysis techniques to problems in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in nearby but different fields.
  • SA07 (Apply statistical analysis software from the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as from nearby but different fields.) Apply statistical analysis software from the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, as well as from nearby but different fields.
  • SA08 (To make appropriate use of statistical analysis software in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.) To make appropriate use of statistical analysis software in the field of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
  • SA09 (Use specialized bibliographic sources, scientific articles, and digital resources in English to deepen the concepts of statistics and data analysis.) Use specialized bibliographic sources, scientific articles, and digital resources in English to deepen the concepts of statistics and data analysis.

Contents





Part 1: Basic concepts on probability, statistics and Monte Carlo techniques


Part 2: Python for Statistics and Data Analysis


Part 3: Parameter estimation, Hypothesis test and Unfolding


Part 4: Bayesian Statistics





Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Study of theory and practical examples 64 2.56 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05, SA06, SA07, SA08, SA09
Discussion, workgroups, problem solving 60 2.4 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05, SA06, SA07, SA08, SA09
Lectures 56 2.24 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05, SA06, SA07, SA08, SA09
  • Theory lectures including practical examples in the fields of High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology
  • Homework exercises to be solved by students alone or in small groups
  • Discussion of problems during classes and tutorials
  • Hands-on sessions on software tools for statistics and data analysis (in Python programming language)
  • Explanation and discussion of sample code/algorithms in Python programming languages during classes and tutorials
Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Resolution of a final, synthesis exam 45% 5 0.2 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA06
Resolution of class exercises 50% 40 1.6 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05, SA06, SA07, SA08, SA09
Attendance and active participation to the lectures 5% 0 0 CA04, KA03, SA04, SA05, SA06

The evaluation will take into account:

  • Attendance and active participation to the lectures
  • Resolution of specific exercises along the course*
  • Resolution of a final exam


* Students will solve the exercises posed in class outside of school hours. The evaluation may include an in-person session to discuss the results with the teaching staff


For those students not passing the course after the regular evaluation procedure, there will be a recuperation evaluation round consisting on a synthesis exam. There will be no threshold mark to be eligible for the recuperation evaluation round, other than the general requirement of having been evaluated at least for a 66% of the total qualification activities in the first round.

This subject/module does not foresee the single assessment system.


In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted as an integral part of the assignment development, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI will be considered a breach of academic honesty and may lead to a grade penalty for the activity, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.


Bibliography

  • G. Bohm and G. Zech; \"Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for Physicists\", 3rd Edition, 2017, Verlag Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (available on-line https://s3.cern.ch/inspire-prod-files-d/da9d786a06bf64d703e5c6665929ca01)
  • F. James; \"Statistical Methods in Experimental Physics\", 2nd Edition, 2006, World Scientific
  • G. Cowan; \"Statistical Data Analysis\", 1998, Oxford University Press
  • A. Gelman, J. B. Carlin, H. S. Stern, et al. \"Bayesian Data Analysis\", 3rd Edition, 2013, CRC Press

Software

We will introduce and make use of the Python programming language (see the "Prerequisists" section for installation details).

In particular, we will study and use the following Python libraries: numpy, pandas, matplotlib, scipy and scikit learn.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English first semester morning-mixed