

M-SC in Statistics at The University of Burdwan


Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Statistics at The University of Burdwan Purba Bardhaman?
This M.Sc. Statistics program at The University of Burdwan focuses on providing a strong foundation in theoretical and applied statistics, preparing students for data-intensive roles. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics crucial for understanding, analyzing, and interpreting complex data, highly relevant to the rapidly growing data science and analytics industry in India. It emphasizes both classical and modern statistical methods.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.Sc. in Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science seeking entry into quantitative fields. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in advanced statistical techniques for data analysis, and career changers transitioning into the booming data and analytics industry, provided they meet the prerequisite mathematical background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as Data Scientists, Statisticians, Business Analysts, or Research Analysts in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. Growth trajectories are robust, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and IT, with potential for leadership roles in data strategy.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Statistical & Mathematical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the foundational theories of probability, statistical inference, and mathematical analysis from Semesters 1 and 2. Utilize textbooks, online lectures, and peer study groups to solidify comprehension, as these form the bedrock for all advanced topics. Actively solve problems from various sources.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., Casella & Berger for Inference), NPTEL courses on Probability and Statistics, Math StackExchange for problem-solving
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is indispensable for designing robust models and interpreting results accurately, which is critical for any role involving data analysis or statistical research, distinguishing you from others.
Develop Proficiency in R Programming for Statistical Computing- (Semester 1-2)
Invest heavily in learning R programming through hands-on practice, focusing on data manipulation, visualization, and implementing statistical algorithms. Complete all practical assignments diligently and explore additional datasets. Attend workshops on R/Python if available to enhance coding skills.
Tools & Resources
RStudio IDE, DataCamp/Coursera courses on R, CRAN Task Views, GeeksforGeeks R tutorials
Career Connection
Coding proficiency in R is a primary requirement for data scientists, statisticians, and analysts in India, directly impacting your ability to secure internships and placements in analytical roles.
Engage in Academic Discussions and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, form study groups, and regularly discuss challenging concepts with peers and faculty. Explaining concepts to others reinforces your understanding and exposes you to different perspectives, fostering a deeper learning experience and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars/webinars, Online forums (Reddit r/statistics), Collaborative whiteboards
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills and teamwork, vital for collaborative data projects in the industry, and improves problem-solving abilities needed in interviews.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Explore Electives- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, initiate small-scale statistical projects using publicly available datasets. Actively choose Discipline Specific Electives in Semester 3 that align with your career interests (e.g., survival analysis for healthcare, econometrics for finance) to build a niche skill set. Apply concepts learned in core courses to real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Kaggle datasets, UCI Machine Learning Repository, R packages for specific electives
Career Connection
Showcasing practical projects demonstrates initiative and applied skills to potential employers, making you a more attractive candidate for internships and entry-level positions in specialized domains.
Seek Internships and Industry Exposure- (Semester 3 (during summer after Semester 2))
Actively apply for internships during summer breaks at analytics firms, financial institutions, or research organizations to gain firsthand industry experience. Network with alumni and professionals to identify opportunities. This practical exposure helps connect theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, University placement cell
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for understanding industry demands, building a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting your employability after graduation.
Participate in Statistical Competitions/Workshops- (Semester 3)
Engage in data science hackathons, statistical modeling competitions, or specialized workshops. This hands-on experience refines your problem-solving abilities, introduces you to new tools, and allows you to test your skills under pressure, adding valuable experience to your resume.
Tools & Resources
Analytics Vidhya, Kaggle Competitions, Local hackathons
Career Connection
Success in such events showcases your practical expertise and competitive edge, making you stand out in the Indian job market for roles requiring robust analytical capabilities.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work for Specialization- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic in Semester 4 that aligns with your career aspirations and allows for deep specialization. Work closely with your supervisor, conduct thorough literature reviews, and execute the project with rigor. Aim for a high-quality report and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Advanced statistical software (e.g., SAS, Python with SciPy/Pandas)
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, crucial for roles in R&D or advanced analytics.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 4)
Focus on comprehensive preparation for placements, including mock interviews, aptitude tests, and technical rounds covering all M.Sc. Statistics topics. Refine your resume and LinkedIn profile. Actively attend campus recruitment drives and career fairs organized by the university.
Tools & Resources
Placement papers (Quant, LR, Verbal), Technical interview guides for Data Science/Statistics, Networking events
Career Connection
Directly impacts securing desired job offers. Strong preparation ensures you can articulate your statistical knowledge and problem-solving approach effectively to potential employers.
Build a Professional Online Presence and Portfolio- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Create a professional online portfolio (e.g., GitHub, personal website) showcasing your projects, codes, and contributions. Continuously update it with new skills and completed assignments. Participate in professional statistical societies or online communities.
Tools & Resources
GitHub, LinkedIn, Personal blog/website platforms
Career Connection
A strong online presence and project portfolio act as a living resume, demonstrating your capabilities to recruiters and opening doors to opportunities in the Indian and global data analytics landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Honours/Major) in Statistics or equivalent from a recognized university
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% for theory courses (10 out of 50 marks); 40% for practical courses (20 out of 50 marks), External: 80% for theory courses (40 out of 50 marks); 60% for practical courses (30 out of 50 marks); 100% for Dissertation/Project (80 for evaluation, 20 for viva voce)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCC101 | Analysis I | Core | 4 | Sequences and series of real numbers, Functions of a single real variable, Functions of several variables, Riemann-Stieltjes Integral, Metric spaces |
| STCC102 | Probability Theory I | Core | 4 | Axiomatic definition of probability, Random variables and probability distributions, Moments and moment generating functions, Conditional expectation, Characteristic functions |
| STCC103 | Statistical Computing I | Core | 4 | Introduction to R programming, Data structures in R, Control flow statements, Functions and debugging in R, Graphical representation of data |
| STCC104 | Linear Algebra and Linear Models | Core | 4 | Vector spaces and subspaces, Linear transformations and matrices, Quadratic forms, Generalized inverse, Gauss-Markov model |
| STCP105 | Practical based on STCC101, STCC102, STCC103, STCC104 | Lab | 4 | Data manipulation in R, Descriptive statistics, Probability calculations, Matrix operations, Linear model fitting in R |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCC201 | Analysis II | Core | 4 | Lebesgue measure and integration, Convergence of sequences of functions, Product measures, Fubini''''s Theorem, Differentiation of integrals |
| STCC202 | Probability Theory II | Core | 4 | Modes of convergence, Weak and Strong Laws of Large Numbers, Central Limit Theorems, Conditional probability and expectation, Martingales |
| STCC203 | Statistical Inference I | Core | 4 | Point estimation, Properties of estimators, Methods of estimation (MLE, MOM), Sufficiency and completeness, Confidence intervals |
| STCC204 | Sampling Theory | Core | 4 | Simple Random Sampling, Stratified Random Sampling, Systematic Sampling, Ratio and Regression Estimators, Cluster Sampling |
| STCP205 | Practical based on STCC201, STCC202, STCC203, STCC204 | Lab | 4 | Estimation of parameters, Hypothesis testing, Sampling survey design, Simulation of random variables, Data analysis using statistical software |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCC301 | Statistical Inference II | Core | 4 | Hypothesis testing theory, Neyman-Pearson Lemma, Uniformly Most Powerful Tests, Likelihood Ratio Tests, Sequential Probability Ratio Test |
| STCC302 | Design of Experiments | Core | 4 | Basic principles of experimental design, Completely Randomized Design (CRD), Randomized Block Design (RBD), Latin Square Design (LSD), Factorial Experiments |
| STCD303 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Linear Models (GLM, Logistic, Poisson Regression), Survival Analysis (Kaplan-Meier, Cox Model), Actuarial Statistics (Life tables, Risk theory) |
| STCD304 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Nonparametric Inference (Order statistics, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis), Advanced Econometrics (Simultaneous equations, Time series econometrics), Official Statistics (Indian Statistical System, NSSO, CSO) |
| STCP305 | Practical based on STCC301, STCC302, STCD303, STCD304 | Lab | 4 | ANOVA and ANCOVA, Regression analysis, Nonparametric tests, Survival curve estimation, Analysis of official data |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCC401 | Multivariate Analysis | Core | 4 | Multivariate normal distribution, Hotelling''''s T-squared test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis, Discriminant Analysis |
| STCC402 | Stochastic Processes | Core | 4 | Markov Chains, Poisson Process, Birth and Death Processes, Renewal Theory, Branching Processes |
| STCD403 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Time Series Analysis (ARMA, ARIMA models, Forecasting), Statistical Quality Control (Control charts, Acceptance sampling), Bayesian Inference (Bayes'''' Theorem, Prior/Posterior distributions, MCMC) |
| STCD404 | Discipline Specific Elective IV (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Demography (Life tables, Population projections, Migration), Biostatistics (Clinical trials, Epidemiological studies, ROC curves), Data Mining (Classification, Clustering, Association rules) |
| STCP405 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Literature review, Problem formulation, Data collection and analysis, Report writing, Presentation and viva voce |




