How many hairs are there on a human head? What is the probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe? What is the GDP of a small nation? Remarkably, it is possible to answer these questions more-or-less accurately, with minimal information. The ability to do this - to estimate - is a valuable life skill. In this unit you will learn systematic approaches to estimation, which allow order-of-magnitude answers to be provided for any quantitative question. You will also learn to evaluate the uncertainties in your estimates. Examples will be drawn from across the sciences and the humanities. The unit connects theoretical knowledge with practical application, and seeks to develop the ability to critically evaluate quantitative information from a broad variety of sources.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
---|---|
Credit points | 2 |
Prerequisites
?
|
None |
Corequisites
?
|
None |
Prohibitions
?
|
None |
Assumed knowledge
?
|
HSC Mathematics (2 unit) |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Michael Wheatland, michael.wheatland@sydney.edu.au |
---|---|
Tutor(s) | Victor Demcsak, victor.demcsak@sydney.edu.au |