Biometric Work in Austraila

Abstract

In Australia the greater part of systematic biometric research is carried out by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research through its various laboratories and institutions in the several states. This Council recruits its statisticians, in general, from University graduates who have had basic training in mathematics and, preferably, advanced training in mathematical statistics. The Council passes these recruits through a preliminary period of practical training and then attaches them to the appropriate research department. University training in statistics at the undergraduate level is provided in most of the Australian universities. In Melbourne, for example, there are three courses available: (1) a pass course in theory of statistics, taken in the second year and following a fairly complete first year course of calculus, in which the standard distributions and tests are fully described and illustrated; (2) an honor course in mathematical statistics, taken either by mathematical graduates or by honor undergraduates who have completed a course in the theory of functions; (3) a descriptive course in statistical methods for research workers, mainly graduates in bacteriology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, etc., many of whom have had a basic training in algebra and the elements of calculus. This training is usually acquired at school, a special subject to meet the needs of such people being included among the matriculation group of subjects. All the above courses are increasing steadily in popularity.