MAST20006 Probability for Statistics
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 70%: exam-heavy
Is MAST20006 hard?
MAST20006: Easier. Makes it easier: Reviewers say it’s manageable (7 reviews). Makes it harder: Final exam 70%.
What you learn
The probability theory you need to understand statistics, with computer help but no programming.
After it you can
- Build probability models from real-world problems
- Work out distributions of sums and functions of variables
- Use a computer package for probability calculations
What you need first
(MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10010 or MAST10011 or MAST10022 or MAST10018 or MAST10013)
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10010 Data Analysis
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
What it leads to
- BUSA20001 Visualisation and Data Wrangling
- ECOM20001 Econometrics 1
- ECOM30003 Applied Microeconometric Modelling
- ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 2
- ECON30002 Economic Development
- ECON30024 Economics of Financial Markets
- ECON30025 Computational Economics and Business
- EVSC30003 Environmental Risk Assessment
- FNCE30001 Investments
- FNCE30003 International Finance
- FNCE30006 Entrepreneurial Finance
- FNCE30007 Derivative Securities
- FNCE30010 Algorithmic Trading
- FNCE30011 Essentials of Corporate Valuation
- MAST20005 Statistics
- MAST30001 Stochastic Modelling
- MAST30020 Probability for Inference
- MAST30022 Decision Making
- MAST30032 Biological Modelling and Simulation
- MGMT20005 Business Decision Analysis
Can’t be taken together with
How it’s assessed
Assignments 20%, Tests 10%, Final exam 70%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 7 students on StudentVIP (2018–2025)
- Several reviewers found it relatively easy for a university maths subject.
- Gives a solid foundation in probability; consistent practice is needed to keep pace.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate MAST20006
Quick answers
- When is MAST20006 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking MAST20006?
- Needs (MAST10006 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10019) and (MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10010 or MAST10011 or MAST10022 or MAST10018 or MAST10013).
- Does MAST20006 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 70% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 20%, Tests 10%, Final exam 70%.
- Is MAST20006 hard?
- From 7 student reviews on StudentVIP: Several reviewers found it relatively easy for a university maths subject.
- What do students say about MAST20006?
- Several reviewers found it relatively easy for a university maths subject. Gives a solid foundation in probability; consistent practice is needed to keep pace.
- Can I take MAST20006 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after MAST20006?
- 20 subjects need it first, for example BUSA20001, ECOM20001, ECOM30003, ECON20003.
- Can I rate MAST20006?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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