Teaching statistics using the computer

In Australia there has been a decline in the number of students majoring in statistics and mathematics in general. During 2003, just over 3000 PhDs were awarded in Australia in the natural and physical sciences. Of these almost half were in the biological sciences while only 186 were in the mathematical and statistical sciences. Combined with the low number of people currently studying statistics, this has created both an enormous shortage of good statisticians and a lack of critical mass in Australia to develop new technologies. The general situation has prompted a review of the state of statistics in Australian Universities. The Federal Minister for Education, Science and Technology has requested that suitable initiatives be developed in order to redress the problem.