OLET1652: How to Estimate Anything

University of Sydney•2026 S2
In Progress
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Estimation
Dimensional Analysis
Uncertainty
Quantitative Reasoning
Basic Models

Systematic order-of-magnitude estimation using units, dimensional analysis, uncertainty and simple models when complete information is unavailable.

Learning Outcomes

Official unit information
  • Numerical estimation: Construct defensible approximate answers to a wide range of quantitative questions with limited information.
  • Units and dimensions: Use units and dimensions to describe quantities consistently and detect implausible reasoning.
  • Dimensional analysis: Apply dimensional relationships to constrain estimates and reveal the structure of a problem.
  • Basic modelling: Translate an ambiguous question into assumptions, component quantities and a simple quantitative model.
  • Uncertainty: Evaluate how assumptions and uncertain inputs affect the scale and credibility of an estimate.

Current Focus

I am treating estimation as a practical research skill: before collecting more data or building a complex model, I want to be able to identify the important quantities, establish plausible bounds and make assumptions explicit.