Module title
Introduction to Statistics
Module code
INT1003
Academic year(s)
2015/6
Credits
15
Basic module details
Module staff
Michael Samuel Hughes - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
0
Duration (weeks) - term 2
12
Duration (weeks) - term 3
0
Number students taking module (anticipated)
120
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
Statistics inform decision makers in all areas of society, for example, Government policymakers, investment
planners, business managers, education providers or healthcare managers. In this module you will learn how to
summarise and analyse data, test hypotheses and find relationships between different features in a business
context. You will learn how to use statistics to draw conclusions, make sensible business decisions and justify
your decisions in your business presentations.
This module is the equivalent of BEE 1022. No prior knowledge of statistics is assumed for this module.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Module aims
This module is an introduction to the basic concepts of statistics and will give a strong foundation to the statistics that will be
continued in the second year of a business degree. It will provide students with an understanding of the statistical
methodologies used in economics, in the business and management environments, and also other disciplines of study. A
combination of theoretical and extensive hands-on practice is used, using Excel software with a variety of data types and
statistical methods.
Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
1. compute and graph salient features of experimental and survey data, manually and using a computer
2. carry out a hypothesis test in a variety of contexts
3. calculate basic statistics and use them to compare data sets
4. apply certain parametric and non-parametric statistical tests
5. interpret the results of certain statistical tests in a variety of situations
6. fit and interpret bivariate and multivariate regression models
7. demonstrate the ability to utilise a software package (Excel) for a range of statistical applications
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
8. apply some fundamental statistical methods
9. analyse data and draw conclusions from it
10. calculate and interpret statistical parameters
ILO: Personal and key skills
11. use IT effectively
12. demonstrate written communication skills
13. present information in different formats
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
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Introduction to Statistics, Scales of measurement.
Descriptive Statistics: Frequency Tables, Frequency Distributions.
Descriptive Statistics: Numerical Measures.
Descriptive Statistics: Graphical Methods.
Discrete and continuous random variables.
Discrete and continuous probability distributions.
Classical probability concepts.
Sampling Methods and the Central Limit Theorem.
Estimation and Confidence Intervals.
One-Sample and Two-Samples Tests of Hypothesis.
Analysis of Variance.
Correlation and Linear Regression.
Multiple Regression.
Nonparametric Methods: Goodness-of-Fit Tests.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
Guided independent study
Placement / study abroad
64
86
0
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category
Hours of study time
Description
Scheduled learning and teaching
activities
24
Lectures (2 x 1Hr)
Scheduled learning and teaching
activities
36
Seminar – these will be teacher led. You
should prepare for each seminar based
on the related lecture
Practical
4
Practice applying methods to simulated
situations.
Study Clinic
8
Optional sessions to reinforce key skills
Guided Independent Study
42
Reading and research
Guided Independent Study
12
Practice of techniques
Guided Independent Study
24
Web-based activities
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
4 case studies
1 hour each
1-13
Written
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
Written exams
Practical exams
20
80
0
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment
% of credit
Size of the
assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Examination
80%
2 hours
1-6,8-10, 12-13
Written
Coursework
assessments
20%
20 hours in total
1-13
Written & online
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
ILOs re-assessed
Timescale for reassessment
Examination
1-6, 8-10, 12-13
2 weeks after original exam
Re-assessment notes
Written examination
The pass mark for award of credit in this module is 40%. Referral or deferral is a process whereby a further
attempt at the module examination, following an initial failure, is permitted without the requirement to repeat
any attendance. This will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the reassessment. Resubmission of coursework is impractical for two reasons; coursework answers and feedback are
given to students after marking, and some coursework is assessing IT skills which cannot be measured by the
examination process.
All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral or deferral.
The grade for the re-assessment, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Lind, D. A., Marchal, W. G. & Wathen, S. A. (2013). Basic Statistics for Business & Economics (8th Ed.). New York: McGraw
Hill Irwin.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Course Lectures and worklog is available through ELE in addition to online assessments.
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3291
Online exercises associated with Course textbook. http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other resources, through both self research and those presented or referenced to by the lecturer
Other details
Module ECTS
7.5
Module pre-requisites
None
Module co-requisites
None
NQF level (module)
4
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
16/05/08
Last revision date
02/08/2013
Key words search
Statistics business measurement percentages pie charts tables descriptive diagrams calculating correlation regression
logarithms time charts average trends deterministic sampling distribution mean confidence intervals normally probabilities
testing