Module overview
This module complements the economics modules taken by students in first and second year and is designed to prepare students for the applied economics module taken in the second year. It provides an introduction to probability and statistics, with reference to economics examples, and introduces students to regression analysis using models with a small number of explanatory variables.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply statistics and probability in the context of economic applications
- Use graphical and numerical methods to calculate and illustrate descriptive statistics
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Interpret output from statistical computations using adequate software to address economic questions
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Basic concepts in statistics and probability and some applications in economics
- Basic regression analysis as applied to an economic dataset
Syllabus
The module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts in statistics, including:
- Descriptive Statistics
- Probability
- Random Variables
- Sampling
- Testing
- Linear Regression
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The course is based on lectures and tutorials, and students may also use interactive online resources listed on Blackboard
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 118 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Tutorial | 8 |
| Total study time | 146 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
David Spiegelhalter (2020). The Art of Statistics. Penguin Books.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral and external repeat assessment are through 100% final examSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 30% |
| Final Exam | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Exam | 100% |