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Undergraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13
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GEO209: Quantitative Methods Natural Sciences

Module Title Quantitative Methods Natural Sciences
Module Code GEO209
Module Tutor Anne Goodenough
School Natural and Social Sciences
CAT Points 15
Level of Study 5
Pre-requisites Before taking this module you must pass GEO109
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Brief Description This module introduces hypothesis testing and inferential statistics to enable students to analyse and interpret data. Students will develop an understanding of the use and abuse of statistical tests in determining the significance of similarities, differences and relationships in data sets.
Indicative Syllabus The formation of testable hypotheses and the importance of the null hypothesis in inferential statistics will be introduced. The differences between parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, and ways to determine which is suitable, will be presented. Students will use standard and specialist statistical software packages to compare two or more samples, compare paired data, investigate frequency data, apply circular statistics and establish relationships using correlation and regression tests.
Learning Outcomes

i. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
a)  understand the difference between null and alternative hypotheses for statistical analysis;
b)  understand the differences between parametric and non-parametric statistical tests and the importance of those differences;
c)  synthesise relevant aspects of datasets to select the most appropriate analytical test;
d) understand the output of statistical tests to make meaningful inferences.

ii. Skills
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
a)  devise null and alternative hypotheses;
b)  test data for parametric assumptions;
c)  select an appropriate inferential test for a given dataset;
d) use software packages to carry out statistical tests.
Learning and Teaching Activities

Staff / student contact: 24% (36 hrs; lectures, workshops and tutorials)
Student directed learning: 76%
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) 001: 50% Coursework: Portfolio: 2000 words or equivalent
002: 30% Written Exam: In-class, multiple choice: 1.00 hours
003: 20% Written Exam: In-class, unseen, closed book: 1.00 hours
Special Assessment Requirements None
Indicative Resources

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

Important

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Course resources prior to 2012/13 can still be found in the original Maps and Descriptors Archive.

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