Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM086: Quantitative Data Analysis

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Introduction: why use quantitative data and

Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, graphical presentation

Collecting data, sampling, data management and data integrity

Describing data, graphical presentation of data and dealing with missing data

Inferential statistics and research design

Comparing means

Testing relationships between variables

Multivariate statistics including ordinary least squares regression

Categorical data analysis including logit and probit models

Advanced techniques, including panel data, and paths for future study

Student Presentations

The module will be taught through 11 weekly two-hour sessions (including introductory session). There will be a mix of formal lectures led by the co-ordinator, practical experience, student presentations and student discussion. The emphasis is on active seminar participation, practical experience and the development of techniques and tools with regard to assessed work. The techniques will be explored through appropriate practical work and independent study.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
222780

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities2211 x 2 hour sessions
Guided independent study200Completion of assessment tasks
Guided independent study78Preparation for seminars

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Individual presentation of data analysis problem, based on final project10 minutes10, 11Verbal Feedback

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Practical assignments + data analysis including results tables and graphs503 x 500 words1-9Written and or verbal feedback
Final assignment + data analysis including results tables and graphs503,000 words9-11Written and or verbal feedback

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Practical assignments + data analysis including results tables and graphsPractical assignments + data analysis including results tables and graphs1-9August reassessment period
Final assignment + data analysis including results tables and graphsFinal assignment + data analysis including results tables and graphs9-11August reassessment period