MATH 3017 Data Analysis and Visualisation for Social Policy
Credit Points 10
Coordinator Thierno Diallo Opens in new window
Description This subject provides students with an applied interdisciplinary understanding of statistics and quantitative data science methods, commonly used within the social sciences and social policy environments. The subject will equip learners with quantitative tools and methods utilised with small and large datasets, and data visualisation techniques to answer questions of cultural, social, economic, and policy interest. The subject develops students’ theoretical knowledge of statistical methods, practical knowledge of commonly used statistical software package, and applied knowledge through the analysis of real-world social problems. The knowledge and skills of this subject are of relevance to students seeking to work in social policy and/or social research within academia, government, industry and/or NGOs.
School Social Sciences
Discipline Statistics
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject
Restrictions
Successful completion of 120 credit points.
Learning Outcomes
• SLO1: Summarise data graphically and numerically
• SLO2: Apply software tools to manage and explore data
• SLO3: Evaluate statistical strategies to answer a research question
• SLO4: Interpret results of a statistical analysis
• SLO5: Evaluate the appropriateness of statistical methodologies when analysing a variety of problems arising from the social sciences
• SLO6: Communicate results of statistical analysis
Subject Content
- Role of quantitative method in social policy
- Measurement scales
- Descriptive statistics
- Data visualisation
- Basic probability
- Normal distribution
- Sampling distribution of statistics
- Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing
- Analysis of variance
- Chi-squared test
- Correlations
- Single and multivariate linear models
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task |
---|---|---|---|---|
Log/Workbook | 6 x 90 minutes and 3 submissions in total | 50 | N | Individual |
Multiple Choice | 2 x 1 hour | 20 | N | Individual |
End-of-session Exam | 2 hours | 30 | N | Individual |
Prescribed Texts
Poldrack, R. A. (2018). Statistical Thinking for the 21st Century. Stanford, California Russell Poldrack. (free online textbook)
Teaching Periods