AP1EQ4-Quantitative Methods 1

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Prof Kelvin Balcombe

Email: k.g.balcombe@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Learn the mathematical and statistical ideas that you will need in your career. Employ the modern tools that can assist you in dealing with data (such as spreadsheets and python). Understand how much a firm needs to produce to break even, or to maximise profit. Interpret data visually and numerically, and acquire the skills to think about uncertain outcomes.

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to provide an awareness and understanding of some of the main mathematical and statistical ideas used by applied economists and business managers working in the agricultural, food and rural sectors and the ability to carry out related numerical examples. A secondary purpose is to provide experience in the use of computers and standard software packages - particularly spreadsheets.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this course students should be able to: 1) identify and use appropriate mathematical and statistical methods to solve a range of problems relating to business and economics applications; 2) use a spreadsheet package to present and analyse business and economics data; 3) correctly interpret the numerical analysis of others; and, 4) provide a grounding for further study.

Additional outcomes:
Students will be able to: 1) independently perform statistical analysis and numerical analysis using spreadsheets; 2) identify the appropriate techniques to deal with business and marketing problems; 3) solve a range of mathematical and statistical problems.

Outline content:
Basic Numeric Skills, Spreadsheet Skills, Data Presentation and Analysis. Basic Statistics, Probability, Hypothesis Testing and Confidence Intervals, Differential Calculus.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supplemented by workshops\tutorials where students complete example sheets relating to lecture material. Help available from lecturer and teaching assistant(s). Some workshops will be in computer lab

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Tutorials		9
Guided independent study:		71
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	12.5
Class test administered by School	17.5

Summative assessment- Examinations:
A 2 hour examination paper

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
1 Assignment (12.5%); 1 Test (12.5%) and 3 'snap-tests' (5%).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 27 July 2020