EC120-Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 2 and Study Skills

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Equivalent to at least GCSE Mathematics Level 6
Co-requisites: EC115 Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business 1 or IC104 Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Simonetta Longhi
Email: s.longhi@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module extends the use of standard statistical techniques acquired in ‘Introductory Quantitative Methods 1’ and develops basic study and careers skills.

Aims:

The study of economics requires the use of quantitative methods to a greater or lesser extent. This module aims to extend the use of standard statistical techniques acquired in ‘Introductory Quantitative Methods 1’ to include hypothesis testing and basic regression analysis. An important objective is to provide sufficient background to allow students to understand more specialised techniques used in Part 2 and Part 3 modules.

Assessable learning outcomes:
To undertake quantitative problem solving across a range of subjects taught in the Department of Economics.

Additional outcomes:
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and specialist econometric software such as Stata.

Outline content:

A range of techniques including: correlation; introduction to the simple regression model; hypothesis testing; practical consideration for data collection and classification.

Global context:
Together with the £EC121 Introductory Mathematics for Economics 2£ this module develops the quantitative background for single honours study of economics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module follows a blended learning approach, with recorded material provided weekly.  Students are expected to study the material before the weekly 1-hour interactive seminars.  The module also offers one-hour weekly practical tutorials as well as one-hour online sessions where students can ask questions and clarification in an informal setting and receive timely feedbacks on their projects.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			1
Seminars		10
Tutorials		7
Project Supervision		10
Practicals classes and workshops		3
Guided independent study:		45	24
Total hours by term	0	75	25
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Project output other than dissertation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 2-hour unseen written paper.
Part 1 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
There will be a group project worth 40%.

Formative assessment methods:

Weekly problem sets which will be discussed in tutorials.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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 minimum weighted (coursework and examination) mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination for Part 1 modules takes place in August/September of the same year.
Reassessment is by examination only (coursework will not be included in the re-assessment).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 July 2021