EC125NU-Introductory Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

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

Module Co-convenor: Dr Stefania Lovo
Email: s.lovo@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to help students make sense of data, to become an effective user of data as well as to carry out simple data analysis by exploring a range of statistical techniques.   

Module Lead:  Qijun Qiu (qiu-qijun@163.com)

Aims:

The study of economics requires the use of quantitative methods to a greater or lesser extent. This module aims to help students to understand the use of standard techniques. 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. 

Outline content:

A range of techniques including: presenting and summarising data; descriptive statistics; normal distribution; sample distribution of the mean; measures of inequality; probability; correlation; introduction to the simple regression model and hypothesis testing.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module offers an introduction to a range of quantitative techniques applicable in economics and finance. Lectures cover the main module material, supported by tutorials and PC classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	72
Tutorials	12
Practicals classes and workshops	12
Guided independent study:
Other	104
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	30
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper (50% of final module mark).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be an Excel based written assignment (30% of final module mark) and a mid-term test (20% of final module mark).  

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:

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:  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: 5 October 2021