IF0ISJ-Information Systems and Statistics (January Entry)

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr James Appleby
Email: j.f.appleby@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Information systems underpin every aspect of our daily life. An awareness of statistical analysis is key for understanding data. This module covers both of these important topics and helps you develop the key theoretical, practical and numerical skills to help you succeed in your future study in subjects across the University. 

Aims:

To appreciate how information systems are used in real-life scenarios. To gain an understanding of legal, social and ethical issues relating to the use of information systems.

To gain an understanding of the basic principles of statistics. To appreciate how statistics formulae are applied to real data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the topics outlined below to a standard equivalent to A-level. 


• Be able to answer questions to the same standard on any of the topics outlined below.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also be able to demonstrate a level of competence in the use of computer-based MS Office packages which will enable them to use these effectively during their intended degree.



Students will also be able to demonstrate sufficient understanding of statistics as a basis for further study as part of their intended degree.

Outline content:

In Information Systems, students are introduced to the use and application of computer-based systems. Topics covered include the role played by software and applications in a variety of environments (home, business, etc.), and also accessibility, health and safety, system security, data protection and legal issues. Practical experience of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics and databases is provided.



In Statistics, students are introduced to quantitat ive methods and techniques considered important by many other disciplines. Topics covered incorporate descriptive statistics such as representation of sample data, measures of location, measures of dispersion, probability, and regression and correlation. The lectures combine statistical theory with worked examples and there are tutorials in which students solve statistical problems

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and small group tutorials. Lectures are pre-recorded and delivered online for students to access in their own time. Tutorials and practical sessions are live interactive sessions delivered in the classroom (computer labs) for students on campus and through the online teaching platform Blackboard through Blackboard Collaborate, for students studying remotely. Virtual breakout rooms allow students studying remotely to participate in smaller group work activities. Face to face and online surgery sessions allow students to get extra live support and feedback from their tutor. 

Feedback and feed-forward is provided through online tutorials and is posted online in Blackboard to aid learner development for students working remotely and during face to face tutorials for students on campus. Students will also be expected to take responsibility for their own learning by setting goals and making regular use of the University library, especi ally their online resources for students working remotely, Blackboard (the University Virtual Learning Environment) and other online resources 

This module is taught across three terms:

• Term 1: Spring term


• Term 2: Summer term


• Term 3: Summer vacation

It should be noted that the Contact Hours shown in the following table for the Summer term are the total hours for Terms 2 and 3

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	30
Supervised time in studio/workshop		30	45
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20	30
Revision and preparation		20	60
Essay preparation		40	40
Reflection		25	40
Total hours by term	0	155	245
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 x 1.5 h

Statistics component: 1 x 1.5 hour exam = 36% of overall module mark

Information systems component: 1 x 1.5 hour exam = 24% of overall module mark

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Statistics coursework components: Autumn term coursework 6%, Spring term coursework 6%, Autumn end of term test 6% and Spring end of term test 6% = 24% of overall module



Information systems coursework components: Autumn term coursework 4%, Spring term coursework 4%, Autumn end of term test 4% and Spring end of term test 4% = 16% of overall module

Formative assessment methods:

Regular tutorial classes on problems of the type encountered in examinations. Optional surgery (drop-in) sessions.

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:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University-administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  'Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics - Statistics 1’ by Pledger, Clegg and Gardner. ISBN-10: 0435519123, ~£17

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  Scientific Calculator (non-programmable), £10.00

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 29 September 2021