IF0ISS-Information Systems and Statistics

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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.  There is also a focus on providing awareness of the growing library of FOSS (Free Open Source Software) alternatives.

To provide a firm grounding in common statistical techniques in terms of basic statistical principles, calculation of results, and interpretation of those results.  To appreciate how statistics formulae are applied to real data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

ICT

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.

Statistics

Students will also be able to demonstrate modern AS level knowledge of statistics in topics including hypothesis testing, experimental design, and probability.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop a wider awareness of statistical practice, both in a historical context and in modern uses.  Students will also be able to better evaluate software packages for specific use cases.

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.

With regards to Statistics, topics covered are foundations of statistics, numerical measures, data representation and interpretation, probability theory, discrete random variables, the binomial distribution, bivariate data, the normal distribution, data collection, estimation and approximation, introduction to hypothesis testing, methods of hypothesis testing, contingency tables, non-parametric hypothesis tests, experimental design, confidence intervals and the central limit theorem, concepts in hypothesis testing, hypothesis tests between two parameters, and further experimental design.

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 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20	10
Tutorials	30	30	15
Practicals classes and workshops	20	20	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20	20	10
Revision and preparation	20	20	40
Essay preparation	20	20
Reflection	20	20	15
Total hours by term	150	150	100
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	16
Class test administered by School	24

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Statistics component: 1 x 2 hour exam = 36% of overall module mark.

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

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Statistics

Autumn end of semester test : 12%

Spring end of semester test : 12%

ICT

Autumn Coursework : 8%

Spring Coursework : 8%

Formative assessment methods:

Regular tutorial classes on problems of the type encountered in examinations. Additional exercises based on recorded lectures (students send in solutions to gain feedback).  Optional surgery (drop-in) sessions.

All summative pieces are given formative feedback to enhance their effectiveness.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: Scientific Calculator (non-programmable), Casio fx-991EX Classwiz (Calculator) - £27.99

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: 30 March 2023