This module teaches you how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics include summarising data, examining relationships, randomness and sampling distributions, probability, testing hypotheses, and estimation. Using data from various applications, you'll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles and analyse data using software and a calculator. The skills introduced are ideal if you plan to study mathematics further or encounter data in another subject or your daily life.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M140 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
This key introductory statistics module is designed for people who have not studied statistics before. It focuses on the application of statistics, adopting the attitude that statistics is about solving problems. The module is data driven. We collect relevant data and we analyse them to answer the problems. The methods that are covered are not specific to one field of application alone, but apply to all areas in which statistics is used.
The materials contain exercises to help you both learn and to monitor your progress. Most exercises involve calculations you'll do by hand or with a calculator, but some you'll do using the software Minitab, which we'll supply and teach you to use. Please note that Minitab runs only on Windows; any other operating system is unsuitable. You'll also develop skills in interpreting and communicating your results, and we'll assess this
Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge (see Entry Requirements) you should expect to study for about nine hours a week. Many of the topics covered in the module depend on your understanding of topics in earlier units. So, if you have not adequately understood earlier material, you may find later material difficult and time consuming.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should begin to develop your statistical skills and enable you to analyse common forms of data so as to address practical problems.
You will learn about:
The module contains many data from real world situations based around three themes: economics, education and health.
There is no formal pre-requisite study.
You can see the topics M140 covers here.
Talk to an advisor if you're not sure you're ready.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also be provided with printed module books, a module guide and a handbook.
There may an option for registered students to access materials via an Early Start Programme. This programme is tutor supported and enables you to make a start up to three months before the main presentation start.
You'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They'll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Printed materials are provided for the core module text. All of this module's study materials are also online; this includes PDFs of any printed materials, plus some items which are only provided online. Online-only materials include audio and video clips (with transcripts/subtitles), diagrams, interactive animations and self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. This module uses mathematical/statistical software.
This module has online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
A small home-based experiment is an optional component of assessment.
Mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions are used throughout the module and you will be required to use such notation within assessment.
The study materials contain a considerable number of graphs. Interpreting and producing examples of these is an important part of the study of this module and is assessed. Figure descriptions are provided for most figures.
In this module you will be working with specialist reading material which includes mathematical notation. This is delivered both online and in printed form, and also via third party software.
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) that you may submit via the online TMA/EMA system or by post, and interactive computer-marked assignments completed online.
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment. Solutions and some explanations will also be provided for the interactive Computer-Marked Assignments (iCMAs).
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.
The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software, Minitab, which may not be fully accessible and you may need the support of a non-medical helper.
Introducing statistics (M140) starts twice a year – in January/February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and February 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2028.
This course is expected to start for the last time in February 2028.
This module may help you to gain membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). For further information, see the IMA website.
This module may also help you to apply for the professional award of Graduate Statistician conferred by The Royal Statistical Society (RSS).