This module explores the fundamental statistical techniques and ideas used for analysing and interpreting data, covering models for data, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression. The emphasis is on the practical side, although some of the underlying theory is also included. The statistical software package Minitab is supplied with the module and use of a computer is essential: you'll receive detailed guidance for all the computer activities. This module is ideal if you would like to develop the skills to make sense of data. It also provides the necessary foundations required for studying further modules in statistics.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | M248 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
This module builds on the statistics introduced at level 1 through the OU module Introducing statistics (M140). The module will investigate a greater range of statistical techniques than those introduced at level 1, and will also provide a deeper understanding of the techniques that were introduced.
In this module you will explore the fundamental statistical techniques which can be used to analyse data to answer real, practical, questions such as 'Does drug A work better than drug B?' and 'How often do major earthquakes occur?'
The starting point for answering such questions is to model the variation in data: some of the most commonly used models for variation are considered in the first part of the module and some of their properties are investigated. The module then goes on to develop statistical techniques for using data and models of the variation to draw conclusions and answer questions of interest: the specific statistical techniques studied in the module include estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests and regression.
An important skill for any statistician is the ability to communicate their statistical analysis clearly to others, both statisticians and non-statisticians. Statistical report writing is considered in one of the final units of the module.
In addition to the module texts, student learning is supported throughout by short video presentations, computer animations and online interactive practice quizzes.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Successful study of this module should improve your skills in analysing and interpreting data.
The ability to analyse and interpret data is central to many careers in, for example, government, health, business, finance and market research. The material in this module explores the fundamental statistical techniques required for analysing and interpreting data. Statistical software packages are important data analysis tools for practising statisticians: the use of one such statistical software package is integral to this module. Another important skill required by practising statisticians, is the ability to communicate the results from their data analyses: this skill is developed through statistical report writing.
There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required mathematical and statistical skills.
You can check you're ready for M248 and see the topics it covers here.
Talk to an advisor if you're not sure you're ready.
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) is ideal preparation, and Introducing statistics (M140) is also useful.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll be provided with printed module books, each covering one block of study, with many worked examples and exercises. You'll also receive a printed module handbook.
A scientific calculator, but not one that is designed or adapted to offer any of the following facilities: Algebraic manipulation, differentiation or integration, language translation or can communicate with other devices or the internet. It also cannot have retrievable information stored in it such as databanks, dictionaries, mathematical formulae or text.
You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11). Any macOS is unsuitable with this module.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.
It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.
Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won't be compulsory for you to complete the module, you're strongly encouraged to take part.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
Although your scores on the TMAs will not contribute directly to your final grade, you will need to complete most of them. However, the total workload for all TMAs is less than four standard TMAs. You will be given more information when you begin the module.
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/video clips (with transcripts/subtitles), diagrams, interactive animations and self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to 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.
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 diagrams, graphs, screencasts and animations. Interpreting and producing examples of the graphs is an important part of the study of this module and is assessed. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures in the main units.
In this module you will be working with specialist reading material which includes mathematical notation. These are delivered both online and in printed form, and also via bespoke and third party software.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which can be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system or by post, and an End-of-Module Exam that you will take remotely.
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.
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.
This module uses specialist symbols that are not covered by standard accessibility tools. The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software: Minitab, which may not be fully accessible and you may need help from a non-medical helper.
Analysing data (M248) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2024.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
This course is expected to start for the last time in October 2027.
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).