Unit name | Mathematics and Programming Skills for Social Scientists |
---|---|
Unit code | GEOGM0032 |
Credit points | 15 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Mr. Hayes |
Open unit status | Not open |
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
As this is an advanced-level course, working knowledge of the theory and application of regression analysis is assumed; experience of rudimentary programming is preferable. |
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Other AQM mandatory units |
Units you may not take alongside this one | |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This is an advanced-level mathematics and programming course which aims to provide students with the essential mathematical skills needed to solve various types of optimisation problems and to introduce them to software with which they can solve practical optimisation problems within research.
The main topics covered are syntax-driven logistic regression in SPSS leading to multi-level modelling theory and application using MLwiN; statistical and graphical techniques using R; dynamic programming and coding using Python; multi-level modelling theory and application using MLwiN. Each day-long session will involve lectures outlining the theory behind a technique or the rudiments of a programming language, its application and use, along with practical sessions implementing the skills learned on a common dataset that will be used for each of the three day-long sessions and with each of the different computing packages.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have:
This course is delivered in sections by each institution (Bath, Bristol and Exeter)
One 2000-word research project using the skills/techniques developed in one of the programming languages/applications to investigate a research problem relevant to the student's chosen discipline. This will assess all learning outcomes. (Exact word limit is dependent on the insitution delivering the assessment.)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0032).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.