Course unit details:
Data Analysis with R & RStudio
| Unit code | CRIM70821 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the use of descriptive and inferential statistics with a focus on introducing the R programming language. The course responds to current calls from ESRC and the British Academy to improve the quantitative skills of social science graduates and fits within the Q-Step Manchester initiative.
Indicative content: (1) Introduction to the course & software; (2) Data visualisation; (3) Statistical inference; (4) Hypothesis tests; (5) Associations between categorical variables; (6) Linear regression; (7) Real-world regression; (8) Logistic regression.
Pre/co-requisites
Aims
The unit aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the use of descriptive and inferential statistics with a focus on introducing the R programming language.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student will – among other things - be able to (1) appreciate the relevance of quantitative skills for criminological research and professional development; (2) Understand basic statistical concepts; (3) use the interface and basic functions of the R programming language for data entry, formatting, filtering, and alteration; (4) develop an introductory grasp of RStudio as an interface for working with R; (5) feel confident in the use of large data sets in a computer environment.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning across course units consists of: (1) preparatory work to be completed prior to teaching sessions, including readings, pre-recorded subject material and online activities; (2) a weekly whole-class lecture or workshop; (3) a tutorial; and (4) one-to-one support via subject specific office hours.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Employability skills: In addition to subject-specific knowledge and understanding, Criminology units foster highly employable skills such as the ability to (i) analyse, critique and (re-)formulate a problem or issue; (ii) rapidly and thoroughly review/rate argument and evidence from targeted bibliographic searches; (iii) plan, structure and present arguments in a variety of written formats and to a strict word limit, (iv) express ideas verbally and organise work effectively in small teams for a variety of written and oral tasks; (v) obtain, manipulate and (re-)present different forms of data; (vi) manage time effectively; (vii) reflect on and improve performance through feedback.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Criminology units foster highly employable skills such as the ability to (i) analyse, critique and (re-)formulate a problem (ii) rapidly and thoroughly review/rate argument and evidence from targeted bibliographic searches; (iii) plan, structure and present arguments in a variety of written formats and to a strict word limit, (iv) express ideas verbally and organise work effectively in small teams for a variety of written and oral tasks; (v) obtain, manipulate and (re-)present different forms of data; (vi) manage time effectively; (vii) reflect on and improve performance through feedback.
- Oral communication
- Problem solving
- Written communication
Assessment methods
Weekly Homework Tasks & Quizzes: 40%
Final Comprehensive Assessment: 60%
Feedback methods
Formative feedback (both individual and collective) will be given on tasks and contribution in class. Summative feedback will be given on the exam via Blackboard (Grademark).
Recommended reading
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Practical classes & workshops | 16 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 50 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Tomás Diviák | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Study hours: Across their course units each semester, full-time students are expected to devote a ‘working week’ of 35-40 hours to study. Accordingly each course unit demands 9-10 hours of study per week consisting of (i) teacher lead activities and sessions, (ii) preparation, required and further reading.
Part-time students study the same number of weekly hours per unit but take fewer units per semester.