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GV1DEN-Data Environment
Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3
Module Convenor: Prof Andrew Wade
Email: a.j.wade@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module will introduce numerical concepts and techniques required to process and analyse environmental data improving or consolidating numerical skills required for studying environmental science. It will train students in using the selected data management, processing and statistical packages, and data visualisation. Data will be drawn from other thematic modules taught at Part 1 and will assist students with managing numerical and data processing tasks set in other modules. The module will consist of lectures and practical sessions with a strong emphasis on practical learning. Assessment will be via two onlineÌýtests and a project related to processing, analysis and visualisation of environmental data.Ìý
Aims:
This module aims to help students to consolidate and advance numerical skills which will help them to progress through the programme. Specifically, it aims to consolidate students’ skills in algebra, acquire and advance skills in basic mathematics and statistics, numerical data management and visualisation, and the use of selected data processing and statistical packages.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, students should be able to:Ìý
- Perform basic calculations and read, re-arrange and solve algebraic equationsÌý
- Understand the basics of calculus
- Analyse data using a range of common statistical techniquesÌý
- Present data in graphical format
- Manage, analyse and visualise data using common software packages
Additional outcomes:
This module will provide the opportunity to develop the following transferable skills:
- Teamwork
- Data handling
- Data presentation
- Written presentation
Outline content:
Lecture content
- Basic maths skillsÌý
- Algebraic manipulationsÌý
- Descriptive statistics
- Parametric and non-parametric statistics
- Univariate and multivariate analysesÌý
- Goodness-of-fit indices
- Comparison of samples
- Introduction to calculus
- Introduction to data management and visualisation
Practical content
- Data managementÌý
- Data presentation and visualisation using selected software packages
- Statistical analysis using selected software packages (e.g. Excel, R)
- Introduction to scientific programming (e.g. R)
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will be delivered through interactive lectures and practical classes.
Ìý | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
Lectures | 10 | 5 | |
Project Supervision | 15 | ||
Practicals classes and workshops | 20 | 10 | |
Guided independent study: | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent) | 10 | 5 | |
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed) | 10 | 5 | |
Ìý Ìý Exam revision/preparation | 20 | 15 | |
Ìý Ìý Preparation for seminars | 30 | 15 | |
Ìý Ìý Preparation of practical report | 10 | ||
Ìý Ìý Group study tasks | 20 | ||
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours by term | 100 | 100 | 0 |
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours for module | 200 |
Method | Percentage |
Report | 70 |
Class test administered by School | 30 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The problem solving tests will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental mathematical and statistical concepts and techniques. Each test will complete a thematic block and will be taken before moving to the next topic. This step-by-step assessment is designed to consolidate knowledge, receive timely feedback and feed-forward and minimise risk of failure.Ìý
The written report, accompanied by graphical presentation of environmental data, will complete projects undertaken by the students and supervised by the members of the teaching team. These projects will be related to real environmental issues and data giving students hands-on experience of analysing environmental data early in their course and enabling students to demonstrate their ability to interpret and present environmental data.
Formative assessment methods:
Assessment and feedback during the practical sessions.
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.
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:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of written report.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
- Required text books: None
- Specialist equipment or materials:ÌýNone
- Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:ÌýNone
- Printing and binding:ÌýNone
- Computers and devices with a particular specification:ÌýNone
- Travel, accommodation and subsistence:ÌýNone
Last updated: 22 September 2022
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.