Today, more than ever, statistics is part of our lives. From this key introductory module you will learn how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods that are useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics covered include: summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation. Using data from a range of applications, you’ll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles, as well as using software and a calculator to analyse data. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics modules or if you encounter data in another subject or your daily life.
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| Start |
End |
Fee
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| 07 Oct 2023 |
Jun 2024 |
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| Registration now closed
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| 03 Feb 2024 |
Sep 2024 |
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| Registration closes 11/01/24 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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This module is expected to start for the last time in February 2028.
What you will study
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 text contains many exercises that you should work through to help you learn and to monitor your own progress. Most exercises involve calculations that you will do by hand (or by calculator), but some you will do by computer, using the software package Minitab, which you will be taught to use and which is supplied with the module. You will be encouraged to develop skills in interpreting and communicating your results and this will be assessed in assignment questions.
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.
You will learn
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:
- key ideas in statistics
- statistical vocabulary and notation introduced in the module
- selection and use of statistical techniques for exploring data
- interpretation of results in the context of real life questions
- communication of results
- use of statistical software
- use of relevant ICT tools for learning.
The module contains many data from real world situations based around three themes: economics, education and health.
Entry
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.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying M140 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Study materials
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- relevant computer software and associated guidance,/li>
- audio and video content
- assessment details, instructions and guidance
- online tutorial access
- access to student and tutor group forums.
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 will need
A scientific calculator – we recommend any one that has basic statistical functions, such as mean and standard deviation, and that you know how to use it before the module starts. You will need a few household items to carry out a small experiment for one of the units of study.
Computing requirements
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.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
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.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
Professional recognition
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).
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
Introducing statistics (M140) starts twice a year – in January/February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2023 and February 2024.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2028.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.