ST205      Half Unit
Sample Surveys and Experiments

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Professor Irini Moustaki

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Business Mathematics and Statistics, BSc in Management, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, International Exchange (1 Term) and International Exchange (Full Year). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Mathematics and statistics to the level of MA107/ST107 Quantitative Methods or SP201 Research Methods for Social Policy.

Course content

Sampling methods for social surveys. Survey design and estimation. Nonresponse and measurement error. Design of experiments and observational studies.

Teaching

This course will be delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching may be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and flipped-lectures delivered as short online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas.

 

Formative coursework

Weekly exercises and group presentations. Students are expected to work on a set of exercises weekly and submit them for marking and feedback. Feedback is provided on the weekly exercises by the beginning of the next class. 

Indicative reading

V. Barnett, Sample Survey Principles and Methods (2009)

F.J. Fowler Jr, Survey Research Methods (2008). 

S. Lohr, Sampling: Design and Analysis (2010)

R.L.Scheaffer et al, Elementary Survey Sampling (2005)

Assessment

Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Coursework (20%) in the MT.

Student performance results

(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)

Classification % of students
First 58
2:1 27.7
2:2 10.6
Third 1.9
Fail 1.9

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Statistics

Total students 2019/20: 138

Average class size 2019/20: 20

Capped 2019/20: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills