Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ECOS1101: QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS1101: QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N200
Tied to NN43
Tied to N420
Tied to N300
Tied to NN34
Tied to NN24
Tied to NN42
Tied to N402
Tied to N401
Tied to N102
Tied to N302
Tied to N304
Tied to N301
Tied to N303
Tied to N204
Tied to N206
Tied to N403
Tied to N405
Tied to N404
Tied to N406

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce students to the essential analytical and statistical techniques necessary in their degrees, to support other year 1 modules and to provide a foundation for further study.

Content

  • The use of mathematics, both algebraic and geometric, in describing business situations, such as demand, supply and market equilibrium.
  • The use of differential calculus, particularly in problems concerning optimisation, such as profit maximisation.
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Probability, random variables and probability distributions
  • Inferential statistics (including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests)
  • Introduction to regression analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students:
  • should have acquired an array of mathematical and statistical skills widely used in finance and business.
  • should be prepared for successful study of second year core modules in finance, economics and business.
  • should be able to identify which mathematical technique is required for solving particular problems and be well prepared in those mathematical areas necessary for suitable progression to final honours in Finance, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Data Analysis for Finance.
  • should have acquired a range of analytical mathematical skills
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will have enjoyed extensive practice in problem solving.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication - through formative and summative assessment.
  • Planning and organisation and time management - e.g. by preparing for workshops, by revising relevant material and preparing for the summative assessment and examination.
  • Problem solving and analysis - e.g. by applying the necessary analytical and quantitative skills.
  • Initiative - by searching relevant literature and information in preparation for assessed work.
  • Numeracy - e.g. by applying core mathematical and statistical skills to solve a range of problems.
  • Computer literacy - e.g. by accessing, and downloading teaching material from DUO and by using statistical software and spreadsheets to prepare for workshops and to complete assignments.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will deliver essential material in an efficient way to a large audience and will identify key reading and exercises.
  • Seminars will enable smaller group work to practice problem-solving and will enable students to match techniques to problems.
  • Formative assessment is by means of exercises throughout the year.
  • Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 Weekly 2 hours 40
Seminars 19 Weekly 1 hour 19
Preparation and Reading 141
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One examination 2 hours 15 minutes 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Exercises will be completed throughout the year - two sets to be handed in and marked. Other exercises will be set and will be self-marked, with solutions made available to students.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University