MATHS 1005 - Data Literacy | Course Outlines

MATHS 1005 - Data Literacy

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

In an increasingly data-centric world, a working understanding of data analytics and quantitative methods is essential, for all members of society. When presented with claims in the media that are accompanied by statistics, diagrams, and outputs from technologies like 'artificial intelligence' and 'machine learning', how can we learn to separate useful information from pseudoscience? In other words, how can we learn to not be fooled by statistics? The aim of this course is to improve students' 'data literacy', through a largely non-technical introduction to some of the foundational concepts in statistical thinking. The course will teach students from all backgrounds how to interpret and critically appraise claims made by machine learning and quantitative data science methods, and understand both the possibilities and pitfalls of these emerging sciences. It assumes no technical background and is taught largely through case studies of applications of data science outside of academia. The course teaches some fundamental quantitative methods for dealing with and interpreting data, as well as visualisation techniques using computer software tools such as Tableau. Topics include: how to translate mathematical jargon into understandable language; measuring and talking about uncertainty using probability; how to easily make clear charts and data visualisations; demystifying fundamental statistical ideas (correlation versus causation, distinguishing between 'significant' and 'important' results); explaining and predicting with statistical models; the ethics of data science.

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Course Details

Course Code	MATHS 1005
Course	Data Literacy
Coordinating Unit	Mathematical Sciences
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 5 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Restrictions	Not Available to BMaSc, BMaSc(Adv) students
Assessment	Exam, essay, ongoing assessment

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Melissa Humphries

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the foundations of basic probability.
2. Be able to critically analyse and improve data collection designs.
3. Be familiar with Excel and use it to create approriate graphics to visualise patterns in data.
4. Understand the importance of statistics in modern scientific research.
University Graduate Attributes

No information currently available.

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course introduces content in online topic videos. Workshops build on the online content by providing exercises and example problems to enhance the understanding obtained. These are further supported through practical sessions where computational literacy is developed.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Activity	Quantity	Workload Hours
Content Videos	3-5 weekly	36
Workshops	6 in class (6 self-paced)	24
Computer labs	6 in class (6 self-paced)	24
Quizzes	12	12
Assignments	3	48
TOTALS		144

Learning Activities Summary

No information currently available.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Component	Weighting	Outcomes Assessed
Assignment x2	40%	All
Final Report	30%	All
Major Quiz x2	20%	All
Weekly Quizzes x10	10%	All

Assessment Related Requirements

Aggregate score of at least 50%

Assessment Detail

Assignment Item	Distributed	Due Date	Weighting
Assignment 1	Week 2	Week 4	20%
Major Quiz 1	Week 6	Week 6	10%
Assignment 2	Week 5	Week 8	20%
Final Report	Week 9	Week 12	30%
Major Quiz 2	Week 12	Week 12	10%

Submission

All submissions will be via electronic submission on MyUni. Any written assignments will be tested for plagiarism through Turnitin.

Late assignments will not be accepted.

Assignments will have a two week turn-around time for feedback to students.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator