Foundations in Applied Statistics Using R (FiAS-6)

This is an introductory course for students who have little or no prior training in statistics.

The module is divided between pre-recorded mini-lectures, in which you’ll learn the relevant theory, and in-person, hands-on practical sessions in which you will learn how to analyse real data using the statistical package, R.

You will learn:

• The key features of quantitative analysis, and how it differs from other types of empirical analysis
• The basics of formal hypothesis testing
• Basic concepts: what is a variable? what is the distribution of a variable? and how can we best represent a distribution graphically?
• Features of statistical distributions: measures of central tendency and dispersion
• The normal distribution
• Why statistical testing works
• Statistical methods used to test simple hypotheses

• Postgraduate students and staff
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here

Absolutely no prior knowledge is needed, but you must take the CaRM Skill Check before booking, to ensure that this module is at the correct level for you.

This module is very popular, so we repeat it several times. Each module runs over 2 sessions, covers exactly the same material, and is at the same level.

The statistical packages R and R-Studio. Information on how to download the software can be found on the course Moodle page, which you will be given access to once a booking has been made.

An end-of-module assessment (open-book online test). Weekly online quizzes are available to help you prepare.

There is no set text for this module; although recommended readings can be found on the module's Moodle page which students will be able to access once they have a confirmed booking.

Please complete the Basic Statistics Stream booking request form on the CaRM website

Please note that Basic Statistics Stream modules are repeated throughout the year and that multiple iterations are available in the Michaelmas and Lent terms.

The modules will be taught in either Stata or R. If you have a preference please indicate this in your booking request and we will try to accommodate this when making your booking. We require students to stick with the same statistical software as they progress through the Basic Statistics Stream modules so please ensure any future bookings you make align with the software you have started the sequence on.

Moodle is the 'Virtual Learning Environment' (VLE) that CaRM uses to deliver online courses.

CaRM instructors use Moodle to make teaching resources available before, during, and/or after classes, and to make announcements and answer questions.

For this reason, it is vital that all students enrol onto and explore their course Moodle pages once booking their CaRM modules via the UTBS, and that they do so before their module begins. Moodle pages for modules should go live around a week before the module commences, but some may be made visible to students, earlier.

For more information, and links to specific Moodle module pages, please visit our website

8 hours over 1 week (4 hours lectures; 4 hours lab)

2 morning lectures and 2 afternoon lab sessions over one week.

• Foundations in Applied Statistics Using Stata (FiAS-5)
• Basic Quantitative Analysis Using Stata (BQA-5)
• Doing Multivariate Analysis Using R (DMA 4)
• Further Topics in Multivariate Analysis Using R (FTMA-3)