IF0QMS: Quantitative Methods for Science

Module code: IF0QMS

Module provider: Global Academy

Credits: 20

ECTS credits: 10

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Miss Natalie Drake, email: n.drake@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): GCSE mathematics (C) or equivalent (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE IF0MS (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE IF0QFE (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2026/7

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 26 March 2026

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module introduces the key elements of statistics to an A-level standard and provides students with a foundation in core quantitative techniques required for progression to undergraduate study in mathematics, sciences, and related disciplines. Through learning how to analyse and solve a range of statistical problems, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical numerical skills, including those specific to their intended degree programmes, enabling them to approach quantitative study at undergraduate level with confidence. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. apply statistical calculation and interpretation skills using real-world scientific contexts 
2. represent situations mathematically and graphically to understand relationships between contextual problems and their solutions 
3. analyse statistical data, recognise normal and binomial distributions, and calculate associated probabilities 
4. understand and use the language of hypothesis testing and interpret statistical findings. 

Module content

The module begins with a range of basic techniques including presenting and summarising data, descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendency and dispersion. This is followed by the probability theory, correlation, regression and time series. 

In the second half of the semester, probability theories continue with the binomial and normal distributions. The module is completed by a study of the principles of hypothesis testing. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is delivered in person in the classroom with four 50-minute lectures, one 50-minute computer lab class and one 50-minute group tutorial each week. Lecture materials are available online prior to each session. 

Weekly optional surgery hours for individual assistance are available as required. 

Study hours

At least 66 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module. 

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each calendar day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three calendar days;
• where the piece of work is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in you Individual Learning Plan), the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three calendar days of the deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

Where a piece of work is submitted late after a deadline which has been revised owing to an extension granted through the Assessment Adjustments policy and process (self-certified or otherwise), it will be subject to the maximum penalty (i.e., considered to be more than three calendar days late). This will also apply when such an extension is used in conjunction with a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Fortnightly BB MCQs and Mock Tests

Reassessment

Additional costs