POLS 285 Introduction to Statistics Units: 3.00
This course is an introduction to quantitative approaches to political science research. You will learn how to use quantitative techniques to make causal and descriptive inferences. You will also gain basic familiarity with Stata, a widely used statistical software package. The course will consist of weekly lectures and tutorials. Tutorials will involve seminar-style discussions and computer and pencil-and-paper based problems. No prior background in statistics is assumed or required.
Learning Hours: 118 (24 Lecture, 10 Tutorial, 84 Private Study)
Requirements: Prerequisite (POLS 110/6.0* or [POLS 111/3.0 and POLS 112/3.0] and a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.
Exclusion BIOL 243/3.0; CHEE 209/3.5; COMM 162/3.0; ECON 250/3.0; GPHY 247/3.0; HSCI 190/3.0; KNPE 251/3.0; NURS 323/3.0; PSYC 202/3.0; SOCY 211/3.0; STAM 200/3.0; STAT 263/3.0.
Equivalency POLS 385/3.0*.
Course Equivalencies: POLS 285, POLS 385
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Understand basic principles of statistical inference.
- Evaluate descriptive and causal claims found in the news, and a variety of academic and non-academic fields.
- Apply basic principles and tools of statistical inference to a variety of problems.
- Develop foundation for more advanced courses in statistics and data science.