Aims - This module aims to continue the study of probability and statistics beyond the basic concepts, to provide further study of probability theory, in...

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of how a spacecraft operates from a technological perspective. This will necessitate exploring the...

This module is an introduction to the experimental and non-experimental methods and assumptions used for quantifying the causal impacts of social and economic...

This module is an introduction to the experimental and non-experimental methods and assumptions used for quantifying the causal impacts of social and economic programmes in both the government and non-government sectors. How many more people are in work because of a policy to help those on the margins of the labour market? Does including a free pen in a charity mail shot increase the probability of response? Does more education for girls in developing countries promote child outcomes in the next generation? The module covers a range of experimental and quasi- experimental methods of impact evaluation that can be used to answer such questions, in and outside government. The methods covered include randomised control trials (‘field experiments’), ‘before and after’ and  ‘difference in differences’ methods, matching methods (including propensity score matching), instrumental variables and regression discontinuity design. The module will also cover cost benefit analysis. A basic understanding of regression methods and hypothesis testing is required for this course. 

*This module is only available to EMPA/MPA students in the first instance. If additional spaces are available, they will be opened up to other Political Science MA/MSc students. 

Thinking Geographically 1 introduces students to the history and identity of the discipline of Geography. It familiarizes students with what it means to think...

Thinking Geographically 1 introduces students to the history and identity of the discipline of Geography. It familiarizes students with what it means to think geographically by elaborating on some of the key themes in the history of disciplinary thought, and by introducing students to key concepts that geographers work with from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. It also introduces some key study skills for students of geography.

The module is comprised of 3 blocks. The first introduces students to the discipline, something of its history, why we think it is important, and what difference ‘thinking geographically’ about the world and its human and physical environments can make. The second block teaches students some basic university level study skills for geographers, which as well as providing an essential basis for degree level work, emphasizes how geographers effectively make evidence based claims and arguments. The third block begins introducing students to a series of key words and concepts that are, and have been, key to the identity, history, and epistemological terrain of the discipline of Geography.

 

The course aims are as follows:

To introduce some key themes, debates and developments which have shaped the modern discipline of geography;
	To explore the key tensions and dynamics within geography and in geography’s relationship to other disciplines and wider social, cultural, economic, scientific and historical contexts
	To develop students’ abilities to interrogate key geographical concepts and ideas, and to develop an appreciation of the diversity of different approaches used in geographical research.
	To develop students’ generic academic skills (writing, referencing, finding sources, debate and analysis).
GEOG0151 will develop the following skills for students:

University level study skills (essay writing, referencing, note taking etc)
	Subject related critical thinking and analytical skills
	Informal presentation and debating skills  