sta1dct data based critical thinking
DATA-BASED CRITICAL THINKING
STA1DCT
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject helps the student evaluate data-based evidence encountered in everyday life. It provides the fundamental numeracy skills required by business people, scientists, lawyers, nurses, journalists, social scientists, teachers and other professionals who need to evaluate data-based arguments, whether found in newspapers, television or on-line websites. This is achieved by a combination of studying newsworthy topics introduced in lectures, laboratory classes which encourage engagement with others and on-line quizzes that assess numeracy skills. The four themes covered in this subject are gathering useful data, turning data into information, probability and from data to decision making.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorLuke Prendergast
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects STA2DCT
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Data-based critical thinking | Prescribed | Prendergast, L 2013 | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY |
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Recommended | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critique data-based conlusions that are reported in the media and similar outlets
- Activities:
- Lectures, Assignments 1-2 and Computer Labs. Examples are provided in lectures and student discussion is encouraged. Assignment and lab questions ask students to discuss flawed conclusions report in the media and other outlets.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
02. Interpret/derive simple numeric and graphical statistical summary measures of data.
- Activities:
- Assignments 2-5 and Computer Labs. Modelled in lectures. Some calculations followed by interpretation is expected in assignments and labs.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
03. Calculate probabilities in a variety of scenarios that may be used for informed decision making.
- Activities:
- Basic properites and rules of probability are introduced and discussed in lectures. Students use these to answer probability questions in labs and assignments.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
04. Identify and discuss common misconceptions of probability that can lead to poor decisions
- Activities:
- Examples of misconceptions are provided in the lectures where discussion amongst students and the lecturer is encouraged. Question in labs and assignments require students to identify and discuss misconceptions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Dandenong, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorLuke Prendergast
Class requirements
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 12 - 16
One 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 12 to week 16 and delivered via face-to-face.
"These five additional classes are optional and intended for students who need help with the online quizzes."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour short answer final examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Assignments (5 assignments, equivalent to 1800 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| online numeracy skills quizzes (7 online quizzes, equivalent to 600 words) | 10 | 02 |
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorLuke Prendergast
Class requirements
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 11 - 22
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 12 - 16
One 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 12 to week 16 and delivered via face-to-face.
"These five additional classes are optional and intended for students who need help with the online quizzes."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour short answer final examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Assignments (5 assignments, equivalent to 1800 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| online numeracy skills quizzes (7 online quizzes, equivalent to 600 words) | 10 | 02 |
Melbourne, 2015, Week 04-30, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorLuke Prendergast
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 04 - 30
Three 3.0 days block mode other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 04 to week 30 and delivered via face-to-face.
"3 Blocks of time, one for 4 days and the other two for 3 days."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour short answer final examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Assignments (5 assignments, equivalent to 1800 words) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| online numeracy skills quizzes (7 online quizzes, equivalent to 600 words) | 10 | 02 |