DATA-BASED CRITICAL THINKING
STA1DCT
2019
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-ordinatorDavid Farchione
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
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Data-based critical thinking | Prescribed | Prendergast, L 2013 | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Chisholm311(ChisholmInstitute), 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Practical
Week:
12
-
16
One 1.0 hours practical per week
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."
Lecture
Week:
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.
Computer Laboratory
Week:
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Chisholm311(ChisholmInstitute), 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Lecture
Week:
31
-
43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 43
and delivered via face-to-face.
Practical
Week:
33
-
37
One 1.0 hours practical per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 33 to week 37
and delivered via face-to-face.
"These five additional classes are optional and intended for students who need help with the online quizzes."
Computer Laboratory
Week:
32
-
43
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 32 to week 43
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Dandenong, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Practical
Week:
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."
Lecture
Week:
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.
Computer Laboratory
Week:
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Practical
Week:
12
-
16
One 1.0 hours practical per week
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."
Lecture
Week:
10
-
22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer Laboratory
Week:
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Sydney, 2019, Study Period 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Computer Laboratory
Week:
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.
Lecture
Week:
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.
Practical
Week:
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 end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Sydney, 2019, Study Period 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Computer Laboratory
Week:
31
-
42
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 42
and delivered via face-to-face.
Lecture
Week:
31
-
42
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 42
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |
Sydney, 2019, Study Period 3, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
Computer Laboratory
Week:
46
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week
on weekdays
during the day
in week 46
and delivered via face-to-face.
Lecture
Week:
46
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
in week 46
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-hour end of semester final examination (2,500-words equivalent) | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Five Assignments (1,500-words equivalent) | Written solutions to numerical problems and conclusions in words. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Online numeracy skills quizzes - 7 online quizzes (500-words equivalent) | Untimed with opportunity to re-do as needed, all quizzes open all semester. | 10 | 02 |