This module explores fundamental statistical techniques and ideas for analysing and interpreting data. It covers models for data, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression. It’s ideal if you want to develop the skills to make sense of data or a foundation to study further statistics. The module emphasises the practical side, although it includes some underlying theory. It uses a statistical software package (Minitab); you’ll receive detailed guidance for all activities.
What you will study
This module builds on the statistics introduced at level 1 through the OU module Introducing statistics (M140). It will investigate a wider range of statistical techniques than those introduced at level 1 and provide a deeper understanding of the techniques introduced.
In this module, you will explore the fundamental statistical techniques that can be used to analyse data to answer real, practical questions such as ‘Does drug A work better than drug B?’ and ‘How often do major earthquakes occur?’
The starting point for answering such questions is to model the variation in data: some of the most commonly used models for variation are considered in the first part of the module, and some of their properties are investigated. The module then goes on to develop statistical techniques for using data and models of the variation to draw conclusions and answer questions of interest: the specific statistical techniques studied in the module include estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests and regression.
An essential skill for any statistician is the ability to communicate their statistical analysis clearly to others, both statisticians and non-statisticians. Statistical report writing is considered in one of the final units of the module.
In addition to the module texts, student learning is supported throughout by short video presentations, computer animations and online interactive practice quizzes.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Entry requirements
There is no formal prerequisite study, but you must have the required mathematical and statistical skills.
You can check you’re ready for M248 and see the topics it covers here.
Preparatory work
You should aim to be confident and fluent with the concepts covered in the Are you ready? quiz here, and follow the advice in the quiz.
The key topics to revise include:
algebraic manipulation
logarithmic and exponential functions
differentiation and integration.
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) is ideal preparation, and Introducing statistics (M140) is also useful.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination
Your module grade depends on the final TMA and the examination. The first five TMAs don't contribute to your final grade; however, you must complete most of them.
This module includes an exam you'll take at home or another suitable location. The exam will be invigilated online by ProctorU, a US-based service with whom you must agree to third-party terms of service. You’ll have the opportunity to take a Mock Invigilated Experience (MIE) to familiarise yourself with the process ahead of the exam. Find out more about online invigilation.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
We also provide physical:
module books
module handbook.
You will need
a scientific calculator.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device or for taking your online exam.
Peripheral devices – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials, plus an external webcam and a microphone for the online invigilated exam.
Operating systems – WWindows 11 only. Any other operating systems, including macOS, are unsuitable.
Internet access – A broadband or mobile connection with at least 3 Mbps upload and download speed.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable. You'll need to use Google Chrome with a supplied free extension for the online exam.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software, including any required to complete the online invigilated exam, will be provided or is generally freely available.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying M248 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
Analysing data (M248) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.