This module teaches you how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics include summarising data, examining relationships, randomness and sampling distributions, probability, testing hypotheses, and estimation. Using data from various applications, you’ll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles and analyse data using software and a calculator. The skills introduced are ideal if you plan to study mathematics further or encounter data in another subject or your daily life.
What you will study
This key introductory statistics module is designed for people who have not studied statistics before. It focuses on the application of statistics, adopting the attitude that statistics is about solving problems. The module is data-driven. We collect relevant data and analyse it to answer the problems. The methods that are covered are not specific to one field of application alone but apply to all areas in which statistics is used.
Throughout this module, you’ll be looking at statistical data and output, and at times you’ll discuss this with other students. This discussion will involve working in groups asynchronously via online forums.
The materials contain exercises to help you learn and monitor your progress. These exercises involve calculations you’ll do by hand, with a calculator, or using Minitab software, which we’ll supply and teach you to use. Please note that Minitab is only compatible with Windows; other operating systems are not supported. You’ll also develop skills in interpreting and communicating your results, which we’ll assess.
You can find the full content list on the Open mathematics and statistics website.
Entry requirements
Are you ready for M140?
This quiz will help you decide whether you are ready to study Introducing statistics (M140).
You can also use this quiz to identify topics you need to brush up on or revise in preparation. View the M140 content list.
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:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment
Each TMA covers specific module units and includes both graded and developmental questions. Your tutor’s feedback will help you strengthen your understanding of the study material and build essential skills.
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.
Additionally, the module website includes:
relevant computer software and associated guidance.
We also provide physical:
module books
module guide
module handbook.
You will need
a scientific calculator
everyday household items to conduct a small experiment.
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.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 only. Any other operating systems, including Mac, are unsuitable.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software 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 M140 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
Introducing statistics (M140) starts twice a year – in October and January/February.
It will next start in January 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2032.