Quantitative Skills for Sustainable Development

Dr Martin Lima

Module Leader

Option: Year 2 only

Term 1

15 CATS

9 x 1 hour lectures

9 x 2 hour seminars

Available to student from outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies by application

Quantitative information can be an important resource to study sustainable development. Evidence based on quantitative information can be used to provide a robust support to arguments. The public policy evaluation can be conducted using evidence in the form of quantitative information.

This module aims to provide a quantitative base for the analysis of sustainable development. Considering the complex nature of sustainable development, this module aims to explore quantitative approaches to the three pillars of sustainable development from a multidisciplinary perspective.

The module is organised around weekly lectures where key theoretical concepts and analytical principles are presented. Weekly seminars offer a space to apply these concepts in workshops were collective experience can help to consolidate this knowledge. Within these seminars, a space to discuss findings from the analysis will help to exchange ideas on effective communication.

Principal Aims

A core objective in this module is to develop quantitative literacy and knowledge of quantitative research methods. Quantitative data literacy is supported by four key elements:

The critical analysis and interpretation of quantitative data, which can be presented in numerical or graphical manner;
Evaluation of the appropriate application of quantitative research methods and techniques in the analysis of data;
Context specific interpretation of quantitative analysis and findings;
Effective communication of quantitative information, as well as appropriate support of arguments and conclusions.

This module relies on the use of Microsoft Excel as a computational tool to build and manipulate datasets, as well as to conduct original quantitative analysis.

After taking this module, students will have abilities and skills to conduct original and independent quantitative analysis, based on the construction of datasets, which can support future research projects like the dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

Development of quantitative analytical skills through the interpretation of data, conduction of descriptive statistics analysis, statistical tests, and development of graphical representation of quantitative data;

Apply quantitative analysis and methods on topics relevant to global sustainable development;

Ability to create and manipulate datasets to support original and independent research;

Ability to support and develop arguments based on quantitative evidence in different contexts;

Develop problem-solving skills on quantitative analysis and data management.

Syllabus

This module is divided into the following four themes:

Introduction to data management and quantitative research methods

Quantitative data, sources, and data storage.
Descriptive and statistical analysis
Graph creation and analysis

Quantitative approaches to economic analysis

Economic growth and development
Public policy evaluation and impact

Quantitative approaches to environmental analysis

Carbon pricing
Quantifying environmental degradation

Quantitative approaches to social analysis

Quantitative measures of qualitative information
Measuring poverty and inequality

Employability Skills

Through this module, you will develop a number of different skills that are sought by employers which will support your professional development. We have highlighted this to enable you to identify and reflect on the skills you have acquired and apply them throughout your professional journey including during the recruitment processes whether this on an CV/application form or at an interview.

An in-depth understanding of concepts and theories around limits and sustainable development and an ability to apply them
An ability to critically engage in debates around the nature of limits and the consequences of crossing them
An ability to write critically on the topic of limits while addressing the interdisciplinary nature of the topic
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Written and verbal communication
Organisation and visual representation
An ability to undertake independent learning

Assessment

Research Report	2500 words 70%
Research Dissemination (in-person presentation)	10 minutes 30%

Please note: Module availability and staffing may change year on year depending on availability and other operational factors. The School for Cross-faculty Studies makes no guarantee that any modules will be offered in a particular year, or that they will necessarily be taught by the staff listed on this page.