Course Description:

This is a foundation-level quantitative reasoning (QR) module. QR can be understood as a way of applying certain set of logic that allow us to work with numbers, using data to provide numerical evidence to answer questions and support arguments. The primary objective of this module is to allow students to develop necessary skills for the application of this logic, through the topic of epidemic. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, large amount of information and data becomes available and analyses of these data are crucial in helping policy makers in making the right decisions in a timely way.

Through discussions on various case studies, students will be exposed to the use of statistical analysis and mathematical modelling to supplement qualitative arguments. During the course, we will learn to appreciate the importance of analysis using both qualitative and quantitative approaches as a complement to each other, to help one develop a deeper and broader understanding of a problem.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this QRF module, students should be able to:

• Present data in different visualisation forms (tables, graphs, maps etc)
• Interpreting data using statistical analyses (e.g. descriptive statistics to study distribution.)
• Identify variables in a mathematical model leading to the construction of the model
• Build and analyse model using tools such as spreadsheets