Levin College of Urban AffairsCSU
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  UST/PAD/PDD 601 
Course Syllabus Syllabus

(any changes will be announced in class)


Objectives COURSE OBJECTIVES


Decision making for planning, policy, and management relies increasingly on quantitative reasoning, which entails the collection, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. "Applied Quantitative Research I" provides some key tools for quantitative reasoning. This course is designed to introduce students to quantitative principles and techniques of decision making and to their application in planning and public administration.
The course presents the logic of quantitative analysis; it introduces basic techniques for data description and presentation to lay audiences, using computer technology, including spreadsheets, and analysis, modeling and presentation software; and, it expands the student's ability to reason quantitatively in the context of planning and public administration. Students will learn to:

identify types of problems that lend themselves to quantitative analysis;
ask questions that can be answered through quantitative reasoning;
formulate hypotheses to be explored quantitatively;
identify the means to test the hypotheses (logic, procedure, data);
carry out the analysis;
understand the meaning of results
reapply results to the initial or similar problems;
use statistical, computational and spatial software
present the results to specified audiences;
evaluate results of research carried out and reported by others;
apply the new knowledge to decision making.


Method COURSE METHOD


The course consists of:
  • lectures on quantitative methods and procedures for data description, analysis and presentation;
  • class discussions of homework solutions;
  • group exercises;
  • computer labs (MathCAD, GIS, SPSS).

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Important!


  • Students are expected to: attend all classes; participate actively in discussions and group exercises, asking clarifying questions; use the computer (as frequently as possible) for solving homework sets and (always) for text editing.
  • Homework sets should be handed in ON TIME using wordprocessing where appropriate). Since homeworks serve the goal of sharpening communication skills that complement the analytic ones, pay attention to completeness, clarity and aspect. Grading is based on soundness of the analytical thinking, effectiveness of interpretation, and communication of results.
  • Prepare for class sessions by reading text assignments and identifying topics that need clarification in class. Feel free to raise questions (even if you suspect you are the only one who does not know the answer) to ensure that you thoroughly understand and are able to apply discussed procedures in contexts outside the classroom.



Prerequisite PREREQUSITE

Students should have passed the assessment test or taken UST501.

Evaluation EVALUATION PROCEDURE (tentative)

The final grade will be a composite of grades for:
periodic assignments (expected every week) 10%
participation in class activities (group exercises, labs) 10%
computer lab products 15%
midterm 1 (5th week, class time, open book) 20%
midterm 2 (10th week, class time, open book) 20%
final (exam week, during exam week at class time) 25%

No extra credit beyond the list above.
Late homeworks will not be accepted since solutions are discussed in class.
The (open book) midterms and final will test accumulated knowledge as well as ability to respond to new problems. While focusing on the most recent lecture topics, exams have to rely on concepts covered earlier; in preparation, review earlier material and avoid falling behind in readings or assignments.
Attendance at all exams is required. Makeups will be given only in extreme and documented circumstances (proof required; vacation arrangements are not emergencies) and with advance notice. The student must schedule the make-up exam within 7 days of the in-class exam. The make-up exam will vary in form, content, and length from that given in class. Except in these rare circumstances, students earn a score of zero on missed exams (and all three are needed to pass the class).
If any course component is not offered, the points are redistributed among remaining components.
Class attendance is not required, but strongly recommended because:
  • (if you arrive on time) you participate in the homework discussion
  • it helps understand the material and is the opportunity to ask clarifying questions (great for passing exams!)
  • changes to this syllabus may be announced only in class
  • that's how you get participation the points

Important! STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Anyone anticipating the need for special accommodations to participate in the class or complete assignments must identify him/herself to the instructor by the end of the second week of classes. These accommodations are available to students with university-documented challenges.



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