module
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SSI1002: Programming for the Social Sciences
This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.
Module Aims
This module has two main aims. The first is to introduce you to the Python programming language and to the fundamental concepts underlying programming in general. This includes, but is not limited to, variables, coding architecture, iteration operations, file input/output, data structures, plotting data, numerical and statistical techniques, and importable packages. The second aim of the module is to build upon the first and introduce students to a number of computational research methods used in the social sciences that require coding abilities.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate a good understanding and practical knowledge of programming in Python. 2. Develop an understanding of the broader fundamental concepts underlying programming. 3. Demonstrate the ability to utilise certain computational methods to conduct a piece of research. |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the relationships between data, research questions, and the subject of study. 5. Develop an understanding of wider concepts and factors in computational social science research; i.e. developing algorithms and data validity. 6. Critically reflect on the development of data sources and associated research methods in an increasingly digital society. |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Demonstrate ability to work as part of a group on a joint project 8. Demonstrate written analytical skills by producing technical reports that detail the data and methods used in a piece of research. |