Understanding, Utilising and Evaluating Government Statistics G (10337.2)
Please note these are the 2025 details for this unit
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Business, Government & Law |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Canberra School Of Politics, Economics And Society | Graduate Level | Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905) Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
This unit focuses on the use of statistics and data analysis to inform policy making and policy analysis. The unit aims to increase participants' awareness and literacy in statistical and data analysis so that they can be informed and critical consumers of these forms of analysis, and so that they can ensure that analyses are used appropriately to inform best practice in using evidence in policy.
The unit is organised into three modules:
Statistical Language and Data Analysis - explores basic research methods, and how to perform simple descriptive statistics operations. Participants learn to understand statistical concepts and terminology, and to analyse, interpret and evaluate statistical information.
Using Statistics for Evidence-Based and Fast Policy-Making - examines the concept of evidence-based policy making and what this means in the context of economic policy. It examines how good statistics can enhance policy decision making, and how statistics can inform 'good enough' policy making. Explores newer methods for doing policy, such as big data analysis, qualitative comparative analysis, randomised control trials.
Data Evaluation and Communication - covers the ingredients of best practice in program and policy evaluation, including new methods for data analysis and visualisation. This module also explores the challenges of strategic communication and policy messaging when complex statistical information underpins policy.
1. Increased awareness and literacy in statistical and data analysis;
2. Informed and critical consumers of these statistical analyses, and a knoweledge of how to use such analyses appropriately when using evidence in policy making;
3. Ability to create and propose appropriate policy advice using a range of evidence;
4. Ability to professionally communicate and work with internal and external stakeholders; and
5. Ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate them within a work environment.
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways
The unit is organised into three modules:
Statistical Language and Data Analysis - explores basic research methods, and how to perform simple descriptive statistics operations. Participants learn to understand statistical concepts and terminology, and to analyse, interpret and evaluate statistical information.
Using Statistics for Evidence-Based and Fast Policy-Making - examines the concept of evidence-based policy making and what this means in the context of economic policy. It examines how good statistics can enhance policy decision making, and how statistics can inform 'good enough' policy making. Explores newer methods for doing policy, such as big data analysis, qualitative comparative analysis, randomised control trials.
Data Evaluation and Communication - covers the ingredients of best practice in program and policy evaluation, including new methods for data analysis and visualisation. This module also explores the challenges of strategic communication and policy messaging when complex statistical information underpins policy.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Increased awareness and literacy in statistical and data analysis;
2. Informed and critical consumers of these statistical analyses, and a knoweledge of how to use such analyses appropriately when using evidence in policy making;
3. Ability to create and propose appropriate policy advice using a range of evidence;
4. Ability to professionally communicate and work with internal and external stakeholders; and
5. Ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate them within a work environment.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.
Availability for enrolment in 2025 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 5 | 30 September 2024 | On-campus | Dr Juan Castilla Rho |
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 4 | 04 August 2025 | On-campus | Dr Jacki Schirmer |
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 5 | 29 September 2025 | On-campus | Dr Juan Castilla Rho |
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit
timetable.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
