Course Details

Course Code(s):
MS6041
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Spring
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
Autumn 2024
Duration:
15 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.
Application Deadline:

Contact(s):

Name: SEFLC
Address: Science & Engineering Flexible Learning Centre Email: seflc@ul.ie
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Brief Description

Please ensure you enter the Module Code below when applying for this MicroCred. Applications without this cannot be processed.

You may apply for more than one MicroCred under the same application.

Module Description

Module Code

NFQ Level

ECTS Credits

Start Date

 Cost 

Quality Science Introduction

MS6041

9

6

TBC
 

€1,000

This micro-credential represents a single module within a larger further award (e.g., Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking this micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

The programmes associated with this MicroCred are: 

 

The aim of this module is to introduce the concept of Quality Science, and to give a broad foundation in the statistical methods and statistical thinking that form the basis of the Six Sigma process. You will learn to build on this foundation so that you have the confidence and statistical skills necessary to visualise and interpret data for better decision making.

This module introduces and uses both basic and advanced statistics, appropriate for master black belt level Six Sigma, in a specialist area specific to the MSc Strategic Quality Management).

Delivery will include:

  1. theory in quality science and statistical methods (generic)
  2. practical application using software tools to undertake statistical analysis of domain specific problems, and
  3. analysis of best practise case studies (domain specific).

The module will cover the following areas

  • Statistical thinking:

SIPOC Map, Top-Down and Deployment Flowcharts, brainstorming, multi-voting, affinity diagrams, cause-and-effect diagrams, 5 Whys, cause-and-effect matrices, nominal data, ordinal data, continuous data, descriptive statistics.

  • Exploratory Data Analysis:

exploratory data analysis (EDA), histogram, centring, spread, course shape, unusual pattern in EDA, bimodal distribution, interquartile range, median quartile, box plot, measures of spread, scatterplot, measurement system, input output process map, cause and effect diagram, measurement variation, data interaction, repeatability, reproducibility, bias, variance components analysis, variability gauge chart.

  • Quality Methods:

control chart, Central Limit Theorem, Rule of Averages, individual range, moving range, 3-way charts, special cause variation, rational subgrouping, I or MR charts, control charts with phases, the voice of the customer, process capability, the voice of the process, process capability indices: Cp, Cpl, Cpu, and Cpk, process stability, lower spec limit, upper spec limit, actual capability, actual performance, process performance indices, nonnormal data.

  • Decision Making with Data:

confidence interval, standard deviation, uncertainty, mean, outlier, variation, t-distribution, probability, tolerance interval, prediction interval, X-Bar charts, S or R charts, p-value, skewed data, nonparametric tolerance interval, observation, data specification, interval estimates, data target, hypothesis test, null hypothesis, alternative hypothesis, sampling distribution under the null, statistical significance, measurement systems analysis, one-way ANOVA, analysis of variance, F-Ratio, sum of squares for the model (SSM).

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Apply the domain theory to the development of process understanding.
  • Assess multiple control options through iterative analysis.
  • Develop competence to work in a quality/ improvement team on a process understanding & control.
  • Describe methods of Statistical Process Control and explain the importance of and differences between Common and Special Cause Variation.
  • Appreciate the responsibilities and requirements of participating/leading process understanding and improvement control initiatives.

Applicants must have a minimum second-class Level 8 honours degree (QQI NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.

Entry requirements are established to ensure the learner can engage with the course material and assessments, at a level suitable to their needs, and the academic requirements of the module. By applying to this micro-credential, you are confirming that you have reviewed and understand any such requirements, and that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission.

Successful completion of this module does not automatically qualify you for entry into a further award. All programme applicants must meet the entry requirements listed if applying for a further award.

 

The fees for this programme are €1,000

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.