SAS Base Programming

Module overview

This course provides part of the essential knowledge and skills required for conducting the Final Project module in the final year. SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is the leading data analytics software package. This module will cover the fundamentals of SAS base programming. On successful completion of this module, you will be able to use SAS software to read data, access, manage and manipulate ‘big’ data, solve problems, save programs and datasets, use conditional logic, combine files, produce tables and listings of data, and use data analysis techniques. The module will also help prepare you for the SAS Base programming certification.

Linked modules

Prerequisites: (MANG1007 or MANG1019) and MANG1022

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

read structured and unstructured data stored in popular formats such as excel worksheets, text tables into SAS;
manipulate, analyse, visualize and report data using SAS.
store data in SAS libraries;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

communicate technical ideas to non-specialist managers.
use your analytic skills in problem solving;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the SAS Base language and how it is used to manage, analyse and report data.
key computer programming concepts for managing and analysing ‘big data’;

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: • Lectures • Interactive case studies • Computer labs • Directed reading • Private/guided study Learning activities include: • Introductory lectures • 2 assignments (individual written coursework) • Case study • In class debate and discussion • Private study • Use of video and online materials

Study time
Type	Hours
Completion of assessment task	48
Lecture	24
Practical classes and workshops	12
Wider reading or practice	30
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Revision	24
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Peng, J.C.Y. (2009). Data Analysis Using SAS. Sage.

Sas Institute (2011). SAS Certification Prep Guide: Base Programming for SAS 9. SAS Institute.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class activities

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Formative assessment and feedback will arise from class activities and computer lab sessions.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Program	20%
Data analysis project	80%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Data analysis project	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Data analysis project	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External