Statistics

Math 10
Spring 2015

Instructor: Professors Scott Andrews (2) and Dorothy Wallace (2A)

According to the American Statistical Association, “Statistics is the science of learning from data, and of measuring, controlling, and communicating uncertainty.” Because most measurements have error, even the exact sciences need statistics. Because many kinds of data in the social sciences come in enormous quantities, sampling is necessary to extract information, and sampling comes with its own kind of error. In this class we will learn the basic techniques of statistics and apply them in a series of labs. There is no prerequisite for this course.

Grading: Grades will be based on problem sets delivered online via WebWork, weekly quizzes, weekly labs, two midterms and a final. Mastery (a perfect score) of the basic problems on WebWork is REQUIRED to PASS this course. You will have unlimited attempts to do each problem, up to the last day of the course.

Grades

Your final grade will be calculated according to the following scheme:


Attendance and other details: This quarter we meet at the 2 hour (Andrews) and the 2A hour (Wallace), and occasionally during the x-hours. We spend class time on many examples and case studies not included in the text. Attendance is required, as we have difficulty teaching you when you are not there. Do not schedule other activities during x hour. Do not make travel plans until you know when the final will be. Your instructor will schedule office hours and will let you know when they will be.

Text: Math 10 is using the latest version of Freedman, Pisani and Purves (Fourth edition). This text is a classic. It's extremely readable and we will expect you to read it. The authors are professional statisticians who have done a lot of work in medical applications. This is a book that asks you to think, not just compute, as will we.

Office hours: Wallace's office: Kemeny 204. Office hours: MW 8-10 and by appointment. These are shared with Math 10, but when we are close to paper deadlines there will be extra office hours just for this class.

Honor principle: All students must do WebWork problems themselves. On exams no help given or received. On labs, working together is encouraged but you must write up your lab report yourself. Any suspicion of plagiarism will be forwarded to the COS.

Religious observance: Some students may wish to take part in religious observances that occur during this academic term. If you have a religious observance that conflicts with your participation in the course, please meet with me before the end of the second week of the term to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see your instructor before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation of any accommodation requested. As a first step, if students have questions about whether they qualify to receive accommodations, they should contact the Student Accessibility Service office.
Approximate syllabus:

Grades

This schedule is approximate.