Syllabus for Introduction to Statistics — SPSS
MWF 1:30-2:35 PM – Fall 2007
Rohr Science 220 – (619) 849-2604 –
gcrow@pointloma.edu 
Course Description
MTH 203 (3) Introduction to Statistics
A first course in statistics for the general student.
Description of sample data, probability theory, theoretical
frequency distributions, sampling, estimation, and hypothesis
testing. Not applicable toward a major in mathematics.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 099 (or equivalent).
Required
Materials
- Calculator: A cheap calculator (with at
least a square root key).
Course
Philosophy
Mathematics is learned primarily by doing
Mathematics–not simply listening to it; that is, the effective
learning of mathematics is an active process, involving
participation. Thus, the course aims to maximize student
involvement, hence student achievement.
Individual concepts in mathematics are learned
(mastered as opposed to memorized) by thinking and working
through numerous examples and exercises which involve these
concepts; by this process mathematical concepts become familiar,
and less abstract.
The instructor is responsible for overall
planning, for directing instructional activities, and for
evaluation of student achievement.
You are ultimately responsible for your own
achievement. For example, you are responsible for meeting all
scheduled activities of the course, such as class meetings,
problem assignments, exams, and the final examination;
you are also responsible for regular work outside of class in
preparation for class lectures and discussions.
Grading
Policies
Grading Distribution
| Options |
Plan A |
Plan B |
| Two Examinations at 200/250 points each |
400 points |
500 points |
| Laboratory Test |
150 points |
200 points |
| Final Exam |
250 points |
300 points |
| Homework (text exercises) |
150 points |
|
| Laboratory (reports) |
50 points |
|
| Total |
1000 points |
1000 points |
On this day, the __/__/__ I hereby choose to have my grade for the course be based
on option A / B (circle one).
Signed _______________________ Please Print Name _______________________
Grading scale. Grades are based on the number of points
accumulated throughout the course.
Approximate minimal percentages required to obtain a given grade
are:
Grading Scale in
percentages
| |
A |
B |
C |
D |
| + |
|
(87.5, 90) |
(77.5, 80) |
(67.5, 70) |
| |
[92.5, 100] |
[82.5, 87.5] |
[72.5, 77.5] |
[62.5, 67.5] |
| - |
[90, 92.5) |
[80, 82.5) |
[70, 72.5) |
[60, 62.5) |
Grade components. The grade
components are homework (text exercises), tests (class and laboratory), and the final examination.
You must elect either Plan A or Plan B for your grade in writing by October 26th.
Selection of either Plan A or Plan B may be made prior to October 26th and may be
changed prior to October 26th. If no selection is made in writing on or before
March 31st, the default will be Plan A. To select plan B, print out this
sheet, circle plan B and then sign and date it. Other factors that
affect grades are
- Late work. A written
assignment or computer assignment is late if it is not
received at the beginning of class on the due date. Late
work need not be accepted. Work accepted late may be
assessed a penalty. Make-up tests will only be given by
arrangement with the instructor for reasons of documented
emergency.
- Accuracy of solutions.
Written assignments and examination questions and problems
must be formulated carefully in terms of words and
symbols used in the course. Credit is determined by the
degree to which answers and solutions respond to the
specific question or problem stated. Maximize your credit
by learning the language and symbols of the course.
- Written Assignments.
Collected assignments must be prepared in a style
suitable for grading. The following guidelines are used
to determine credit:
- the organization must be easy to
follow
- the work must be legible
- complete solutions must be written
for problems (not just answers); answers must be
clearly marked
- use complete sentences to answer
questions
- Electronic Assignments.
Assignments sent in as attachments must be prepared in a style
suitable for grading. The following guidelines are used
to determine credit:
- the organization must be easy to
follow
- the formatting must enhance the
organization
- complete solutions must be written
for problems (not just answers); answers must be
clearly indicated
- use complete sentences to answer
questions
- Examinations and the Final Examination.
Examinations and the Final Examination will include problems and
questions over material assigned in the text, readings
and handouts, as well as material presented in class.
No examination shall be missed without prior consent or
a well documented emergency beyond your control. A
score of zero will be assigned for an examination that
is missed without prior consent or a well documented emergency
beyond your control.
The examination schedule is included
in the
daily schedule. I do not intend to accept excuses such
as poor communication with parents, benefactors,
surf team sponsors and/or travel agents.
Attendance Policy.
After you miss the equivalent of 4 class periods, you will be
warned of impending de-enrollment. If you miss the equivalent of
7 class periods, you will be de-enrolled.
Classroom Attire
.
All students are expected to dress in ways that make the classroom
a place where all students are comfortable and can work efficiently.
Distracting attire is not permitted in the classroom. For example,
attire associated with the "rush" activities of fraternities and
sororities simply causes too many distractions in the classroom.
If you choose to "rush" one of the fraternities or sororities,
please make sure the "rush" officials know that "rush" attire will not
be allowed in this classroom.
Academic Accommodations.
While all students are expected to meet the minimum standards for completion of this course
as established by the instructor, students with disabilities may require academic accommodations.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, these students are requested to file documentation during the
first two weeks of the semester with the Academic Support Center (ASC), located in the
Bond Academic Center. This policy assists the University in its commitment to full compliance
with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 504 (a)
prohibits discrimination against students with
special needs and guarantees all qualified students equal access to and benefits of PLNU
programs and activities. Once the student files documentation, the ASC will contact
the student’s instructors and provide written recommendations for reasonable and
appropriate accommodations to meet the individual learning needs of the student.
Cheating
Policy
Any student who is caught cheating on an exam will
receive a zero on that exam and may receive an "F" for
the semester.
The Final Exam
is a
Comprehensive
Examination.
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Last modified on 17-Aug-2007
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