Introduction to Statistics MTH 203

Rohr Science 220 (619) 221-2604 crowMA@ptloma.edu


Syllabus for Introduction to Statistics

Instructor:
Greg Crow, Ph.D. 		Text:
The Basic Practice of Statistics, David S. Moore,

W. H. Freeman, 1995. 		Table of Contents:

Course Description
Required Materials
Course Philosophy
Grading Policies
The Final Examination
Class meetings:
MWF 8:45-9:35 a.m.
Office hours:
Rohr Science 220


REQUIRED MATERIALS
  • Calculator: A cheap calculator (with at least a square root key).
  • Supplies: Five to ten 3.5" computer disks.
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, quizzes, exams, and the final examination; you are also responsible for regular work outside class in preparation for class lectures and discussions.

GRADING POLICIES
Grading Distribution
Three tests at 125 points each 375 points
Final Exam 250 points
Homework 150 points
Project 200 points
Quizzes 50 points
Total 1000 points

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 (written and computer assignments), attendance/involvement, quizzes, tests, and the final examination. 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 (or the exam) will be given only by arrangement with the instructor for reasons of documented emergency. Written assignments and test/exam 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. Assignments collected 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
  • Tests and Final Examination. Tests and the final exam will include problems and questions over material assigned in the text, readings and handouts, as well as material presented in class.


    THE FINAL EXAM IS A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION.