Syllabus for Introduction to Statistics — SPSS
MWF 1:25-2:30PM – Spring 2004

Rohr Science 220 – (619) 849-2604 – gcrow@ptloma.edu

Instructor: Greg Crow, Ph.D.	Text: The Basic Practice of Statistics, 3rd Edition, David S. Moore, W. H. Freeman, 2003. ISBN 0-7167-5881-4 Lab Manual: A Simple Guide to SPSS for Windows, Lee A. Kirkpatrick and Booke C. Feeney, Wadsworth, 2003. ISBN 0-534-61004-8	Table of Contents: Course Description Required Materials Course Philosophy Grading Policies Attendance Policy Classroom Attire Academic Accommodations Cheating Policy The Final Examination
Class meetings: MWF 1:25-2:30
Office hours: Rohr Science 220

Course Description

Required Materials

• Calculator: A cheap calculator (with at least a square root key).
• Supplies: Two or three 3.5" high density 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 of class in preparation for class lectures and discussions.

Grading Policies

Grading scale. Grades are based on the number of points accumulated throughout the course.
Approximate minimal percentages required to obtain a given grade are:

Grade components. The grade components are homework (text exercises), quizzes, tests (class and laboratory), and the final examination.

You must elect either Plan A or Plan B for your grade in writing by March 19th. Selection of either Plan A or Plan B may be made prior to March 19th and may be changed prior to March 19th. If no selection is made in writing on or before March 19th, 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 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.
  
• Quizzes. You are to stay on top of the material as it is presented. To encourage this scholarly activity (and attendance), about ten quizzes will be given on randomly chosen days. The quizzes will consist of a question from class discussion or lab work. If a quiz is missed, it can not be made up. The only days that are off limits are the first day of class and exam days. Two quizzes will be dropped before computing your grade.
  
• 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
• 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. No test or examination shall be missed without prior consent or a well documented emergency beyond your control. A score of zero will be assigned for a test or exam that is missed without prior consent or a well documented emergency beyond your control. The exam 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.

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