
Syllabus for Introduction to Statistics
Rohr Science 220
(619) 849-2604
crowMA@ptloma.edu
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 class in preparation for
class lectures and discussions.
GRADING POLICIES
Grading Distribution
| Two tests at 125 points each | 250 points |
| Final Exam | 200 points |
| Homework (written) | 100 points |
| Homework (labs) | 100 points |
| Project | 200 points |
| Quizzes | 150 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 lab assignments), quizzes, project, 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 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 (an attendance), ten quizzes will be given on randomly chosen days. The quizzes will consist of a question from class discussion, or of the grading of a few problems from the assignment. 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. 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.
Last modified on January 14, 1997
Send comments and suggestions to GregCrow@ptloma.edu