Course Description
This course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts of statistics and their application. Topics include an overview of statistics, graphical and numerical descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probability and random variables, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The emphasis will be on developing statistical skills and concepts.
Links for Course Materials
- Course Syllabus,
- Course Slides,
The course general objective
To give students an understanding of statistics
To learn some commonly used statistical terms and techniques
To apply these techniques in describing and analyzing data
To gain an appreciation for analytical skills
To give the necessary background needed to understand upper division courses.
Textbook
Bluman, A. G. , Elementary Statistics a Step by Step Approach , McGraw/Hill.
Other Resources:
MegaStat Software User Guide (PC)
Other Resources Website:
http://canmedia.mheducation.ca/college/olcsupport/MegaStat/PC/MegaStatUsersGuideWindows.pdf
MegaStat Software Website:
http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0071339604/student_view0/megastat_software.html
Homework
There will be weekly assignments. Formation of study groups is encouraged, you can discuss home work problems with your classmates but to succeed in this course you must work problems individually. Your time and effort in solving homework problems will directly affect your performance in the exams.
Quizzes
There will be several quizzes given on the lecture day. The quiz may cover any topic covered up to that point in the class, but focus will be on the completed chapters. Most of the quizzes will be brief to give an indication about students understanding. The missed quizzes will have zero score and will not be made up under any circumstances.
Exams
You cannot afford to miss any exam. No makeup exams will be given to individual students. If necessary, a makeup missed exams excused and properly documented will be given in the last week of the semester and may be comprehensive, i.e. includes all course materials.
The final exam will be cumulative and comprehensive. i.e. it will consist of parts covered in Exams 1 and 2 and materials since the last exam. All exam questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and resemble homework problems.
Use the objectives at the beginning of each chapter as guidelines when studying the material and use them as benchmarks against which you can test mastery of contents.
During all exams, only calculators and Excel program will be available to students.
Attendance and Class Policy
Introductory statistics is cumulative. Each new concept is built on the last one. It is especially important to master the material thoroughly at the start of the course. It is therefore very important that you attend classes regularly.
According to university rules, if you miss more than 25% of the classes (excused or not), you will get a DN grade in class. You are expected to attend the class from the beginning. It is your responsibility to make up for any missed materials or assignments.
Please be considerate and put your mobile on silent or turn it off during class. No food is allowed during class. You may come late or leave early without disturbing your classmates. Any disturbance or distraction will not be tolerated.
Grading Policy
Homework 10%
Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Final 40%
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