Math 130 Introductory Statistics
Dr. Mark Saegrove, Spring, 2000
Section 1 MWF 9 - 9:50 in MC 304
Section 3 MF 12:10 - 1 and R 12:00 - 12:50 (note!!!) in MC 304
Office MC 525 Ph. 796-3657 Home Phone 1-608-735-4789
Catalog Course Description: An introductory course which deals with the organization and processing of various types of data, normal and binomial distributions, estimation theory, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, and some nonparametric tests. Prerequisite: acceptable placement score or grade of C or higher in Math 001.
General Course Objectives: This "consumer-oriented" course is designed to cause students to learn basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, and introductory probability. Students demonstrate knowledge of these concepts by solving numerous assigned homework problems, and by providing written solutions to exam problems in accepted statistical format.
Core Skill Objectives:
1. Thinking Skills:
A. Uses reasoned standards in solving problems and presenting arguments.
2. Communication Skills:
A. Reads with comprehension and the ability to analyze and evaluate.
B. Listens with an open mind and responds with respect.
3. Life Values:
A. Analyzes, evaluates and responds to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.
Course Objectives
1. Thinking Skills:
A. Reasons deductively by learning general principles which are then applied to specific problems.
B. Reasons inductively by studying examples, seeing the common characteristics, and broadening the solution to the generic
case.
C. Learns to use the statistical process as one of the means of answering a question or supporting a position.
2. Communication Skills:
A. Reads text and reference materials outside of class.
B. Observes examples and discusses questions in class.
C. Communicates solutions to statistical problems in writing on in-class work, exams, and course project in appropriate
statistical format.
3. Life Value Skills:
A. Learns of some classic examples of the misuse of statistics and its consequences.
B. Acquires an appreciation for the importance of honesty in the presentation of all (not just favorable) outcomes of
statistical research.
Text: Elementary Statistics by Mario Triola, 7th edition, 1998.
References:
Rossman and Chance. Workshop Statistics, Springer-Verlag, 1998.
Auslander, Louis et al. Mathematics Through Statistics, Williams and Wilkens.
De Santo, Carmine et al. Statistics Through Problem Solving, Mathematics Alternatives Inc.
Kimble, G.A. How to Use and Misuse Statistics, Prentice-Hall.
Moore, David. Statistics - Concepts and Controversies, Freeman.
Moore and McCabe. Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, Freeman.
Notter, Lucille. Essentials of Nursing Research, Springer.
Phillips, David. Basic Statistics for Health Science Students, Freeman.
Reichman, W.J. Use and Abuse of Statistics, Penguin.
Williams, Fredrick. Reasoning with Statistics, 2nd ed, HRW.
Content:
Introduction: What is Statistics?
Descriptive Statistics
Ethics in Descriptive Statistics
Probability
Probability Distributions- Binomial
Normal Distribution
Interval Estimation
Sample Sizes
Hypothesis Testing
Linear Correlation and Regression
Multinomial Experiments and Contingency Tables
Analysis of Variance
Non-parametrics (if time permits)
Course Project
Grading:
10 chapter exams 500 points
Final exam (cumulative) 100 points
In-class work 50 points
Course project 50 points
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Total 700 points
Note: Grades are based on points allocated above. No extra credit.
Note: Exams are "closed book". Tables in the back of the book and 1 sheet (8.5"x 1l" both sides) of notes are allowed to be used for exams. Exams cover assigned readings, even if not discussed in class, and topics discussed in class, even if not in the text. Calculators and MINITAB are allowed for exams also.
Note: All tests taken in regular classroom at scheduled times. No exams taken in learning center unless diagnosed learning disability exists (verified by Mr. Wojeichowski in writing).
Note: Final exam must be taken at regularly scheduled time unless approved in writing by the Dean.
Attendance: Required. See Viterbo College catalog, page 36. All guidelines followed.
A valid verifiable excuse must be presented in order to make up missed exams or in-class work. "I overslept", "My ride is leaving early for vacation/ the weekend/ etc.", "I had a busy week and didn’t have time to study" are examples of NON-valid excuses. Make-up exams for valid excused absences must be done in a timely manner, usually within one week of return.
Calculating Equipment: MINITAB is available on the computers in MC304 and elsewhere on campus. It is also recommended that you have a hand-held calculator or portable computer for use when you do not have access to computers on campus.
Cheating: First offense - zero credit on pertinent work; second offense - failure in the course.
Extra Help: If you find that you need extra help, see me right away. Tutoring can be made available from the Learning Center if necessary.
ADA Statement: If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations for this class, please see me and Wayne Wojciechowski, the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator (MC320, 796-3085) within ten days to discuss your accommodation needs.
Note: accommodation for special test-taking needs will be made only after these needs are confirmed in writing by Mr. Wojciechowski.
Schedule, Section 1
Schedule, Section 3