Math 130  Introductory Statistics  

Fall, 2003

Section 1: MWF   9:00-9:50    MC 201

Section 2: MWF   1:10-2:00    MC 201

Dr. Mark Saegrove

Office MC 525    Ph. 796-3657   Home Phone 1-608-735-4789

e-mail: mjsaegrove@viterbo.edu

Office hours: MWF 12-1 (or by appointment or discovery)

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.

Text: Elementary Statistics by Mario Triola, 9th edition, 2003.

Core Abilities

    1. Thinking: Students engage in the process of inquiry and problem solving that involves both critical and creative thinking.

        A. Reason deductively by learning general principles which are then applied to specific problems.

        B. Reason inductively by studying examples, seeing the common characteristics,  and broadening the solution to the generic case.

        C. Learn to use the statistical process as one of the means of answering a question or supporting a position.

    2. Life Value Skills: Students analyze, evaluate and respond to ethical issues from an informed personal value system.

        A. Learn of some classic examples of the misuse of statistics and its consequences.

        B. Acquire an appreciation for the importance of honesty in the presentation of all (not just favorable) outcomes of statistical research.

    3. Communication Skills: Students communicate orally and in writing in an appropriate manner both personally and professionally.

        A. Read text and reference materials outside of class.

        B. Observe examples and discusses questions and solutions in class.

        C. Communicate solutions to statistical problems in writing on assignments, quizzes, exams, and course project in appropriate statistical format.

    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.

References: Rossman and Chance. Workshop Statistics, Springer-Verlag.

 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:   4 exams                                                        400 points

                 quizzes/homework                                       100 points

                 course project                                               50 points

     comprehensive final exam                            100 points 

                                                                        ---------------                                                                                    

                  total                                                             650 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 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 and quizzes. Quizzes are open book-open notes.

            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).  Quizzes or homework will be turned in on most days.

Attendance: Required.  See Viterbo University catalog for guidelines followed.

A valid verifiable excuse must be presented in order to make up missed exams or other work. Make-up exams for valid excused absences must be done in a timely manner.

Calculating Equipment: MINITAB is available on most computers 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.

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 the first week 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.

Tentative Schedule:  Weeks 1-3        Chapters 1-2   Exam 1

                                  Weeks 4-6     Chapters 3-5   Exam 2

                                  Weeks 7-9     Chapters 6-7   Exam 3

                                  Weeks 10-13 Chapters 8-10 Exam 4

                                  Weeks 14-15 Chapter 11, Review, Project due.

                                  Finals Week   Comprehensive Final Exam

 

      

 


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