Stat 101: Introduction to Statistics
Spring 2015
Section 09, CRN 1586
Schedule:
MWF 10:00am-10:50am
Location:
Fitzelle Hall 204
Text: Statistics: Learning from Data, by Peck (1st edition).
Professor:
Jonathan Brown
Office: Fitzelle Hall 260
Email: jonathan.brown@oneonta.edu
Phone: 436-3720
Office Hours: Monday 11:00-12:00, Thursday 2:00-3:00, Friday 11:00-12:00, or by appointment
Course website: http://employees.oneonta.edu/brownjs/s15/stat101
Catalog Description:
STAT 101 Introduction to Statistics (3 s.h.): Basic statistical concepts which may include: steps in scientific research,
measurements, sampling and experimentation; descriptive concepts such as tables, graphs and summary statistics;
elementary probability concepts; sampling distributions, normal distribution; inferential methods such as estimation,
hypothesis testing. Other topics may include chi square tests, correlation, regression. Use of a statistical software
package. Attributes:LA, M2.
Prerequisite:
Regents Course III or Course B or MATH 104.
SUNY Learning Outcomes:
Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics;
represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally;
employ quantitative methods such as, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems;
estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness; and
recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods.
As a result of participation in this course students will be able to
challenge basic assumptions of statistical results and summaries,
analyze a problem and apply appropriate statistical techniques, and
arrive at one's own conclusions based upon the understanding of the statistical techniques used.
Course content:
We will covering the following chapters in the book: Ch. 1-Collection Data in Reasonable
Ways; Ch.2-Graphical Methods for Describing Data Distributions; Ch. 3-Numerical Methods for Describing
Data Distributions; Ch. 4- Describing Bivariate Numerical Data; Parts of Ch. 5-Probability; Parts of Ch.
6 Normal Curve; Ch. 7- An Overview of Statistical Inference; Ch. 8-Sampling Variability and Sampling
Distributions; Ch. 9- Estimating a Population Proportion; Ch. 10- Asking and Answering Questions About a
Population Proportion; Ch. 12- Asking and Answering Questions About a Population Mean; Ch. 13- Asking
and Answering Questions About the Difference Between Two Population Means; and time permitting Ch.
14 & 15.
We may add or drop other sections as time permits.
Homework:(20 %)
There will be a homework due most weeks on Friday.
Some of these assignments will need to be done using the program Minitab which
can be found on the school computers.
The lowest 2 homework scores will be dropped.
Late homework counts for half-credit.
Quizzes: (20 %)
There will be a quiz during the last 5-10 minutes of class
on most Fridays.
Lab Assignments: (15 %)
There will be 3 lab assignments for the semester. The labs will
involve manipulating data and presenting the data using the program Minitab.
These labs will be done in groups. Lab 1 and Lab 2 are worth 4% each.
Lab 3, done during the final exam slot, will be worth 7%.
Exams: (45%) There will be two exams. The first is
on Wednesday March 4. The second is on
Friday April 24. The second exam is cumulative, though
with emphasis on the later material.
Make up: There are no make up quizzes or exams,
except for the usual valid excuses (sickness, bereavement, etc.).
If you have a valid excuse, if at all possible you must contact me prior to the quiz or exam
to make arrangements.
Final Grade: Your letter grade will be determined from the following heuristic:
A : 93 - 100
A-: 90 - 92.99
B+: 87 - 89.99
B : 83 - 86.99
B-: 80 - 82.99
C+: 77 - 79.99
C :73 - 76.99
C-: 70 - 72.99
D+: 67 - 69.99
D : 63 - 66.99
D-: 60 - 62.99
E : 0 - 59.99
Final Exam:
There is no final, however Lab 3 will take place
during the final exam slot on Friday May 8, 8:00am - 10:30am.
Calculators:
On quizzes or exams only non-graphing calculators will be permitted.
The only special function you will need is the square root button.
Attendance Policy:
Missing class is a very bad idea. Anyone who misses more than
25% of classes starting in week 2 may be removed from the course.
Getting Help
You are expected to spend anywhere between 6 and 12 hours per week
outside of class on the material.
The amount of time necessary to pass, or obtain the grade you expect,
depends heavily from person to person.
Typically, a student spending less than 6 hours per week outside the class
should expect to earn a "C" or worse.
If you are struggling with the material, be aware that you have options:
(1) Struggle a bit. Part of the learning process is the internal struggle
of trying to understand how all of the pieces fit together. It can
be frustrating, but it can also be rewarding. If you make progress,
however slow, then it is time well spent.
If you feel that your time is not productive, then you should talk to me,
or other students, about how you can make better use of your study time.
(2)
Visit my office hours. It is part of my job to be available to help
you understand the material. There is not enough time in the classroom to get
everything across, and you are not expected to do it all on your own.
(3) Find alternate instructional material online. Different people have
different styles, and while you might have found my way of discussing something
to be confusing, there may be someone else out there who can discuss it in
a away that makes sense to you. There are a number of free text books,
lessons, and video lectures available online. Feel free to ask me about other sources.
(4) Visit the tutors in CADE. They have drop in tutoring for this course several nights a week.
(5) Talk to your fellow students who are taking or who have taken the class.
Learning is a social activity; you are not expected to do it all on your own.
(6) If after availing yourself of the above options, you still find that you are struggling regularly to understand the material, find a regular tutor.
If you are in this situation, you will likely have to spend significant extra
time on the material to ensure a passing grade.
ADA (American with Disabilities Act):
Students Diagnosed with a Disability, all individuals who are
diagnosed with a disability are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As such, you may be entitled to certain accommodations within this class. If you
are diagnosed with a disability, please make and appointment to meet with Student Disability Services, 209
Alumni Hall, ext. 2137. All students with the necessary supporting documentation will be provided appropriate
accommodations as determined by the SDS Office.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures: In the event of an emergency evacuation,
classes meeting in this building are directed to reassemble in the IRC Lobby so that all persons can be accounted for.
Complete details of the College's emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place, and other emergency procedures can be found at
http://www.oneonta.edu/security/.