COLUMBIA COLLEGE

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

SPRING, 2008

 

COURSE:   MATH 2 Elements of Statistics

 

INSTRUCTOR:  Mr. John Leamy

 

OFFICE:  Juniper 7                 

 

        

PHONE:  588-5164 (office)           E-MAIL: leamyj@yosemite.edu

        586-9351 (home)

 

TEXT: The Basic Practice of Statistics, 4th Edition, Moore

      A Student Study Guide is available, but not required

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS (available in the Manzanita Bookstore or elsewhere):

 

1.  Graph Paper (5 - 8 squares per inch)

2.    Ruler (6 inch is o.k.)

3.    Sharpened pencil

4.    Graphing Calculator (TI-83 Plus/TI-84 preferred)

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course introduces you to the theories and techniques of statistics, which is the language used by mathematics and science to describe uncertainty in the world around us.  In this course you will learn to:

 

1.  Describe a set of data graphically using histograms, bar graphs, pie charts, time plots, boxplots and stemplots.

2.  Describe a set of data numerically using the mean, median, mode, quartiles, range and standard deviation.

3.  Use the normal distribution for both description of data and statistical inference.

4.  Use scatterplots, the correlation coefficient, and regression to determine and describe a possible linear relationship between variables.

5.  Draw samples from a population with the goal of performing inference about the population.  

6.  Use probability and the Central Limit Theorem to study sampling distributions of sample statistics.

7.  Construct and interpret confidence intervals for population parameters including the mean and proportion.

8.  Perform and interpret significance tests for population parameters including the mean and proportion.

9.  Use calculator technology to perform statistical calculations.

 

PREREQUISITES:  MATH 104 or the equivalent or placement through the Columbia College assessment process.

 

GRADING COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS:

 

Note:  This system is subject to change, depending on the needs of the class.  

 

1.    3 tests, covering each of the major parts of the course 60%

 

2.    Homework/in-class activities/projects                   20%

 

      4.  Comprehensive Final Examination                         20%

            Monday, April 21, 11 am – 1 pm

     

      Grade Improvement Option:  If your final exam score is higher than

      your lowest test score, it will replace your lowest test score in the

      calculation of your final average.                          

 

GRADING SCALE (using the weights above):

 

90% - 100%  A

80% - 89%   B

                  70% - 79%   C

                  60% - 69%   D

                   0% - 59%   F

 

HOW TO SUCCEED (IN MATH OR ANY OTHER CLASS):

 

1. Attend class regularly.

2.  Bring needed supplies: book, pencil and paper, calculator.

3.  Listen attentively, do the in-class exercises, ask questions, and actively participate in class discussions.

4.  Do the assigned homework neatly and thoughtfully.

5.  Get to know someone in the class.  Exchange phone numbers so that you can get assignments and information if you miss a class.

6.  Consider forming a study group.  Research has shown that study groups are a particularly effective way to learn. 

7.  Make use of available resources, such as the Math Resource Center (Juniper 5) and the Academic Achievement Center (Manzanita 18).

8.  See me during my office hours if you have questions, if special  circumstances arise, or just to visit.  I look forward to having  students visit.

9.  For students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological in nature, who believe that they may need special accommodations in this class, I encourage you to discuss options with me within the first 10 days of instruction.