MATHS 181: Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)

Syllabus

1.   Prerequisite: Qualifying ACT or SAT score, or appropriate score on the mathematics placement test, or credit in MATHS 108, or permission of the department chairperson.

2.   Course Description: Algebra-based introduction to statistical applications through descriptive methods, probability, normal distributions, confidence intervals, hypotheses tests, regression and correlation.  Misuses of statistics and common probability misconceptions are discussed.  Statistical experiments and simulations are conducted.  Technology use is integrated throughout the course.

3.   Course Objectives:  Students will develop an appreciation of the concepts of probability and randomness and will understand how statisticians and scientists use data to make inferences and decisions.  Students will be introduced to the key concepts of probability and of descriptive and inferential statistics.

      Students will:

• Display, analyze, and interpret sample data using the techniques of exploratory data analysis;

• Explore probability in random events

• Represent relationships between variables with scatterplots, correlation, and simple linear regression;

• Demonstrate appropriate use of technological tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.

4.   Course Rationale:  Statistics has become an increasingly important aspect of modern life.  It is imperative that the well-educated person has a basic understanding of statistical reasoning and how decisions are made in the face of uncertainty.

5.   Course Content:  The following topics will be covered:  descriptive methods such as measures of location and dispersion, basic probability, the normal distribution, confidence intervals, hypotheses testing, simple linear regression, correlation, and simulation.

6.   Course Format: The course will be taught through lecture and interactive discussion. Students will work in small groups and will complete computer laboratory assignments which emphasize the analysis of results.

7.   Methods of Evaluating Student Performance:  Course grades are determined primarily by student performance on tests and computer assignments, as well as quizzes, homework assignments, and class participation.  Students are evaluated on content material and on their ability to communicate this material to others orally and/or in writing.  The evaluation and weight of these various components are at the discretion of the instructor.

8.   Evaluation of the Course:  The instruction of the course is evaluated by departmental student evaluations and peer evaluations.  The course is reviewed and revised periodically by the Department’s Undergraduate Programs Committee.

[Pierce, E. Bremigan, Umbach, January 2001; Pierce, October 2005]