Statistics syllabus

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE – ROCKVILLE

Department of Mathematics

Fall 2010

Course: MC Statistics; MA 116; CRN 22078; 2:00 – 3:15 PM MW; SE 121
MA 116: CRN 22431; 2:00 – 3:15 PM; TR; SE 226

website: tjmcmath.wordpress.com

Instructor: Dr. Tom Johnson; thomas.johnson@montgomerycollege.edu;
office location and hours:  232 SE; 240-567-7146;  MTWR 3:15—4:00

COURSE DESCRIPTION: MA 116 is an introductory non-calculus statistics course to serve a variety of students who need a working knowledge of statistics, including the use of statistical tests. Descriptive analysis and treatment of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, linear regression and correlation, chi-square, and some nonparametric statistics will be covered. Preexisting statistical computer programs may be used for some applications. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MA 100, MA 101, MA 103, or MA 115A, appropriate score on mathematics assessment test, or consent of the department. Assessment levels: EN 101/101A, RD 120.

TEXT: The Basic Practice of Statistics, Fifth Edition. David S. Moore; Freeman publishers.
Text includes StatsPortal, an on-line guide to the material covered in the text.
If desired, students can purchase StatsPortal on-line and not purchase the printed text. The website has an ebook version of the text.

Suggested Supplemental text: Practical Statistics, Simply Explained. Russell Langley. Dover. ISBN 0486227294. My favorite idiot’s guide to statistics. $14.95 well spent. Worked-out examples of all typical statistical questions.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: Students will purchase StatsPortal. Students will have notebooks and writing utensils. A three-ring notebook should be used for notes, handouts, and tests

CALCULATOR POLICY: Students will have a graphing calculator: TI-83 plus or TI-84 preferred; TI-83 can be used. It will be helpful to the student to either dig out their calculator manual or download a copy from the TI website http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/homePage/index.html. A TI calculator can be borrowed from the Math/Science Center. Guidebooks can be downloaded for each TI calculator.

Class Expectations: I do not anticipate that you will use a cell phone or a Blackberry during class. When I observe you doing so, I will make a note, and include the information should your grade be under 80%. You are in class to learn statistics, which will take your full time and attention.

Course Requirements:

3 exams (150 points each)	450 points	50 %
Quizzes and homework	200 points	22 %
Final exam (250 points)	250 points	28 %
TOTAL	900 points	100%

Exams:

There will be three exams, plus the final. You will be given a zero for every exam missed.

The following applies to students who miss at most 2 classes in the semester

If you do better on the final exam than on your worst test, this test grade will be replaced by your final exam grade.

On an exam/quiz day:
I will not provide calculators/pencils.

You will not be permitted to share calculators.

You will not be permitted to leave the room.

You may not use or even hold a cell phone.

Quizzes:

• In class pop quizzes. No make ups will be given.
• OPTIONAL – ATTENDANCE to 15 sessions of any the following will drop a second lowest quiz

Tutoring session in the Math/Science Center (1 session = 15 minutes), Math Talks (1 session = 45 minutes); Statistics Workshops (1 session = 45 minutes)

I will provide you with a form which must be turned in at the end of the semester.

• FINAL QUIZ/HOMEWORK: compiled on StatsPortal.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned on StatsPortal. It will be scored there and included in your grade.

Notebook: Keep all notes, handouts and homework in a 3-ring binder

Grading Policy and Criteria:

A (90-100%)          B (80-89%)             C (70-79%)             D (60-69%)            F (0-59%)

Make-up Policy: There are NO MAKE UPS for quizzes and exams.

Attendance Policy:  MC policy is that if you have three or more unexcused absences from this class (for this section), I may unilaterally drop you from the course. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. Three five-minute tardies will be recorded as 1 absence. If you have to leave class early, let me know in advance. If you have to miss a class, review the material covered which will be on my website. It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed. Please ask one of your fellow classmates for assignments. To study the missed material, read the book and/or watch the videos that are on StatsPortal.

Important Dates: refer to the tentative schedule section.

E-mail Communication Statement:  MC student e-mail is an official means of communication for Montgomery College.  Students are responsible for information and announcements sent via MC e-mail, and it is expected that students check their student e-mail regularly.  When e-mailing an instructor, it is expected that students use their MC student e-mail account.

Math Science Center: The location, contact information and hours of your campus math resource center where students can get tutoring and other resources:

• Rockville Campus, Math/Science Center, Macklin Tower 02, 240-567-5200,

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 8am – 8pm, Fri. 8am – 4pm, Sat. 10am – 3pm http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/mathscrv/

Please make use of this service.

Veterans: If you are a veteran or on active or reserve status and you are interested in information regarding opportunities, programs and/or services, please visit the Combat2College website at www.montgomerycollege.edu/combat2college and/or contact Joanna Starling at 240-567-7103 or Joanna.starling@montgomerycollege.edu.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Statement: Disability Support Services (240-567-5058)

Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me during my office hour. A letter from Disability Support Services (CB122) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the Disability Support Services Office; guidelines for emergency evacuations for individuals with disabilities are found at: www.montgomerycollege.edu/dss/evacprocedures.htm

Academic Regulations & Student Code of Conduct

All MC students are expected to follow “Academic Regulations” & “Student Code of Conduct” as described in the MC Student Handbook.  These regulations and guidelines can be found at: www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/academicevp/Student_PandP.htm

Inclement Weather

If inclement weather forces the College or any campus or College facility to suspend classes or close, public service announcements will be provided to local radio and television stations as early as possible. You may also call MC at 240-567-5000 or check the college website www.montgomerycollege.edu to verify MC school closings.  Any exams planned on days classes are suspended will be administered at the first class meeting once classes resume.  Note that the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Montgomery College do not follow the same school closing procedures.

TENTATIVE SYLLABUS

1 Aug 30/31: Chapter 1

2 Sep 1/2: Chapter 2

Sep 6: Labor Day; MC closed

3 Sep 8/7: Chapter 3

4 Sep 13/9: Chapter 3

5 Sep 15/14: Chapter 4

6 Sep 20/16: Chapter 5

7 Sep 22/21: TEST #1

8 Sep 27/23: Chapter 5

9 Sep 29/28: Chapter 8

10 Oct 4/Sep 30: Chapter 9

11 Oct 6/5: Chapter 10

12 Oct 11/7:Chapter 11

13 Oct 13/12: Chapter 14

14 Oct 18/14: TEST #2

15 Oct 20/19: Chapter 14

16 Oct 25/21: Chapter 14

17 Oct 27/26: Chapter 15

18 Nov 1/Oct 28: Chapter 15

19 Nov 3 /2: Chapter 17

20 Nov 8 /4: Chapter 17

21 Nov 10/9: TEST #3

22 Nov 15/11:Chapter 18

23 Nov 17/16: Chapter 18

24 Nov 22/18: Chapter 19

25 Nov 29/23:Chapter 19

Nov 24 Thansgiving Break; MC closed

26 Dec 1/Nov 30: Chapter 20

27 Dec 6 /2: Chapter 22

28 Dec 8/7: Chapter 22

29 Dec */9: Chapter 25

Final EXAM MW CLASS: December 13 (Monday): 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM.

Final EXAM TR CLASS: December 14 (Tuesday): 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM

COURSE OUTCOMES

1. Use a variety of graphical and numeric tools to explore and summarize categorical and quantitative data, including linear models of associations between two quantitative variables.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance that random sampling and randomization play in producing data that allow one to draw conclusions about the underlying populations.
3. Use the results of the central limit theorems for sample proportions and sample means to predict the long-term patterns of variation of those statistics under repeated sampling based on an understanding of the normal distribution.
4. Calculate and interpret confidence interval estimates of population parameters (proportions and/or means).
5. Formulate and conduct tests of significance for population parameters (proportions and/or means) and interpret the results in the original context.
6. Understand that statistical procedures have specific requirements necessary for their application, and verify that the fulfillment of these requirements have been satisfied for the situation with which the student is dealing.
7. Use statistical software (computer or computer-based) to explore and analyze data; interpret the results produced by that software in context.
8. Express in clearly written form, and always in the context of the particular problem situation, the results of statistical investigations and analyses.