TITLE: Honors Introductory Statistics
CLASS TIME and ROOM: MW 2:00-3:20pm, Room AD 204; Fridays 10:00am-10:50am Room AD 122
TEXT: The Basics Practice of Statistics 5th ed. David S. Moore (ISBN:9781429224260)
PROFESSOR: Dr. Warren Wm. McGovern
OFFICE & PHONE: HC 162 MSC & 6-8028
E-mail: warren.mcgovern@fau.edu ; http://home.fau.edu/wmcgove1/web/
OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays: TBD.
Calculators: You must have a calculator that supports two variable (regression) statistical calculations. We strongly recommend the TI-83 Plus or similar.
Statistics software: Fathom 2 (free in HC 111 and AD 122), Excel, and CrunchIt (free with book code).
PREREQUISITES: MAC 1105, MGF 1106, or MAC 2233.
SATISFIES: Gordon Rule-mathematics, computational.
CONTENT: An introductory course covering descriptive statistics, probability,
binomial and normal distributions, sampling distributions and hypothesis tests, and
sampling procedures. Laboratory required. This is a General Education course.
GOALS: By the end of this course, you are expected to:
• think critically about data;
• explore, organize, and describe data using graphs and numerical summaries;
• produce data that answer reasonable questions;
• understand the importance and significance of randomization and variability;
• select and apply standard statistical inference procedures;
• draw conclusions from statistical analyses;
• make informed decisions about the validity and accuracy of statistical statements encountered in newspapers, magazines and on television;
• improve your logical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• work effectively in heterogeneous teams;
• communicate effectively and precisely complex ideas (especially, in writing);
• use technological tools such as graphing calculators and specialized computer software;
• engage in life-long learning.
CLASS STRUCTURE: The class will be mostly run in a lecture style format though the instructor encourages discussions and questions concerning the material. Some days will be used for collaborative efforts. A detailed list will be kept on Blackboard and my webpage. Though the homework will only occassionally be collected and graded (if at all), the student is expected to do all the problems as this will aid in the student's understanding of the material. Please come to office hours if you have additional questions about the homework.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Regular attendance is expected. If a student misses a class meeting it is his/her responsibility to obtain the class notes either from another student or from the instructor during regularly scheduled office hours. However, the latter usually means the student will be given the sections that were covered. All exams will be taken as scheduled, unless prior arrangements are made, with at least 48 hours of advance notice. I, and only I, have the right to agree to giving a makeup exam.
EXAM SCHEDULE: There will be weekly quizzes, three tests, and a final examination. The four tests will take place during the regurlarly scheduled class time on the following dates:
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 28th | Friday | Test 1 |
| February 25th | Friday | Test 2 |
| April 1st | Friday | Test 3 |
| April 29th | Friday | Test 4 |
| May 4th | Wednesday | Final Exam 1:15pm-3:45pm |
EVALUATION: Throughout the course the student will have opportunities to gain and lose points.
The most common examples of gaining points (but not limited to) are through the weekly quizzes, tests, final exams, extra-credit problems, and class participation.
The most common examples of losing points (but not limited to) are not taking a quiz, test, or final, an unsatisfactory attendance record.
At the end of the semester if the student's (net) point total is greater than or equal to 90% of the total possible number
of points then the student will have earned an A. The rest of the grades are as follows 80%-90% B, 70%-80% C, 60%-70%
D, below 60% F.
I will use blackboard to post test and quiz scores, but Blackboard is not the official gradebook for the course.
Collaboration and the Honor Code: You are expected to adhere to the Honor Code (see http://www.fau.edu/divdept/honcol/academics_honor_code.htm). You must document all sources.
DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to change/alter/add/delete any statement from this syllabus in hopes of creating a more enjoyable/equitable course.