Elements of Statistics
Math 106
Spring 2008
Professor Marian Frazier
Office
309-B
Phone
PBX
5428
Website
www2.kenyon.edu/Depts/Math/FrazierM/
Office Hours
Required Text
Moore, D. S. and
McCabe, G. P. (2006), Introduction
to the Practice of Statistics, 5 th
Edition,
Goals
Daily Reading & Attendance/Participation
Reading the assigned textbook sections before each lesson is a necessity. Come to class prepared with questions and comments for discussion. There will not be enough time to cover all aspects of each topic during class. You will still be held responsible for the material.
In addition to being prepared, you should also arrive at class ready to ask questions, discuss points, and work on problems. Statistics really is more of an investigative science than a branch of mathematics; the more involved everyone is, the more fun class will be!
Statistical Package & Computer Use
MINITAB is available at these sites on campus and will be used throughout the course. Assignments and course announcements will be sent to you via e-mail or posted on the course web page. Data sets and Minitab worksheets will be placed in P:\Data\Math\STATS. Proper maintenance of computer accounts, files, etc. is your responsibility. I recommend that you back up your data sets and Minitab worksheets on a regular basis. I will not assume you have prior experience with statistical software so you do not need to be concerned about the use of technology in the classroom.
Since our class takes place in a computer-equipped classroom, a reminder on computer etiquette: Computers are never to be used during the course of class meetings for completion of your assignments (for me or any other professor), email, instant messaging, random internet surfing, or playing games. Failure to adhere to the policy detailed above will result in confiscation of computer privileges for that day; consistent disregard of this policy is considered grounds for expulsion from the course. On a similar note, if you have a cell phone anywhere on your person during class, please remember to either turn it off or silence it during class time. If your cell phone does go off during class, I reserve the right to answer on your behalf.
Homework & Labs
Homework and lab assignments will be given throughout the semester (these assignments will be posted to the class webpage). Subsets of these assignments will be collected and graded frequently. You should work on as many problems as possible. This includes problems which have not been assigned. Homework should be prepared in a professional manner. This means that all papers that you turn in must be legible with problem numbers and solutions clearly marked; and explanations should be written in complete sentences. Keep in mind that you will be graded on neatness, completeness, and correctness. Your lowest homework score will be dropped and the remaining scores will be averaged to obtain your homework percentage. I encourage you to discuss the concepts and problem solving techniques presented in class with other students. However, you must submit your own solution for each of the assigned problems to be collected. (Please see section below on Academic Honesty.) Most of the data sets from the textbook are available on P:\Data\MATH\StatM&M5.
Exams
· Exam 1 – Friday, February 22
· Exam 2 – Friday, April 11
· Comprehensive Final Exam – Monday, May 5, 6:30 - 9:30 pm (9:10 class)
Thursday, May 8, 8:30 - 11:30 am (10:10 class)
Short Papers
At least two short paper assignments
(2-8 pages) will be given during the semester. These will be graded on both
statistical accuracy and writing proficiency. The
Late Policy
Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period on the assigned due date. No credit will be given for late papers. If you know you will be missing class for some reason (e.g., an athletic event), you must contact me before class and turn in your assignment before you leave.
Statistics Clinic
Tutors will be available on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. They will help you with technical software questions or general questions about the course material, but they will not solve your homework problems.
Learning Disabilities
If you have a disability and feel that you may have need for some type of academic accommodation(s) in order to participate fully in this class, please feel free to discuss your concerns with me in private. However, you must also identify yourself to Erin Salva, Coordinator of Disability Services, at PBX 5453 or via e-mail at salvae@kenyon.edu. Ms. Salva has the authority and the expertise to decide on the accommodations that are proper for your disability. Though I am happy to help you in any way I can, I cannot make any accommodations for learning (or other) disabilities without proper authorizations from Ms. Salva. I must be notified of any necessary accommodations at least one week before the accommodation is needed.
Academic Honesty
In general, the rules set forth in the 2007-2008 Course of Study apply. Presenting the work of others as your own is strictly prohibited. In the case of homework, you may collaborate with others in discussing how a problems may be solved (in fact, this is encouraged), but your write-up must be your own. If you are not sure about some aspect of this policy, please see me before turning in the assignment.
Grades
Your course grade will be based on your overall percentage. The categories used to determine your overall percentage are listed below with their respective weights.
Class participation will be used to help make borderline decisions.
Course Outline