Syllabus

Math 1400 - Probability & Statistics

Spring 2008

Instructor:

Dr. Buxton Johnson

Office:

Room H204

Office Hours:

M F 2:00 – 5:00 PM

W Th 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Phone:

852-3168

E-mail:

johnsonb@kwc.edu

PantherNet:

My Courses > MATH 1400 – Probability and Statistics

Description:

An introduction to probability and statistics with applications. Intended for students of business, life sciences, and social sciences.

Goals & Competencies:

The following General Education goals and competencies are addressed:

1. To think creatively: Can develop a unique, original approach to solving a problem.

2. To better understand the natural world: Can analyze the natural world and human efforts to achieve progress through involvement with it.

3. To use mathematics to better understand applied situations: Can use tools such as graphs, statistics, logarithms, etc. to analyze relevant data and/or test hypotheses.

Assessment will include homework assignments, laboratory exercises, regular exams, and a cumulative final exam.

Knowledge:

Ø Develop a fundamental understanding of the various concepts encountered in the study of probability and statistics;

Ø Understand the development of statistics from descriptive through inferential statistics.

Skills:

Ø Perform and evaluate the validity of statistical studies, analyze collected statistical data using a variety of statistical techniques, develop summaries, make decisions, and suggest further action based on the results;

Ø Learn to solve problems in probability and statistics.

Values:

Ø Develop a sense of responsibility;

Ø Develop an honest work ethic.

Content:

Ø Collection, organization, summation, and presentation of statistical data;

Ø Basic probability and probability distributions;

Ø Normal distribution and central limit theorem;

Ø Confidence intervals;

Ø Hypothesis testing;

Ø Correlation and regression analysis;

Ø Chi-square and analysis of variance.

Class Time:

M W F 8:00 – 8:50 AM Room H106

Lab Time:

T 10:50 AM – 12:05 PM Library Computer Lab (Section A)

Th 10:50 AM – 12:05 PM Library Computer Lab (Section B)

Attendance:

Three (3) absences are allowed without affecting the student's grade. Beyond this, each additional absence will result in a 20-point reduction unless the absence is excused through the Academic Dean’s office.

Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive. Each two times will count as one absence.

Class Text:

Elementary Statistics, A Brief Version – Bluman

Calculator:

TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus

Class Schedule:

Ch 1/2 – The Nature of Probability & Statistics / Frequency Distributions & Graphs

Ch 3 – Data Description

Exam 1

Ch 4/5 – Probability & Counting / Discrete Probability Distributions

Ch 6/7 – The Normal Distribution / Confidence Intervals

Exam 2

Ch 8 – Hypothesis Testing

Ch 9 – Testing the Differenced Between Two Means

Exam 3

Ch 10 – Correlation and Regression

Ch 11 – Chi-Square

Exam 4

Ch 11 – Analysis of Variance

Final Exam

Exams:

Four exams and a cumulative final exam will be given during the semester.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned regularly to be due on a designated date.

Lab Exercises:

A statistical study laboratory will be performed each week in the Library Computer Lab and a subsequent report will be due at the beginning of the next laboratory period. Each statistical study report will contain the following four sections:

I. Background Statement

· describe why the study was performed.

II. Design and Procedure

· explain how the study was conducted and how the sample data was obtained;

· use a table to show the sample data;

· discuss randomness, internal validity, and external validity of the sample data.

III. Analysis and Results

· briefly discuss how you analyzed the data;

· include required analysis spreadsheets and graphs;

· show any required calculations;

· document your results.

IV. Conclusions

· summarize your conclusions based on your analysis of the sample data;

· discuss methods for solving problems with randomness, internal validity, and external validity encountered in the study.

Lab Schedule:

Excel Practice Exercises

1. Kentucky Wesleyan Student ACT Study (DESCRIPTIVE)

2. Metropolitan Clinic Nurse-In-Training Study (DESCRIPTIVE)

3. Glamour-Girl Makeup User Study (DESCRIPTIVE)

4. Global Telecom Fiber Optic Thread Inspection Study (TEST OF μ)

5. New England Art Museum Security Study (TEST OF μ)

6. I.H.O. Polio Vaccine Production Study (COMPARISON TEST)

7. State Hospital Length-of-Stay Study (COMPARISON TEST)

8. Kentucky Wesleyan GPA Predictor Model Study (CORRELATION)

9. Ohio Valley Residential Power Use Study (CORRELATION)

10. TastyOs Cereal Marketing Study (CHI-SQUARE)

11. City University Drug Administration Medical Study (CHI-SQUARE)

12. D’Oreal Perfume Advertising Study (ANOVA)

13. Department of Highways Hi-tech Concrete Study (ANOVA)

Missed/Late Work:

Only excused exam absences can be made up for credit.

Only one late homework will be accepted for credit.

Only one late laboratory report will be accepted for credit.

Grading:

Final grades will be based on the following:

Homework (9):	225 points
Lab Reports (13):	325 points
Exams (4):	480 points
Final Exam:	180 points
Total Possible:	1210 points

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

A - 90% to 100%

B - 80% to 89%

C - 70% to 79%

D - 60% to 69%

F - less than 60%

Cheating:

The first time a student is found cheating, copying, etc., a zero will be given on the compromised work. The second time will result in failure of the course.

Accommodations:

If you have a documented disability that may affect your performance in this class and you wish to request reasonable accommodations, please schedule an appointment with the instructor so that provisions can be made to assure you have equal opportunity to meet all the requirements of this course.

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Send comments and questions to: johnsonb@kwc.edu
Last modified: 1-11-2008