Course Syllabus

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MATH-180: Introduction to Statistics

Instructor Name and Communication Options

Instructor Name: Jeevan D'Souza (JD)

Preferred Email Method: Canvas Inbox

Secondary Method of Communication: jdsouza@champlain.edu

Office Hours: Mon & Thu 7-8 pm ET

Phone: 347-513-7420


Course Description

This course teaches you how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data in order to make decisions about the world. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, discrete probability distributions, normal probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing with one sample, hypothesis testing with two samples, correlation, regression, chi square tests, and analysis of variance.

Student Centered Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will master the objectives outlined each week as well as be able to:

  • present their solutions neatly, completely and accurately so that they may be understood by readers familiar with the topics being considered.
  • participate in class discussions on statistical problems.
  • employ technology in preparing both problem solutions as well as graphs and tables.
  • think critically when examining data and drawing conclusions from it.
  • identify statistical presentations that distort data or draw false conclusions and comment on the ethics of such practices.
  • master the computation of confidence intervals, test statistics, probabilities, and other required calculations.
  • interpret the value of quantitative data.

 

Textbook and Technology Requirements

  • Textbook. The electronic version of the textbook (eBook) is included with the required purchase of WebAssign (see below).  The book will be listed at the bookstore as Webassign -WWCM Access Card - Intro to Statistics. This can be purchased through the Champlain College Bookstore: ISBN: 9781928550341 

If you wish, you may also purchase a print version of the textbook, but it is not required, Introduction to Statistics, Think & Do; v4.1, Scott Stevens – Champlain College, ©2013 Worldwide Center of Mathematics, LLC, ISBN-13: 9780988557222, through the Champlain bookstore.

 

  • WebAssign.  Homework and testing will be done through the WebAssign online system.  Sign up for an account at http://webassign.net/ by specifying the Class Key and purchasing access.
    • The class key for WebAssign for this class is:  champlain 7812 2506
    • The class section number is 81F.  This is just so you will recognize you are in the correct section of this course.
    • Please note that WebAssign will allow you free access for 14 days from the start of the course before you must pay for it.
  • Statistics Software.  In the textbook the author will occasionally suggest you use software instead of hand calculations to work certain complicated or tedious calculations. The author has created videos (Links to an external site.) that relate directly to the sections of the text and demonstrates, step-by-step, how to solve problems using different software.

 

Topic Outline

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Statistics
  • Chapter 2: Descriptive Statistics
  • Chapter 3: Statistical Tables and Graphs
  • Chapter 4: Introduction to Probability
  • Chapter 5: Discrete Probability Distributions - Binomial Distributions
  • Chapter 6: Continuous Probability Distributions - Normal Distributions
  • Chapter 7: Confidence Intervals
  • Chapter 8: Hypothesis Testing with One Sample
  • Chapter 9: Hypothesis Testing with Two Samples
  • Chapter 10: Correlation and Regression
  • Chapter 11: Chi-Square Tests & ANOVA

 

Methods of Assessment

Your final grade will be determined based on:

Graded Elements Percentage
Weekly Discussion Forums 25%
Weekly Homework Assignments 50%
3 Exams 15%
1 Final Exam 10%
Total 
100%
Extra Credit: IDEA Survey 1%

 

Description of Methods of Assessment

WebAssign Exams and Assignments

Please note that your timezone is taken into consideration for discussion and assignment due dates in Canvas, however, WebAssign exams and assignments must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on the indicated due date.

Weekly Homework Assignments

Each homework assignment will be done in WebAssign and are based on the textbook testbank.  You just enter your answers online, and WebAssign automatically grades it and gives you instant feedback. You can elect to complete additional questions for extra practice and to improve your score.  Homework assignments are always due by Sunday night (11:59pm).

Weekly Discussion Forums

Our discussion board forums are an opportunity to have thoughtful discussions about a given topic. The questions raised will be general in nature and ask you to think deeply. During the course of the term, I will provide forums with prompts for you to have a class discussion, just as we would if we were in class on campus.

The expectations for your class participation/discussion grade include, but not are limited to:

  1. For each forum created by the instructor, you must post at least 3 times. One post should be your initial response to 2 others are responses to your peer’s initial response. Responses to questions that are asked to you are good, but do not count toward the 2 peer responses.
  2. In order for participation to be considered active, you should post your initial response by Wednesday of the week it’s assigned, and peer responses by Sunday.
  3. Your posts must be done in a thoughtful, meaningful way. Each post must contain at least one key point.
  4. Class members are expected to contribute original thoughts as well as respond to classmates’ posts. In your responses, you will ask your classmates questions, expand on one of their ideas, ask for clarity on one of their points, and maybe even politely disagree and explain why.
  5. Please note that you should complete all of the readings for the module prior to posting your discussion board forum response. You are expected to post to the forums in correct sentence and paragraph format. Remember to check for correct spelling and grammar.
  6. Please note that due to the nature of the questions, you must make your initial discussion post before being able to see other responses.

Discussion grades are determined using the rubric below. The descriptions show what exemplary work looks like for each aspect of an overall discussion.

Discussion Rubric
Criteria Description Max Points
Application Explicitly and thoroughly explains, applies, and integrates a) concepts from this or other courses, b) outside resources or research, c) life experiences, and/or d) processes used to solve problems. 30 pts
Critical Thinking Clearly articulates a desire to a) reflect, b) explore possibility, c) recognize ambiguity, d) question assumptions, and/or e) search for logical relationships among ideas. Selects, analyzes, and synthesizes relevant information to demonstrate original thinking. 30 pts
Collaboration Fosters collaborative learning while a) problem-solving, b) respectfully challenging others, and/or c) expanding thinking through responses and reflection with other learners throughout the week. Builds on classmate and instructor contributions to deepen the conversation. 30 pts
Presentation Demonstrates attention to APA/MLA style and structure, adheres to rules of grammar and etiquette, and properly cites references to literature and course materials. 10 pts
Total Points: 100

 

Exams

Exams will be similar to homework assignments in format (multiple choice/fill in the blank format and from the same testbank), but with more questions. You will have unlimited time to complete each exam, but, unlike weekly homework assignments, will not have the opportunity to retake the assessment. There are 4 exams total: Exam 1 (chapters 1-4); Exam 2 (chapters 5-7); Exam 3 (chapters 8-9); and Exam 4 (focus on chapters 10-11, with a cumulative review of the previous 9 chapters).

 

Student Resources & Policies

Academic Honesty Policy

Champlain College students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the College’s policy for Academic Honesty. Academic honesty entails creating original assignments, using your own words, and when using the words and ideas of others, documenting those sources using the method specified in this course. Please consult with your instructor if you are in doubt. Violations of the policy could result in a grade of F on the assignment or in the course as well as dismissal from the College.

 

Grading Policies

CCO Grading Policy

Grading Scale

 

Student Resources
Accessibility and Accommodations Champ Support
Bookstore Library Resources
Canvas Support Online Tutoring (Smarthinking)
Career Services Student Accounts

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due