MCS 142: Introduction to Statistics

MCS-142: the College catalog's course description

• Knowledge of the language of mathematics and logic: Correct and consistent usage of terminology and notation of probability and statistics
• Familiarity with logical or algorithmic methods of symbolic reasoning: Statistical inference involves drawing conclusions about a population from a sample. Probability involves logical deductions of the consequences of models of randomness.
• Knowledge of the practical applications of mathematical modeling and axiomatic systems: Statistical modeling of data arising from a variety of disciplines, including the natural and social sciences, law, medicine, engineering, business, and sports
• Appreciation of the role of the formal sciences in the history of ideas, and of their impact on science, technology, and society: Historical development of statistical concepts and methods; applications in many areas of study

Instructor: John Holte

Office: Olin 307
Telephone: x7465
Office hours: MF 10:30-11:20, TR 1:30-2:20, and whenever my office door is open
E-mail: holte@gac.edu
My homepage: http://www.gustavus.edu/~holte/

Class meetings

• Section 001: 9:00-9:50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in Olin 317
• Section 002: 11:30-12:20 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in Olin 317
• Regular attendance, both physical and mental, is required.
• If you have a disability that requires an accommodation, please see me as soon as possible.

Textbook

Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, 4/e, by David S. Moore and George P. McCabe, W. H. Freeman, 2003.

Calculator

The required calculator is a TI-83 or TI-83 plus. During the semester we'll learn how to use this calculator to do many statistical calculations and tests. If you do not have this model, please see if you can borrow one from a friend for the semester. There is one TI-83 on reserve in the library.

Course web site

Bookmark this web site: http://www.gustavus.edu/~holte/courses/mcs142/fall03/
Information about assignments, examinations, projects, etc. will be added to this site throughout the semester.

Syllabus

Assessment/Grades

• Page 31 of the Gustavus Adolphus College Academic Bulletin states in part: "The faculty of Gustavus Adolphus College expects all students to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty... In all academic exercises, examinations, papers, and reports, students shall submit their own work. Footnotes or some other acceptable form of citation must accompany any use of another's words or ideas." The complete statement may be found at: http://www.gac.edu/oncampus/academics/general_catalog/current/acainfo.cfm.
• The following code will be written in full and signed on every examination and graded paper:
  "On my honor, I pledge that I have not given, received, nor tolerated others' use of unauthorized aid in completing this work."
• "By enrolling classes at Gustavus, you have taken up membership in a worldwide community of scholars, and like any community, Academia has ethical standards to which you are expected to adhere. You are expected to learn and follow the principles of honesty and integrity that apply in academic life. Among those standards are that you faithfully represent your own work, acknowledge any borrowing from the work of others, avoid falsifying data or sources, be respectful of other scholars' efforts and not interfere with their access to resources (e.g., by misappropriating or damaging library materials), do a fair share of the work in group efforts, give others the benefit of your informed opinions and observations in discussion, and be respectful of others' values, knowledge, and feelings while developing your own.... Regrettably, serious and deliberate violations of ethics may incur serious penalties.... If you are in doubt about whether your work conforms to ethical standards, please inquire--you are, after all, a learner." --John Rezmerski, Advising and Registration Manual 1995-96, pp. 60-61.
• A first violation of the academic honesty policy will result in a zero grade on the paper in question and a report to the office of the Dean of the Faculty. A second case will result in a failing grade for the course.

Homework rules

• You may work with other students on figuring out how to work homework problems, but you must write up the solutions on your own and in your own words.
• Acknowledge your sources (people and texts). This is part of academic honesty.
• In nontrivial problems, show how you get your answers.
• Turn in neat, well-written solutions, not messy first drafts. Trim "fringes." Staple.
• Turn in homework on time. Late homework will not be accepted, but your lowest two homework scores will be dropped.

Make-up policy

Make-up exams will not be given except for medical or family emergency reasons. Students who will be absent from an exam for a school-sponsored event should arrange with me in advance to have an exam sent along with the coach. Late homework will not be accepted. (Your lowest two homework scores won't be counted.) If you miss a class for any reason, you are still responsible for learning what was covered in class and for getting any homework that is due turned in on time. The standard way for making up an absence is to turn in a handwritten report on the material and examples that were covered in class. If there is a compelling reason for granting an extension or alternative due date, you must negotiate the arrangements with me.