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: MR 3:30-4:20, TF 1:30-2:20, and whenever my door is open. See my schedule.
E-mail: holte@gac.edu     Note: There is no "j" in my email address.
See me in person regarding excuses or special pleadings.
My homepage: http://www.gustavus.edu/~holte/

Class meetings

• 11:30-12:20 MTRF in Olin 317
• Regular attendance, both physical and mental, is required.

Textbook

Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, 5/e, by Moore and McCabe, W. H. Freeman, 2006.

Calculator & computer software used

The recommended 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. You may use another kind of calculator if it can do these operations. We'll also learn how Microsoft's Excel can be used in statistics applications.

Course web site

Bookmark this web site: http://www.gustavus.edu/~holte/courses/mcs142/fall06/
Information about assignments, examinations, projects, etc. will be added to this site throughout the semester.

Syllabus

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.
• Do extra credit problems entirely on your own.

Assessment/Grades

Percent	Work	Notes
20%	Homework	Homework will ordinarily be collected twice a week at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be graded. Your two lowest homework scores will be discarded.
36%	Three unit exams	Six scores, two for each exam, worth 6% each
18%	Final exam	Last unit plus comprehensive coverage Recorded as three scores, each worth 6%
-6%	Grace	The worst of the nine exam scores will be discarded.
8%	Portfolio & quizzes	Keep a portfolio of handouts done in class. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
24%	Group projects	8%--Project 1: data analysis of given data 16%--Project 2: your own study of data you collect
	Extra credit	Extra credit homework will be assigned occasionally. Extra credit may be earned for reports on statistics in the news.

Exam scores will be converted to letter grades as follows.

A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
93-100	88-92	83-88	78-82	73-77	68-72	63-67	58-62	53-57	48-52	0-47

Participation and performance factors may modify your grade.

You are expected to contribute to a classroom atmosphere that encourages learning and is marked by respect for your fellow learners. This involves, in part, faithful attendance, preparation, and participation, including attendance in the classes before and after each break. I may take into account exceptional effort and/or a trend of improvement throughout the semester. I appreciate students who are more interested in points of statistical science than in points of grading.

Academic honesty

• "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 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, or tolerated others' use of unauthorized aid in completing this work.'"
• The complete statement of the honor policy may be found at: http://www.gac.edu/oncampus/academics/general_catalog/current/acainfo.cfm.
• "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.

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.

Extra help

• Please feel free to see me during office hours and at other times when my door is open.
• Student tutors will be available some evenings. The schedule will be announced. They will not work your homework problems for you, but they will answer your relevant questions.
• Please contact me during the first week of class if you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations. I will do my best to facilitate the necessary arrangements. All discussions will remain confidential. You can provide documentation of your disability to the Advising Center (204 Johnson Student Union) or call Laurie Bickett (x7027).