General description of the course: Statistics is the art and science of extracting information from data concerning a question or hypothesis of interest. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to statistical reasoning and interpretation of data analysis.
Course website: Visit the Penn State's Statistics Department's courses page, http://www.stat.psu.edu/courses/index.shtml.
Textbook: Introduction to the Practice of Statistics, Fourth Edition, by Moore and McCabe, published by W. H. Freeman & Co.
Required Work: There are a total of 500
points in the course consisting of:
1. Two in-class mid-semester examinations, each worth 125 points.
2. A comprehensive final examination, worth 200 points.
3. Ten (or more) weekly, in-class quizzes, each worth 10 points.
Homework: Homework will be assigned but not collected. Answers to some homework exercises are posted on the course web page. The exams will reflect closely the homework assignments.
Exams: Exams will be held according to the
course schedule. All exams will be in multiple-choice format and
will use computer bubble-sheets. To each exam, you should bring:
1. A single 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of formulas or notes,
2. No. 2 pencils to complete your computer bubble-sheet,
3. A calculator, and
4. Your Penn State student ID card.
Quizzes: At least ten unannounced, in-class quizzes will be given. Each quiz is worth 10 points, and each quiz beyond the fifth quiz will contribute extra credit toward your final grade. It is to your advantage to attend class regularly throughout the semester. A student can redeem a weak exam score by taking all the quizzes.
Final Grades: Final grades will be determined as follows:
A : 94-100%, A- : 90-93%,
B+ : 88-89%, B : 84-87%, B- : 80-83%,
C+ : 78-79%, C : 70-77%,
D : 60-69%.
Course Rules:
1. No late or make-up exams will be given for ANY reason. If you miss any exam, you should provide a valid reason IN WRITING to the course TA; once
the TA and the instructor have approved your written excuse, your missed exam score will be replaced automatically by your final exam score.
2. No late or make-up quizzes will be given for ANY reason.
3. Early exams will be given, with advanced arrangement, to students with direct conflicts due to another required university activity (chess team, athletics, field trip, Blue Band trip, etc.).
4. Students are responsible for all announcements and supplements given within any lecture.
5. Integrity Statement: All Penn State and Eberly College of Science policies regarding academic integrity apply to this course. See http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/index.html for details.
6. If you need to leave class early, please sit in the back and leave as quietly as possible.
7. Your cell phones should be turned off before you enter the classroom.