MTH 135-Intro to Probability and Statistics
Fall, 2007 - Evening
Wednesday
INSTRUCTOR:
Mike Kopkas
Phone: (216)257-9462 (Voice Mail) or (440)826-2117 (Math)
Email: mikopkas@bw.edu
Web Site: http://homepages.bw.edu/~mikopkas/
OBJECTIVES:
There are several general objectives for this course:
- An understanding of how statistics can assist a person in gathering, organizing, and analyzing data to make a decision
- An understanding of several probability models and their application to real world problems
- Familiarity with basic probability and statistics terminology and techniques
PREREQUISITES:
It
is assumed that you have successfully completed 3 years of high school math,
including Algebra 2, and are familiar with the basic concepts and terminology
of algebra. If you do not meet this prerequisite, you are encouraged to enroll
in an algebra refresher course (e.g.
TEXT:
Elementary
Statistics, Picturing The World (3rd Ed.) Larson/Farber.
Elementary Statistics, Student Solution Manual (not required, but may be helpful)
We will cover most of Chapters 1-7 and Chapter 9 of the book.
Chap 1: Reviewing some basic terminology, concepts, and goals of statistics
Chap 2: Organizing, describing, and graphing sets of data
Chap 3: Reviewing basic concepts and techniques of probability
Chap 4: Creating and using probability distributions
Chap 5: Using the normal distribution to analyze real-life applications
Chap 6: Calculating confidence intervals for population parameters
Chap 7: Using hypothesis testing to test claims about population parameters
Chap 9: Understanding the relationships between paired variables
APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE:
The schedule attached is approximate and is subject to change.
CALCULATOR:
A TI-83 or TI-83+ is required for this course.
GRADING:
There will be three exams(including the final)given for this course. The following will be used to determine a final course grade:
|
Homework |
10% |
90-100 |
A |
|
Exams (30% each) |
90% |
80-89 |
B |
|
|
|
70-79 |
C |
|
|
|
60-69 |
D |
EXAMS:
Exams will contain 15-25 questions, with problems similar to those assigned for homework. You must show all work for each problem. Partial credit may be given, if deserved. You will be allowed to bring one 8 1/2 X 11 inch page of handwritten notes with you as a study guide for each exam, including the final. This page of notes must be turned in with each exam and will be returned to you after the exam is graded. Your best strategy for doing well on exams is to take thorough notes during class, ask questions, complete all homework assignments, and spend time each week studying the current material.
GRADES POSTED:
Several days after each exam is completed, grades will be posted on Blackboard. Class statistics for the exam may also be provided.
ATTENDANCE:
Regular attendance and class participation are required. If you must miss a class (due to illness, family crisis, or work-related situations), see me or leave me a message prior to the start of the missed class to receive an excused absence. You are responsible for keeping up with all material missed during any absence. After the second absence (excused or unexcused), two points will be deducted from your final grade for each class missed.
MAKEUP EXAMS:
You are required to show up on time for the scheduled exams. In order to be eligible for a make-up exam, you must have an excused absence (for reasons listed above) prior to the start of the exam, and provide a written note from your doctor or employer when you return to class. It is your responsibility to contact me within one day to arrange for a make-up exam. The make-up's date and time are at my discretion. I reserve the right to vary the problems on this make-up exam from those on the original exam, including choosing more difficult problems for the make-up and/or omitting any extra credit problems that might have appeared on the original exam.
HOMEWORK:
Math is like a foreign language. The only way to learn it is to practice it. For this reason, homework will be assigned after each class. A sample of the problems from the homework set will be graded. No late homework will be accepted. If you have an excused absence on the day homework is due, you must turn in the homework on the day you return to receive credit, unless other arrangements have been made with me.
Homework is to be done neatly in pencil on 8 1/2 x 11 inch loose leaf or graph paper with the assignment clearly written on the top of the first page. Make an attempt to solve all assigned problems. Number each problem clearly. Show the final answer on the left hand side of the page, with the work that supports the answer immediately to the right of the answer (see the attached sample). Graphs should be done with a straight edge used to draw all straight lines.
NOTE: HOMEWORK IS NOT TO BE DONE DURING
CLASS TIME.
DOCUMENTED DISABILITIES:
If any student in this class has special needs because of a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, vision, hearing, etc.), please feel free to come and discuss your needs with me.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Exam Dates (Subject to Change)
|
Exam 1 |
9/19 |
|
Exam 2 |
10/24 |
|
Exam 3 (Final) |
12/12 |
Last day to withdraw 10/29
OTHER:
If a class is canceled for any reason, the schedule will be shifted to accommodate material from the missed class.
Tutoring
is available through the
It is important to keep up with the material in this class, and devote study time to it on a regular basis.
It may be helpful to work in small groups, provided all are contributing to the group study.
If your work situation will require you to miss more than one class, I strongly recommend that you reconsider taking this course at this time.
Sample Homework Format
Albert Einstein
(your name)
Hwk 1/ Chap 1: 1,4,7, (assignment)
|
1) x = 5 |
1) 3x+1 = 16 |
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3x = 15 |
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x = 5 |
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|
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4) x = 2 |
4) 4x+2 = 10 (show all work |
|
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4x = 8 where possible) |
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x = 2 |
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|
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7) Graph y
= 2x + 1 |
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x y |
|
(answers) |
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2 5 |
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