Stat 361-01 Introduction to Probability and Statistics Spring 2004
Homework Peter Greim's home page MACS home page Registrar's page Citadel home page
Class Mo, We, Fr 1:00-1:50 TH 317
P. Greim, Thompson 329,
Tel. 9535035, Email: peter.greim@citadel.edu
http://macs.citadel.edu/~greimp
Office hours are posted at my door and at my class schedule web page. You can read it as long as you are using a Citadel terminal. The class schedule will give you an idea which times might be available if you need to make an appointment.
Text:
Probability
and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)
6th Edition, ISBN 0534399339
Jay L. Devore
The bookstore sells it bundled with the MINITAB Student Version 12 for Windows (ISBN 0534081207)
Covered material: Chapters 1-6 and selected parts of 7, 8, and 12
Course description:
The course is an introduction to the analysis of randomly generated data. We will begin with (1) descriptive statistics, investigating characteristics of given data sets, and with various graphical representations of such data. You will then be introduced to (2) probability theory as a basis for (3) inferential statistics, which allows you to draw conclusions about a population from samples taken from the population.
Statistical software
The book comes with the student edition of Minitab, release 12. You need to install it on your PC. If you run into problems, ask me for help. An older version of Minitab is accessible through the Novell network.
Grades
are based on the final, 4 tests, and quizzes and homework assignments (including some projects requiring the use of a computer algebra system of your choice). Each test counts 100 points; homework and quizzes count 200 points together, for a total of 600. The final exam counts 200 points. You'll receive 0.5, resp. 1.25 percentage points extra credit for each correctly solved problem of the week or problem of the month. (See Prof. Trautman's webpage http://155.225.48.46/potw/potw.htm and look out for weekly, resp. monthly, announcements on the classroom bulletin boards.) I will follow the usual 10% per grade scheme and not grade "on a curve". However, if after grading a test the statistics show a particularly bad performance of the whole class at one problem, I may adjust that problem's weight within the whole test.
Missing a test unexcused will result in a score of zero. I will not allow you to miss a test because of a lack of preparation. If your absence is excused, I may choose to drop it and prorate the other test and homework scores, or give you a makeup test.
You can check your standing in the course here. You'll need to know your code number to identify your record. It will be on your first exam.
is essential. It has two functions. Some problems will make you familiar with the practical side of statistical data management. Others will also enable you to test your understanding of the material you saw in class - you will understand the principles of probability theory and statistics only through trying, failing, and eventually succeeding in solving the problems.
When you work problems, first try to do them by yourself. After that, whether you succeed or not, you may discuss them with others. You will learn from talking about mathematics. However, do not copy homework from others. I want you to understand a problem solution (either through own research or discussion) and then formulate it in your own words. Discussing a problem solution with a classmate, understanding it, and then formulating it in your own words is allowed. Copying a solution from others is not.
Occasionally I may let you do or redo part of a test as take-home. In that case you are completely on your own - almost. I am the only person with whom you may discuss a test problem before turning it in.
Homework
assignments are given in class and/or posted on the web after class: homework assignment page at
http://macs.citadel.edu/~greimp/361calendar.htm. The bold-faced homework
problems are due 1 p.m. on the day in the Due date column, regardless of
whether you are attending class or not.
I suggest you work the
homework problems on the day when we cover the corresponding section in class.
I'll reserve some time for your questions during the following class period.
That should enable you to submit the homework and take the occasional quiz at
the beginning of the next class period.
is available: you may work with other students, see me after class, during office hours, or make an appointment (or just drop by my office, taking a chance that I may be busy). I’m on campus Monday nights and, by appointment only, Thursday nights.
One last advice: when you are getting behind (or can't even get started right) - let me know right away. I'll go out of my way to help you if you try. Your grade will be based on your success - not on your effort. However, your effort will determine how much I help.