Math 243: Introduction to Methods of Probability and Statistics

Homework Lecture Notes Calculator Handouts
Review for Midterm #1 and Answers to Sample Midterm #1 Review for Midterm #2 and Answers to Sample Midterm #2 Review for Final Exam and Answers to sample final exam
Answers to Midterm #1 Answers to Midterm #2 Answers to Final Exam

DISCUSSION SECTIONS
The emphasis of the course is on statistical reasoning: interpretation of and critical thinking about statistical information. The main concepts will be illustrated by a variety of interesting and important real world examples. These will include issues under current discussion in society that have a statistical component, in particular, political polling and various studies in the social sciences and business.

Grading Policy

Your course grade is a weighted average of the following performance scores: homework (10%), quizzes (15%), exam 1 (20%), exam 2 (25%) and final exam (30%), attendance (5%) (extra).

Exams

There will be two midterms during the term. They are scheduled for Friday, April 29 and for Friday, May 20 . The final is scheduled for 15:15 - 17:15 on Wednesday, June 8 . All the exams will be in 110 Fenton. For each exam, you may bring two help sheets, i.e., two 8.5" by 11" sheets (both sides) of papers with whatever formulas and notes you would find useful.

Quizzes

There will be six quizzes in discussion session. There will be no make-up quizzes. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Homework

Homework is due Weekly in Discussion Session . Late homework will not be accepted. Your lowest homework score will be dropped. If a situation develops in which you need more than one homework dropped, such as a prolonged illness, you should notify me as soon as possible verbally and in writing. You may turn in homework early, of course, if you know in advance that you will have to miss class.

Please do homework on 8.5 by 11 paper and put your name on the front.

Please pick up your homework in the paper return box outside Room 110 Fenton.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory. You are responsible for all the announcements, changes, course information, and topics that I cover in class.

Lecture Notes:

Please print out a copy of my lecture notes and bring it to class so that you don't need to waste time on taking notes. It is also assumed that you already read text before each class.
  • If you cannot make my office hours, please feel free to stop by my office or make an appointment with me.

    Calculators

    At the minimum, you should have a calculator capable of handling two-variable statistics. The TI-82 will draw histograms and regression lines for you and will be more than sufficient. The TI-83 is like having a small computer program at your desk and will perform all the statistical tests that we will learn in this course. It is your responsibility to learn how to use any calculator you choose for this course. Calculators are allowed on all quizzes and exams. Texas Instruments' manuals on the Web: TI-82 , TI-83 .

    Videos

    There's an excellent set of videos, Against All Odds: Inside statistics available at Reserve Reading Room, located on the main floor of the northeast corner of Knight Library. The 26 half-hour programs of this public television series present some fascinating real-world applications of statistics while at the same time focusing on the essential features of statistics. Suggested videos are indicated with the assignments.

    1-2 What is statistics?/Picturing distribution
    3-4 Describing distributions/Normal distributions
    5-6 Normal calculations/Time series
    7-8 Models for growth/Describing relationships
    9-10 Correlation/Multidimensional data analysis
    11-12 Question of causation/Experimental design
    13-14 Blocking and sampling/Samples and surveys
    15-16 What is probability?/Random variables
    17-18 Binomial distributions/Sample means
    19-20 Confidence intervals/Significance tests
    21-22 Inference for one mean/Comparing two means
    23-24 Inference for proportions/Inference for two proportions
    25-26 Inference for relationships/Case study

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