Course Syllabus

Math 240: Introduction to Statistics
Syllabus #
1433
4 credits


Dr. Keith Craswell
Associate Professor Emeritus
Department of Mathematics


Full Course Syllabus:   MATH 240 syl 1433.doc

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:

PREREQUISITE:

Math 112 (Intermediate Algebra) with a C- or better or a college pre-calculus course with a C+ or better or suitable math assessment score.

DESCRIPTION:  

Math 240 is an introduction to probability and statistics.  You will study discrete and continuous probability models, descriptive statistics, estimation and statistical inference.

TEXTBOOK:

ELEMENTARY STATISTICS, 9th Edition

by Mario Triola (Addison-Wesley Pub Co, 2004)

ISBN:  9780321288394

The textbooks may be obtained online through a price comparison website such as www.AddAll.com.  Plan on purchasing your textbooks early and always be sure you are purchasing the correct edition of the book for this syllabus.

CALCULATOR:

A hand calculator with a statistics package is required and may be used at all times, including tests.  The text makes reference to the TI-83, but other calculators with statistics packages could be used.

ASSIGNMENT PREPARATION:  

The lessons should be carefully prepared and written on standard size paper with either pen or pencil (pencil is better if you plan to make any mistakes, but please make the writing dark enough to be read easily.)  Answers are to be underlined.  If you run into a problem which you do not understand, work as far as you can and then write a short note indicating where your trouble lies.  I’ll try to respond when I grade the paper, but I can’t respond if you don’t ask questions.

The course consists of 16 lessons and two exams.  Each lesson contains a reading assignment and a set of problems which you are to work after completing the reading.  While the course covers the same material as is covered in the regular lecture course offered each quarter, you will need to take much more responsibility for your own progress than is required in the regular classroom setting.  Without the benefit of daily lectures you must read all explanations carefully and diligently work through each example in order to understand the techniques before you begin the problem set.

The problems indicated are to be submitted as lesson assignments.  When one lesson is completed, start another right away, without waiting for the previous one to be returned. Turn in the lessons as you do them.  Do not save up the lessons and submit them in large batches - under no circumstances may you submit all, or even most, lessons at one time.   Do not attempt to work the problems without first doing the reading and working through all of the examples in the text.

SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS:

ALWAYS make a copy of your work BEFORE submitting it.  If lessons are lost, it is far easier to resubmit a copy than to rewrite an entire assignment.  All assignments must be completed in order to receive credit for the course.  All work must be submitted to the Western Online office.

Time Considerations (a message from the Western Online office) - Start your course right away and keep on a schedule.  Organize your time so that you spread the work out over 10 or 12 weeks, just like a regular academic quarter.  Treat your Self-paced course as the serious learning experience that it is.  True learning takes time: time for reading, time for processing new information, time for reflection.  When students get into trouble in a Self-paced course it is most often when they try to rush through a large part of the work at the end of the quarter or right before their own deadline.

Remember that grading takes time and our instructors have other classes and students.  The instructor cannot be expected to grade assignments immediately because you have a deadline.  Allow for mailing time to and from the Western Online office and back and forth between our office and your instructor.

EXAMINATIONS:

There are 16 lessons and two exams in the course.  The first exam follows lesson #6 and the second exam follows the last lesson.  The second exam covers only the material of the last 10 lessons.  You are required to turn in all assignments due before each test BEFORE taking the test.  Both exams are closed book exams.  You may write, on one piece of paper, any formulae you feel you will need and use this paper during your test.  Turn your formulae sheet in with the test.  You may use a calculator.

***Refer to the Proctored Exam Request form on the Modules page for information on scheduling exams.***  Please note: Proctored exams may only be taken at accredited testing centers within the United States; exams will not be sent to international proctors.

GRADING:

Lesson assignments count for 1/3 of your grade.  The two exam scores make up the other 2/3. Note that a C- is required to pass the class.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS:

Set a time schedule for your course.  Many successful students report that a definite time each day helps them keep working.  Do not let too much time lapse between lessons, you will tend to forget the material already covered.  Ask questions when you encounter difficulties.  Be specific about any difficulties so I can direct my answers to the right source of trouble and be of the most help to you.  Don't give up.

HELP WITH THE COURSE:

Students in the Bellingham area, students may obtain help at the Math Center, Bond Hall 211A. The Math Center’s current schedule is available at: http://www.wwu.edu/depts/mathcenter/.

For procedural matters such as textbook ordering, assignment submission and exam questions go through the Western Online Office. For specific  assignment questions,  include a note with your assignment or write to him in care of the Western Online office.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due