MATH472 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics

Class Syllabus - Spring 2005

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Meeting Time and Place:  MWF 10:00-10:50, Hiner 202

Professor:  Dr. M. Leigh Lunsford.  For Dr. Lunsford's office location, phone number, email address, schedule (including office hours), and other general information, go to her homepage.

Textbook:    Probability and Statistical Inference, 6th Edition, R. Hogg and E. Tanis,  ISBN 0-113-0227294-9, Prentice Hall, 2001.

Prerequisites:  Prerequisites: MATH361 (Calculus III) and MATH371 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics) with grades of C or better.

Course Description and Content:  

This course is an introduction to mathematical statistics.  Topics include, but are not limited to, a brief review of material covered in MA371 (basic probability theory, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, moment generating functions, mathematical expectation and its properties), general distribution theory, sampling distribution theory, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).   Thus we will be covering select sections of Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and possibly Chapter 9.  In order to increase the likelihood of success in this course it is recommended that the student attend class without fail, religiously work the homework, read the textbook, focus on understanding the concepts (not just the rote computations), and seek help from the professor and other sources when needed.   (3 semester hours)

Determination of Course Grade:

30% - Midterm Exam
25% - Hand-In Homework

15% - Paper and Presentation
30% - Comprehensive Final

Grades will be assigned on a ten point scale (90's A; 80's B; 70's C; 60's D; 50's and below F.  

Technology Requirements:  This is an applied mathematics class and applied mathematicians use whatever technology they can get their hands on to help them understand and solve problems!  We will be using the following:

• Web Resource:   We will be using the website Virtual Laboratories in Probability and Statistics as a resource for this class.  The goal of this project is to provide interactive, web-based resources for students and teachers of probability and statistics.  A former professor of mine, Dr. Kyle Siegrist, at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, has created this great site!  You should get your laptop configured to read the exposition (via the MathPlayer) and run the applets (via JAVA) on this site.  Directions for downloading this software are on the front page of the site.

• Calculator:  For quick computations in class and/or on tests, I highly recommend that you use the TI83 or the TI83 Plus.  On in-class tests you will not be allowed to use a calculator that performs symbolic calculus (i.e. the TI89 or higher).

• MS Excel:  Occasionally we will use MS Excel for computations in class.  You may also use this software package to work homework problems with large data sets.  You will need to make sure that you have the "Data Analysis" tool in your "Tool" pull down menu. 

• Minitab:  For a nominal cost (about $30.00), you can rent Minitab 14 for a semester from the Minitab e-Academy website.  I highly recommend that you use Minitab.

Homework:   I will be assigning two types of homework during the semester:  Hand-In Homework and Practice Homework (which is not to be handed-in).   These assignments will be updated regularly on the Assignments page for this class.  A few comments about your homework follow:

• Practice Homework:  These problems will be mostly quick computational problems to make sure you are understanding the basic concepts.  The Practice Homework should be considered as "warm-up" exercises before you attempt the Hand-In Homework.  I will not collect Practice  Homework.  You should endeavor to work all Practice Problems assigned in a particular class period before the next class period.  You should not have more than 1 or 2 Practice Problems which you cannot work.  If you cannot work all but 1 or 2 of your Practice Homework Problems then you need to see me for help before the next class period!  I encourage you to work together on your Practice Homework. 
• Hand-In Homework:  These problems will generally be of two types:  The more theoretical problems and the problems that involve large sets of data that will necessarily require the use of either Excel or Minitab.  Hand-In Homework work is expected to be exemplary.  Not only does this include the mathematics but it also includes how well you explain the approach to the problem(s), the solution(s), and any conclusions reached.  All problems should be clearly stated and answered.   Any theorems/results in your textbook that are used should be clearly referenced.  If you use technology to solve a problem then you should include an appendix showing the necessary computations/results/graphs.  Hand in homework is to be an individual effort and should be pledged via the Longwood Honor Code.  Late hand in homework will not be accepted, period.  If you will have an excused absence (see below for make-up policy) then you need to hand your homework in before the due date (except in the case of a verifiable emergency). 

Sample Tests and Quizzes:   If you would like to review topics from MA 371 (Intro. to Probability), I have provided copies of quizzes and tests I have previously given in a similar class similar on my website.   We will be revisiting some of these topics in more detail in this class. 

Paper and Presentation:  Since this is a senior level mathematics course, you will be expected to write a paper and give a presentation (15 to 20 minutes) on a probability/statistics topic of your interest.  All topics must be cleared with me before starting work on the paper.  By midterm I will expect you to hand in a one-page proposal briefly describing your paper and presentation topic with a list of references you will be using.  I expect you to meet with me at least once before you decide on a topic.  You may work in teams of two for the paper and presentation.  I expect your paper to be of the highest quality (typed, clearly and concisely written, with substantial mathematical content).  I also expect your presentation to be well organized and professional.

Midterm Exam:  A minimum of a one week notice will be given for the midterm exam date.  A make-up exam must be scheduled before this date.  If the exam has already been given and you have not previously scheduled a make-up, then you will receive a zero on the midterm.  Because of the nature of this class, your midterm exam will most likely include a take-home component.

Final Exam:  The final exam for this course will be comprehensive.  You cannot miss the final - failure to take the final exam will automatically result in an F grade for the course.  As with the midterm, your final exam will most likely include a take-home component.

Final Exam Date:   3:00-5:30 p.m. Monday, 2 May, 2005.

Attendance & Excused Absences:   Students are expected to attend all classes.  Students who miss more than 25% of class sessions may receive a grade of "F" (please see the college catalog).  Absences are excused only for illness, college sponsored activities, and recognizable emergencies.  You must have the proper documentation for an excused absence.  You must also assume full responsibility for all material covered during your absence, including turning in Hand-In Homework and/or scheduling any make-up exams.  A grade of "0" will be assigned for all work missed due to unexcused absences.

Make-up Policy:    Make-up assignments will be given only when the reason for missing the assignment meets the criteria for an excused absence (see above).  Except in the case of emergencies, make-up assignments must be scheduled and/or turned-in before the due date of the assignment being made-up (i.e. you should plan ahead if you know you are going to miss class).  As a general rule, you can expect that make-up tests will more difficult than regularly scheduled tests.  If you have a recognizable emergency, please contact me as soon as you can to discuss your make-up options.

Extra Credit:  Extra Credit will NOT be given - period. 

Resources for Students Learning Probability and Statistics:   I want you to consider me to be your number one resource!  In addition to my office hours, you are welcome to call me or send me email if you have questions about your homework.  You can also find additional resources on my NSF Prob/Stats Project Site (under the Probability and Statistics Links).