Meeting Time: MW, 3:55 - 5:15 p.m. Location: Madison Hall, Room 300 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: MA 172 (Calculus B or equivalently Calculus through infinite series) or MA 145 (Mathematics with Applications II) and one MA course at the 200-level or above. Course Description and Content: This course is an introduction to probability and mathematical statistics. Topics include finite probability spaces, conditional probability, random variables, expectations, variances, covariances, and an introduction to binomial, Poisson, uniform, exponential, and normal distributions. We will cover most of Chapters 1 through 6 of the text. 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. Determination of Course Grade:
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). 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! Reports: During the semester you may be assigned one or more reports to hand in. Students may work individually or in groups of two on these reports. Report work is expected to be exemplary. Not only does this include the mathematics in the report but it also includes how well the report explains the approach to the problem(s), the solution(s), and any conclusions reached. Late reports will not be accepted, period. Homework: Although I will assign homework, I will not be taking up homework in this class. Just like with anything else worthwhile in life, one must practice to become proficient at mathematics. You should endeavor to work all problems assigned in a particular class period before the next class period. You should not have more than 1 or 2 problems which you cannot work. If you cannot work all but 1 or 2 of your homework problems then you need to see me for help before the next class period! I encourage you to work together on your homework. Quizzes: Approximately each week a short (15-20 minute) quiz will be given in class. These quizzes will be based on your homework assignments and our class discussions. There will be no make-up quizzes. Sample Tests and Quizzes: I have provided copies of quizzes and tests I have previously given in a class similar to this class on my website. Please note that your tests and quizzes will not be exactly the same as these tests and quizzes. In-Class Exams: A minimum of a one week notice will be given for exam dates. A make-up exam must be scheduled before an exam date. If the exam has already been given and you have not previously scheduled a make-up, then you will receive a zero on that exam. 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. Final Exam Date: 3:00 - 5:30 p.m., Friday, 12 December, 2003. Extra Credit: Extra Credit will NOT be given - period. Make-up Policy: None on quizzes or reports. With prior approval on In-Class Exams - see the In-Class Exams section above. Attendance: I will not be taking attendance. However as an upper level college student you probably know that attendance, especially non-attendance, has a direct impact on class performance. Resources for Students Learning Probability: 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. I have also put some resources for you on the Cool Prob & Stat Links portion of this site. Lastly, the UAH Mathematics Club (located in Madison Hall 318) is a good place to check for finding free help and a tutor if need be. |
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