Meeting Time: MWF 12:40 - 1:35 p.m. (will possibly be changed to a MW meeting time if entire class is agreeable) Location: Madison Hall, Room 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: MA 201 (Calculus C) and either MA 385 (Introduction to Probability) or ISE 190. 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 MA385 (basic probability theory, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, mathematical expectation and its properties), sampling distribution theory, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression. We will very briefly review most of Chapters 1 through 4 of the text and cover in detail select topics from Chapters 5 through 10. 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! Student Reports: During the semester you will be assigned several 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. The reports are required to be typed documents with all graphs and data in-line. Problems should be clearly stated and answered. Late reports will not be accepted, period. Homework: I will assign homework to work (but not hand in) and also homework to hand in. Just like with anything else worthwhile in life, one must practice to become proficient at mathematics. You should endeavor to work all non hand in 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 non hand in homework. Hand in problems will be due on the date specified in class or on this website (see the assignments page). Hand in homework is to be an individual effort. Copied hand in homework will be given a grade of zero. Late hand in homework will not be accepted, period. Quizzes: Occasionally a short (20 - 25 minute) quiz will be given in class. These quizzes will be based on your homework assignments and our class discussions. I will try to give at least one class period notice for an in class quiz. There will be no make-up quizzes. Sample Tests and Quizzes: If you would like to review topics from MA 385 (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 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. 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: 11:30-2:00 p.m., Monday, 3 May, 2004. Extra Credit: Extra Credit will NOT be given - period. Make-up Policy: None on quizzes, reports, or hand in homework. With prior approval on In-Class Exams - see the In-Class Exams section above. Attendance: I will be taking attendance for my records but it will not count towards your grade. 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 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). 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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