MAT 201 – Elementary Statistics

Spring 2008

INSTRUCTOR:                     Helen Shen

PHONE:                                  530-541-4660, Extension 364

E-MAIL:                                 shen@ltcc.edu

OFFICE HOURS:                  Mon. & Wed.  12:00 - 1:00 PM, 3:30 - 4:00 PM

                                                Tue. & Thurs.   12:00 - 1:00 PM                     

LTCC MATH PAGE:            http://www.ltcc.edu/academics.asp?scatID=5&catID=34

REQUIRED TEXT:               Understandable Statistics Eighth Edition  by Brase/Brase

COUSE DESCRIPTION:      This course will cover data analysis including probability, distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, regression analysis, and nonparametric analysis.

PREREQUISITE:                  A grade of C or better in Math 154 or an equivalent class within the past two years, or a satisfactory score on the assessment test.

CALCULATORS:                 A calculator with built-in one and two variable statistics functions is required for this class.  The TI-30X IIS is one such calculator that is inexpensive. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:      

The successful student will:

1.      Design and implement an unbiased study that will produce sound statistical results.

2.      Generate and interpret statistics graphs from data that arise from surveys and experiments.

3.      Implement the rules of probability.

4.      Apply confidence intervals and test hypotheses to make conclusions about data that come from practical applications.

5.      Perform regression analysis to make informed predictions about relationships between quantitative variables.

GRADING POLICY:           Method of Student Evaluation

                                                Homework (40 sections at 4 points each)                      160 points

                                                Quizzes* (15 at 3 points each)                            45 points

                                                Exams* (Three at 115 points each)                               345 points

                                                Final (Covers entire course content)                              200 points                               

Your letter grade will be based on your percentage of the 750 possible points.

                                                            A         90-100%        

                                                            B          80-89%          

                                                            C         70-79%                                  

                                                            D         60-69%

                                                            F          less than 60%

EXAM POLICY:                    Grading will be based on progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested. The more you show me with steps and detail, the better your chances for partial credit.  You provide me the communication and detail in your answers; and I will give you the best grade I can based on that communication and answer.

MAKE-UP POLICY:             Daily Quizzes – the first five minutes of each class, there will be a quiz that covers the main point from the previous lecture. Quizzes cannot be made up; however, two worst quizzes will be dropped. 

For Exams and Final, make-up is possible, but there is a 10% penalty if the absence is not excused.  The absence is excused for medical reasons or emergencies.

For Homework, you must show your work to get credit, half credit for completion and half credit for selected problems. Homework will be accepted late up to one week after it is assigned for half credit. You can turn in your homework early if you know you are going to miss the class. You can consult a classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone for assistance on the homework.

·        Please come see me if you do not understand my policies.

·        Due to English is my secondary language, please be sure to ask me if you have any difficulty to understand math due to my accent, and I will clarify.

LEARNING                           If you have a learning disability, be sure to discuss your special needs with me

DISABILITIES:                    during the first week of class. Learning disabilities will be accommodated.

REGISTRATION:                ·   You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.

                                                ·    Friday, May 2; Last day to drop the class with no penalty or mark on your

    record.

                                                ·    Friday, May 23; Last day to drop the class and receive a grade of W.

·    After May 23, if you are enrolled, you will receive some kind of grade.

·    In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid a grade.

TUTORING:                          Tutors are available at no cost in MSC (Math Success Center) on a drop-in basis, Mon-Sat:  M~Th, 9am-6pm; F, 10am-4pm; and Sat, 11am-4pm.

HOW TO SUCCEED            1) Come to every class meeting. Be prepared, and plan on participating.

IN A MATH CLASS:            2) Arrive early, get yourself settled and be ready when class starts.  Sit where you won't be distracted.

3) Read the book. It’s important to learn how to read the math textbook to enhance your understanding.

4) Do all of the homework. The homework assigned is a bare minimum; the more practice you do, the better understanding you will have.

5) Do some math every day.

6) Take advantage of tutors and office hours, extra help can make a big    difference.

7) Be willing to ask questions.

                                                9) Study in groups and find a study buddy.

Tentative Lecture Schedule for Math 201