Course Information Sheet

Course: Math 153-01/Bus 240-01 - Probability & Statistics - 4 Credit/Contact Hours - Fall 2012
IAI Code:  M1 902
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face
Meeting Time: TTh 10:00am-11:40am
Meeting Place: Room 2625

Instructor: Steve Kifowit, Rm 2305, Ph. (708) 709-3954
Email: skifowit 'at' prairiestate.edu
Web: http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math
Office Hours: MW 9am-10am & 1pm-1:30pm, TTh 9am-10am, or by appointment

Text: Elementary Statistics, 11th edition (2010); Triola

Course Description: This is an introductory course in probability and statistics.  Topics covered include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, standard deviation, correlation, elementary probability, regression lines, statitistical inference, the binomial distribution, the normal distribution, the student t distribution, and the chi-square distribution.  Computer software, such as MINITAB, is used.  Comprehensive projects are assigned.  Students who successfully complete this course cannot also receive credit for Math 115.

Course Prerequisite: Math 151 (College Algebra) with a C or better or equivalent.

Course Goals/Objectives:
General Education Objectives---The mathematics component of general education focuses on quantitative reasoning to provide a base for developing a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply simple mathematical methods to the solution of real-world problems. A quantitatively literate college graduate should be able to:
a.) interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, and draw inferences from them;
b.) represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally;
c.) use arithmetic, algebraic, geometric and statistical methods to solve problems;
d.) estimate and check answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives and select optimal results; and
e.) recognize the limitations of mathematical and statistical models.

Specific Course Objectives---In addition to meeting the general education objectives, every successful Math 153 student should be able to:
1.) organize, present, and describe quantitative data;
2.) solve computational and application problems involving basic probability theory;
3.) solve computational and application problems involving basic statitistical theory;
4.) effectively apply knowledge of statistics through projects involving data collection and analysis; and
5.) use statistical software and computers to develop solutions and evaluate results in statistical analysis.

Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is an essential component of successful learning. Students are responsible for prompt attendance and participation in all class meetings. If you miss class, you will not be allowed to make up any tests, quizzes, or assignments that you may have missed. All material covered in class is the student's responsibility.

Grading: Your grade will be based on your performance on three 100-point tests, a 150-point final exam, approximately ten 10-point quizzes, and miscellaneous problems and projects (0-50 points). The grading scale is as follows:

A --- 88% and above
B --- 77% - 87%
C --- 66% - 76%
D --- 55% - 65%
F --- below 55%

You may estimate your current grade at any time during the semester by computing the following percentage: 100% * ( Total points accumulated ) / ( Total points possible ). Please feel free to discuss your grade with me at any time during the semester.  Throughout the semester, grades will be posted online at http://www.engrade.com/skifowit.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned on a daily basis. Homework may involve the use of MyMathLab/MyStatLab (bundled with your text).  We will often discuss homework problems in class. Keep up to date on your homework! Homework problems will often show up on quizzes and tests.

Quizzes: Be prepared for a 10-point quiz on each Thursday, unless a test is scheduled. No make-up quizzes will be given. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Tests/Exams: Test problems will be similar to class examples, quiz problems, and homework problems. In addition to computational problems, tests may include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and/or writing problems. You must show all work on all tests to receive full credit. You must work individually on all tests. No make-up tests will be given. At the end of the semester, your lowest test score will be replaced by two-thirds of your final exam score (if this helps you).

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will be worth 150 points toward your final grade.  The final exam counts for more than 25% of your grade.  Please take it seriously!  See the lecture pace for the date of the final exam.

Calculators: The TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator is required for this course. We will also make use of computer software such as Microsoft Excel, Maxima, GeoGebra, or StatDisk (bundled with your text).

Misc. information:
1.) The last day to withdraw from the course is November 9. For refund information, refer to the fall schedule book. If you wish to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to do so. Any student who does not come to class, yet fails to withdraw, will be given an F.
2.) You are expected to spend roughly 12 hours per week on coursework - 4 hours in class and 8 hours out of class. If you cannot make this commitment, you may want to reconsider taking this course.
3.) The grading scale will be strictly adhered to! Final percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number.
4.) This is a fast-paced course! We will cover much material in little time. You are responsible for thoroughly reading the textbook and keeping up with the assigned material.

 

Course information, including lecture notes and answer keys for test and quizzes, can be found at http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math