Syllabus

Statistics 323 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I

Instructor

Dr. Chris Dugaw
Email: dugaw@humboldt.edu
Phone:826-4251
Office: BSS 354
Office Hours: M 10-11, W 8-10, Th 1-2, F 8-9, & by appointment

Textbook

Probability & Statistics for Engineers and Scientists by Walpole, Myers, Myers, and Ye.

Recommended Texts

A first course in Probability by Sheldon Ross.

Course Time and Location

MWF 2-2:50 SH 128
Th 2-3:50 BSS 313 (lab)

Calender

Midterm 1

Thursday 9/18 2-3:50 BSS 313

Midterm 2

Thursday 11/6 2-3:50 BSS 313

Final

Wednesday 12/17 12:40-2:30 SH 128

Topics

This course will cover probability theory which is the mathematical foundation for statistics. We will cover some basics statistical concepts, but the bulk of the course will cover probability. Traditionally statistics is covered in the second term of the sequence which unfortunately is no longer being offered as a regular course. I expect to cover chapters 1-6, 8-9, and if time permits portions of chapters 10 and 11.

Course Description:

Probability axioms; probability distributions of discrete/continuous random variables; concepts of marginal and conditional probability. Mathematical expectation; moments and generating functions. Data analysis. Emphasis: mathematical theory.

Learner Outcomes

This course addresses the following Learner Outcomes from the 2005-2006 Mathematics Department Program Review:

Competence in Mathematical Techniques

1.1 The ability to apply the techniques of Calculus to Mathematics, Science, Natural Resources, and Environmental Engineering.
1.4 The ability to write algorithms to investigate questions, solve problems or test conjectures using standard tools (e.g., spreadsheet), specialized programs (e.g., C++, MATLAB), and statistical programs (e.g., SASS)

Fundamental Understanding

2.2 The ability to apply knowledge from one branch of mathematics to another and from mathematics to other disciplines.
2.3 The role and responsibilities of mathematicians and mathematical work in science, engineering, education, and broader society.

Communication

3.1 Written presentations of pure and applied mathematical work that follows normal conventions for logic and syntax.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following grading scheme:

Midterm (low score) - 10%
Midterm (high score) - 20%
Final - 30%
Labs/Quizzes - 15%
Homework - 25%

Letter grades will be assigned according to the total percentage earned in the class.

Exams & Quizzes

There will be two Midterms and a Final. The final will be focused on the last third of the course, but may contain material from the first part of the course. You will be allowed to use calculators on all exams. There may be quizzes on some lab days (thursday).

There will be no make-up exams or quizzes. If you miss a midterm for a valid, documented reason, such as a serious illness or family emergency, email or see me as soon as possible to discuss an alternate grade scheme.

Homework

There will be weekly Homework assignments that are collected on Fridays in class. I encourage you to work in groups on homework so that you can learn from each other. However, working together does not include copying each others work. Late homework will not be accepted, but you can make arrangements with me to turn it in early if you have to miss class.

Course Policies

Students with Disabilities

Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Student Disability Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. http://www.humboldt.edu/~sdrc/

Add/Drop policy

Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for dropping or adding classes. http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/regulations/schedadjust.html

Incomplete policy

I will only give incompletes to students that satisfy all of the following conditions: the student has completed the majority of the course, the student is currently earning a passing grade (C or better), the student has a serious and compelling reason for requesting an incomplete.

Emergency evacuation

Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom (posted on the orange signs), and review http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/campus_emergency_preparedness.php for information on campus Emergency Procedures. During an emergency, information can be found campus conditions at: 826-INFO, or http://www.humboldt.edu/emergency

Academic honesty

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/academic_honesty.php or see the catalog: http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/catalog.html

Attendance and disruptive behavior

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/attendance_behavior.php

No part of your grade in this class is based on attendance; however attendance is expected. Students are responsible for material covered in class and announcements made during class.