STT 200-701 Statistical Methods
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SYLLABUS
Summer 2016, Session A
TR 6:15 – 9:15 PM
North Farmington High School Farmington, MI
TR 5:45 – 6:15 PM and after class as needed
Krystyna Makagon
C-419 Wells Hall, East Lansing
makagonk@stt.msu.edu
http://www.stt.msu.edu/Academics/ClassPages/Default.aspx
Course Description: The objective of the course is to expose students to elementary statistical
concepts and methods. The topics include:
 overview of basic definitions and terms of probability and statistics;
 graphing data, computing and interpreting descriptive statistics
 basic rules of probability;
 random variables and probability distributions (geometric, binomial, normal and Student-T
distribution),
 Sampling Distribution Theorems and their applications
 hypothesis testing and interval estimation procedures,
 “real-life” applications
The course is taught at an elementary mathematical level (college algebra). The textbook will be
followed fairly closely.
Text: Richard D. De Veaux, Paul Velleman, David Bock: Intro Stats, 3rd edition, Pearson Addison
Wesley.
We will cover selected material from the following three units:
1) Descriptive Statistics and linear regression, Ch. 2-9,12
2) Probability and Probability Distributions Ch. 14-18
3) Statistical Inference Ch. 19-25
Calculators: Since an access to internet is not allowed during tests, students are required to have a
calculator with the capability to compute summary statistics and handle probability distributions. TI-83,
TI-83 Plus 84 or 84+ is strongly recommended. It has such features as probability distributions,
confidence intervals, and hypotheses testing. The handouts with steps and examples on how to use a TI
to solve problems can be found on our class site. A TI-83 will be used in class to solve the examples and
work the exercises. And unless you are asked to show all steps, you will be encouraged to use a
calculator or computer software of your choice to complete some of the assignments.
During final examination and in class tests, passing of calculators or storing memos, formulas or notes in
a calculator memory are considered cheating and therefore they are treated as a violation of the Honor
Code. Please reset the memory of your calculator before taking a test.
Teaching/Learning Strategies: Each class covers the theory and related examples and exercises.
Before each class please visit STT Class Pages, find out from Course Calendar which chapters are to
be covered, and read or even print out and bring to class my lecture outlines.
After each class please read corresponding pages from the text (or e-text), review the notes, and do
homework problems. Homework will be posted on STT Class Pages. For most benefit, do it immediately
after a related chapter is covered. It is very important that you read the appropriate section from the
textbook and complete the assigned homework in order to reinforce the material presented in class. This
course is demanding and requires a great deal of work (and since it is a summer course, twice a
speed!). Difficulties are discussed in one-to-one or group basis during the office hours. It takes time
and frequent practice to become comfortable with the material. Classroom active participation is a
definite part of the instructional process. Students are expected to ask questions in class and
demonstrate their ability to solve problems assigned in class.
Attendance: It is your responsibility to attend lecture and keep informed and current in regard to class
coverage and assignments dues. Secure a contact with a classmate to catch up with the notes and
assignments in case if you must miss a class.
Homework: After each class you are expected to read related material in the textbook, and do
assigned homework problems. Additionally there will be six graded homework assignments due the
beginning of class on deadlines given in Course Calendar. Past due assignments will be worth 50% of
the grade if turned in right before the next class meeting, and 0% if turned in any later. I do not accept
homework by email.
Bonus: occasionally bonus problem will be announced in class. You may earn up to 25 points in total.
Grading:
1. Three one-hour midterm exams given in class (see Course Calendar for the dates) 100 points
each.
2. Five out of six graded homework assignments. The lowest score will be dropped, and five
best scores averaged (100 points).
3. A comprehensive two-hour final exam given in class on the last day of classes (200 points).
Note: the schedule of midterm exams is tentative and subject to change.
Make-up tests will be given only when you have a verifiable medical excuse and if you are able to
take them before graded exams are turned out.
Total up to 600 points can be collected (plus up to 25 bonus)
A tentative grading scale is:
4.0: 90-100 %
3.5: 85-89.9 %
2.5: 75-79.9 %
2.0: 70-74.9 %
1.0: 60-64.9 %
0.0: 0-59.9 %
3.0: 80-84.9 %
1.5: 65-69.9 %
Policies:
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Electronic devices: none allowed in class for communication. (That means, you are expected to turn off your phone,
and then forget about it during class time; not to use any of your electronic devises to wander on social media pages,
during lecture time, etc.)
Academic Honesty: The Department of Statistics and Probability adheres to the policies of academic honesty as
specifies in the General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarships and Grades, and in the All-University of
Integrity of Scholarship and Grades which are included in Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide.
Student who plagiarize will receive a grade 0.0 on the assignment.
ADA: To arrange for accommodation a student should contact the Resource Center for People with Disabilities (3539642) http://www.rcpd.msu.edu/
Important dates:
Class Begins
5/16/2016
Memorial Day (college closed)
5/30/2016
Middle of semester
6/08/2015
Class Ends (Final Exam)
6/29/2016
Tips: Do not fall behind! No extensions for deadlines (= do not ask).
If you missed a deadline for graded homework, then just remember that one of them will be
dropped anyway.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to make any changes she considers academically
advisable. Changes will be announced in class and on class pages. It is your responsibility to keep up
with any changed policies.