Introduction to Statistics
Mon/Wed 6 – 8:20 pm, CC3355
Instructor: Zane Kelly
Mathematics 146, Winter 2013
Phone: 206-934-3794
Office Hours: CC2153G, by appointment
Email: zane.kelly@seattlecolleges.edu
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Introduction
Statistics is a mathematical field focused on data collection, organization, analysis, and
interpretation. This introductory course has three main components.
1) Descriptive statistics: introducing graphical presentations of data and measurements of
data sets such as the mean, standard deviation, and variance.
2) Probability theory: quantifying the likelihood of events.
3) Inferential statistics: collecting data from subsets/groups (‘samples’) and analyzing it in
order to draw conclusions about the entire larger group (‘population’).
I will spend most of the time in class explaining concepts and showing examples of their
applications. We will also do in-class problems and activities aimed at illustrating statistics
concepts and helping you understand and apply them. Please ask questions at any time.
Objectives: At the end of the class you will understand fundamental concepts in statistics and
their applications. You should expect to learn to analyze data, to understand uses (and mis-uses)
of statistics, statistical concepts, methods, and tools. You will learn to interpret results of
statistical analysis and be able to critically review and analyze statistical arguments outside of the
classroom (e.g. in popular press or in your professional career).
To facilitate learning statistics please note the following:
 Ask questions.
 Attend class regularly.
 Do the homework problems and work through them thoroughly. Complete
assignments on time. You should plan on approximately 2 hours of studying
outside of class for every hour of classroom time.
 Look through the material in the book before class and review previous notes.
 Use the Math Learning Center - http://webshare.northseattle.edu/MLC/ CC1353A (and come visit me if you need help).
 Be respectful in class, (and please refrain from using cellphones other than in an
emergency and refrain from texting during class). Please don’t talk with your
neighbors unless we’re working through problems or activities in class.
 Studying in groups is encouraged.
Course info
Book: “Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World”, 5th ed, Larson and Farber
Prerequisite: Completion of intermediate algebra (Math 098) with a grade of 2.5 or above
Calculator: a scientific calculator (not a cellphone calculator or a computer). A graphing
calculator (such as a TI-83/84) may be helpful but is not required.
Grading: There will be regular homework assignments, several short quizzes, 3 tests, and a final
exam. Quizzes will be in class and potentially consist of previous homework problems and
problems done in class. Quizzes will take 10-20 minutes; tests will take approximately 1 hour.
Be prepared for all tests to be cumulative.
Test schedule: Jan 23rd; Feb 13th; Mar 6th; Final Mar 20
Homework: Required homework is due at 6PM (at the start of class) on the specified day.
Please include your name and date due on the front page. Homework must be neat, completed in
pencil, and with problems clearly stated. You should show all of the steps necessary to arrive at
your answer (unless they are very simple, such as minor addition). Graph paper may be required
for some assignments. I may also provide a list of recommended problems. Both required and
recommended problems will be used on quizzes. Answers to odd-numbered problems are in the
back of the book – please check to see if your answers are correct.
The overall course grade is determined as follows (Note - NO incompletes will be given)
Quizzes– 10%
Homework – 20%
Tests and Final Exam – 70%
Overall %
97-100
91-96
84-90
77-83
70-76
63-69
50-62
< 50
Decimal grade
4.0
3.5-3.9
3.0-3.4
2.5-2.9
2.0-2.4
1.5-1.9
0.7-1.4
0 or NC
Additional Information
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact
Disability Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a
timely fashion. You may make an appointment with Disability Services by calling 206-527-3697
or stopping by the DS office on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center.
Academic honesty is highly valued at NSCC. A student must always submit work that represents
his/her original words or ideas. If any words or ideas are used that do not represent the student’s
original words or ideas, the student is expected to cite all relevant sources both in the text and in
the references listing at the end of the paper. The student should also make clear the extent to
which such sources were used. Words or ideas that require citations include, but are not limited
to, all hardcopy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual
communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an identifiable
source.