STAT 542: Theory of Probability and Statistics I 4 Credits Hours Fall 2018 Instructor: Lily Wang Office: 3218 Snedecor Hall Phone: (515) 294-2617 Email: lilywang@iastate.edu Website: ISU Canvas (see below) Office Hours: MWF 10 –11 am or by appointment Assistant: Dae-Gyu Jang Phone: (714) 788-2371 Office hours: MF 11:00–12:00pm. Office: 2404 Snedecor Hall Email: dgjang@iastate.edu Lecture: MTRF 9-9:50 am, Howe 1252 Textbook: Statistical Inference – (2nd Edition) by G. Casella & R. L. Berger, Duxbury Press. Course Topics: Basic Probability Theory Concepts (Chapter 1); Random Variable Expectations and Transformations (Chapter 2); Common probability models (Chapter 3); Multiple Random Variables (Chapter 4); Random Samples, Normal Theory, Large Sample Convergence (Chapter 5). Course Information Objectives: The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of basic probability theory, including random variables, probability distributions, and construction of probability models. The presentation of the material emphasizes its application to statistical methods that will be covered in STAT 543 during the spring. Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, students will build up their knowledge in the areas specified in the Objectives of the course and get prepared for further study in probability and mathematical statistics. Prerequisites: Students are assumed to have some background in calculus and advanced calculus - including limits, derivatives, Taylor series, some multivariate calculus (e.g., two-dimensional integration) and linear algebra (e.g., matrices, determinants). We will also use set theory and combinatorics at the beginning of the course. Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. Each midterm will most likely be administered outside of class (an evening time). The tentative dates are Thursday, October 4 and Thursday, November 8. You may use a calculator and formula sheet for the exams (more details later). If you know that you have a conflict with an exam due to circumstances beyond your control, you must notify me before the scheduled exam. Makeup exams are permitted only at the instructor's discretion. Proctor for online students: Online students are required to find a proctor for their exams. The proctor form (https://www-testinglas.sws.iastate.edu/oc-proctor/application) needs to be filled out before Sep 12th, 2018. More information about proctoring can be found at http://www.testcenter.iastate.edu/need-a-proctor/. Homework: Weekly homework problems will be assigned throughout the semester to provide opportunities for practice and application (typically due Fridays for on-campus students with some schedule changes around exams). Both the homework problems and their solutions will be posted on the course website in Canvas. You are welcome to discuss the homework problems with other students but everyone must independently write up and submit a homework assignment (do not copy the work of others). Late homework will NOT be accepted unless extenuating circumstances are present. The lowest homework score will be dropped at the end of the semester. Grading: Grades will be based on the following criteria: Component Weight Tentative Date Homework 20% Exam 1 20% Thursday, OCT 4 (6:00-8:00 PM) Exam 2 20% Thursday, NOV 8 (6:00-8:00 PM) Final Exam 40% Tuesday, DEC 11 (7:30-9:30 AM) Please note that the dates for the midterm exams are tentative and may be changed based on the pace of the course. The final exam date and time are set by the university. You will always be given sufficient notice of an exam. Locations of exams are to be announced. ISU Canvas: Students can keep track of their grade scores and access all other class material through a Canvas page for STAT 542. To enter Canvas, go to https://canvas.iastate.edu/ and enter your ISU username (i.e., your ISU email address without “@iastate.edu”) and ISU password. If you have no ISU Net-ID, you need to get one (https://www.it.iastate.edu/services/accounts). Additional References: 1. Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics - L.J. Bain & M. Engelhardt, 2nd edition, 1992. 2. Introduction to Mathematical Statistics - R.V. Hogg & A.T. Craig, 5th edition, 1995. 3. Probability - J. Pitman, 1993. 4. Mathematical Statistics - K. Knight, 1999. 5. Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis - J.A. Rice, 1995: General ISU Policies Academic Dishonesty The class will follow Iowa State University's policy on academic dishonesty. Anyone suspected of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students Office. http://www.dso.iastate.edu/ja/academic/misconduct.html Disability Accommodation Iowa State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sect 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have a disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please contact (instructor name) to set up a meeting within the first two weeks of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your need. Before meeting with the instructor, you will need to obtain a SAAR form with recommendations for accommodations from the Disability Resources Office, located in Room 1076 on the main door of the Student Services Building. Their telephone number is 515-294-7220 or email disabilityresources@iastate.edu. Retroactive requests for accommodations will not be honored. Dead Week (the last week of the semester prior to final exam week) This class follows the Iowa State University Dead Week policy as noted in section 10.6.4 of the Faculty Handbook http://www.provost.iastate.edu/resources/faculty-handbook. (Essentially, no final exams are allowed in dead week, and no graded submissions of any kind can have due dates in dead week without first informing students at the start of the semester.) Harassment and Discrimination Iowa State University strives to maintain our campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students that is free of all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment based upon race, ethnicity, sex (including sexual assault), pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a U.S. veteran. Any student who has concerns about such behavior should contact his/her instructor, Student Assistance at 515-294-1020 or email dso-sas@iastate.edu, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 515-294-7612. Religious Accommodation If an academic or work requirement conflicts with your religious practices and/or observances, you may request reasonable accommodations. Your request must be in writing, and your instructor or supervisor will review the request. You or your instructor may also seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance. Contact Information for any Issues Above If you are experiencing, or have experienced, a problem with any of the above issues, email academicissues@iastate.edu.
