Mathematical Sciences
MA206 Probability and Statistics
Program Director: LTC John Jackson
Course Director: MAJ Kevin Cummiskey
Assistant CD: MAJ Nick Howard
Mathematical Sciences
Goals Of MA206
 Manage uncertainty from a mathematical perspective.
 Develop probabilistic modeling abilities via classroom
applications and group projects.
 Use software to analyze data, perform calculations.
 Understand variation and how it affects statistical
analysis – emphasize statistical thinking.
 Understand mathematical models for patterns and the
appropriateness of these models.
 Make use of and effectively communicate appropriate
statistics in the decision making process.
Mathematical Sciences
Topics in MA206
• Data Analysis
– Graphically represent data (scatter plots, histograms, EDF’s)
– Measures of location and variance
• Random Variables and Probability Distributions
– Distribution, PDF, CDF, percentiles, mean, variance
– Use the EDF to determine ‘best-fit’ distributions
– Monte Carlo simulation (variate generation)
• Population Parameter Inference
– Confidence intervals for the mean
– Hypothesis testing for the mean
• Linear Regression
– Probabilistic properties of the coefficient estimates
– Extension of the simple model (transformations/multiple
regression)
Mathematical Sciences
What MA206 is about…we think/hope
• Have students interact with and confront issues associated
with real data. (in progress)
• Emphasize more data and concepts, with less focus on
probability and fewer recipes.
• Develop statistical literacy: variability, association vs.
causation, practical importance of statistical significance.
• Foster active learning and engage the material in a
meaningful way.
Project – less prescriptive, have students develop their
own research question, find data and investigate with
concepts learned.
Mathematical Sciences
MA206 Seasonal Enrollment
• Fall – MA153/MA255/MA100
– About 230 Students
• Spring – Core Enrollment
– Over 840 Students
• STAP – Veterans/Rookies/other
Mathematical Sciences
Questions