Syllabus
Morehead State University
Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics
Fall 2014
Math 123: Introduction to Statistics
Classroom/On-Line
Instructor: Melissa Shearer
Office No.: HCHS Rm. 504
Office Phone: (502) 845-8670
Office Hours: 1st period or by appointment
E-mail: melissa.shearer@henry.kyschools.us
Catalog Course Description:
MATH 123. Introduction to Statistics. (3-0-3); I, II, III.
Prerequisite: "C" or better in MATH 090 or Math 091 or minimum ACT Math subscore of 19. Basic concepts of
probability, sampling, and the algebra of events. Properties of selected discrete and continuous distributions.
This course satisfies the required core-math reasoning for general education in catalog years prior to 2010.
Text and Other Course Materials:

(Required) Hawkes Learning Systems (HLS) Statistical Software Access Code. ($55)
Follow these steps to purchase your access code
- Go to www.hawkeslearning.com
- Select “Get your access code”
- Select “Purchase an access code”
- Choose your school
- Select product – “Statistics”
- Purchase
- Save to H drive or flash drive
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Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will use statistical concepts through applications. Also, this course will enable the students to
communicate statistical reasoning accurately and effectively.
Students will make use of appropriate statistical language.
Students will experience a number of investigations in the Hawkes Learning Statistics Software which will
require the knowledge of statistical concepts in order to complete homework assignments.
Students will constantly be expected to think logically and reason analytically as they engage in discussions and
as they employ their understandings of statistical concepts in their assignments.
Students will be expected to expand their understanding of elementary statistics by building on ideas and
concepts already mastered.
Students will use computer software to help analyze information.
Students will analyze data such that inferences can be made on population parameters that are of interest to
society as a whole.
Students will constantly be analyzing data and attempting to make informed decisions based on their analysis.
Students will apply statistical concepts to analyze data, and the experience with computer software will provide
a technological skill to help compete in the job market.
Methods of Measurement of Student Learning Outcomes:


Modules 70% - Hawkes Learning Systems Certifications.
 Each certification will be worth 100 points.
 Note: You can pause these certifications and continue from where you left off.
 Go through INSTRUCT and PRACTICE in HAWKES before attempting the assignments. You can
practice solving questions in the PRACTICE mode before trying to certify. This is highly
recommended.
 ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 12:00 MIDNIGHT of the due dates in order to
get full credit.
 The assignments are partitioned on a weekly basis to keep you on schedule. This however, does not
prevent you from working ahead of this schedule. The earlier you finish these certifications the earlier
you will finish the course.
 Should students finish the course early, there will be some alternative plans made for those students.
 Assignments not meeting the set due dates will receive penalties.
o 1 day past due date – 10% off
o 2 days past due date – 20% off
o 3 days past due date – 30% off
o 4 or more days past due date – 40% off
o
Midterm (due: September 19, 2014 or earlier)& Final Exam (due: December 19, 2014 or earlier) 15%
each
 The midterm and final exams are comprehensive.
 You are allowed to use a formula/procedure sheet throughout the course that may be used during examsKeep a summary of formulas in your notes.
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 Calculators may be used on the test. The use of cell phones on the test is prohibited
 To navigate to these exams, choose the “WebTest” button of the HLS Homepage, then “Take Test” and
“OK.”
 Note that statistical tables are located under “Tools” in WebTest.
 You will be allowed to take the exam three times and the best score will be counted.
 You will not be allowed to take any of the tests at home. After you take a test you need to have the
teacher record your score after each attempt.
 You will be allowed 3 attempts for the midterm and final exams. The system will count only your
highest scores.
 If students have any questions regarding assignments, you may post your questions in the blog on the
teacher’s webpage.
Course Calendar
Assignment Due Date
#
Topic
1
2
8/15
8/22
Definitions and Frequency Tables
Graphical Displays
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
8/29
9/5
9/12
9/19
9/26
10/3
10/17
10/24
10/31
11/14
11/21
12/5
12/12
12/19
Measures of Central tendency
Measures of Dispersions
Discrete Probability
Midterm Exam Due
Discrete Probability
The Normal distribution
The Normal distribution
Estimating Proportions
Estimation for the Mean: Standard Deviation
Hypothesis Test for Proportions: z-value
Test for Mean:z-value
Scatter Plots and Correlation
Linear Regression
Final Exam Due
HLS
Certification
#
2.1
2.2 a, 2.2b,
2.3
3.1
3.2a
4.1
5.1
6.1 & 6.2
6.3
8.1
8.3
9.1 & 9.2
9.3 & 9.4
11.1
11.2
Grading Description & Distribution:
Modules/Homework/Tests- 70%
Midterm- 15% Due: September 19, 2014
Final-15%- Due: December 19, 2014
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
E = 0% - 59%
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Course Attendance Policy:
You are expected to attend all class meetings and be prepared to complete the day’s activities. I will answer
any and all questions as needed to help you to maximize your learning. On Mondays and/or Tuesdays we will
discuss the sections for the week. If you should miss the notes on these lessons you need to get them from
another student or you will find them on my teacher page. The best learning occurs in class as we work
together.
Emergency Procedures Policy:
Emergency response information will be discussed in class. Students should familiarize themselves with the
nearest exit routes in the event evacuation becomes necessary. You should notify your instructor at the
beginning of the semester if you have special needs or will require assistance during an emergency evacuation.
Students should familiarize themselves with emergency response protocols at
www.moreheadstate.edu/emergency.
Academic honesty:
Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism or helping others to commit these acts will not be tolerated. Academic
dishonesty will result in severe disciplinary action including, but not limited to, failure of the student assessment
item or course, and/or dismissal from MSU. If you are not sure what constitutes academic dishonesty, read The
Eagle: Student Handbook or ask your instructor. The policy is located at http://www.moreheadst.edu./units/studentlife/handbook/academicdishonesty.html. For example: Copying information from the
Internet is plagiarism if appropriate credit is not given.
Policy for Accommodating Students with Disabilities:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) www.moreheadstate.edu/acs/
In compliance with the ADA, all students with a documented disability are entitled to reasonable
accommodations and services to support their academic success and safety. Though a request for services may
be made at any time, services are best applied when they are requested at or before the start of the semester. To
receive accommodations and services the student should immediately contact the Disability Services
Coordinator in ADUC 204-E or at 606-783-5188.
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