Math 243 Introduction to Methods of Probability and Statistics Fall 2014

Hayden Harker Oce: Deady 108A

harker@uoregon.edu Phone: 346-5630
Oce Hours: Tu 11-11:50am, W 9-9:50am, F 12-12:50pm CRN 13873
Text Information: We will be using the text The Basic Practice of Statistics, 6th Ed. by Moore,
Notz, Fligner. There is also a website associated with this text you can use to review material in
the course: http://www.whfreeman.com/bps6e.
Course goals: The primary goal of this course is to have students be able to use and understand
the basics of condence intervals and hypothesis testing. In particular, they should be able to rec-
ognize the appropriate hypothesis test for a given situation (z-test, two-sample t-test, two-sample
proportions, etc.), carry out such a test, and compute the corresponding condence intervals. They
should also be able to interpret such results for real-world applications. Finally, they should learn
about how samples are collected and know some basic sources of systematic error in sampling and
polling.
The secondary goal is to gain basic knowledge about using Excel to do statistical computations.
In particular, you will learn particular Excel functions for computing P-values for the dierent
statistical scenarios in the course.
Note that these two goals are related but also separate in this course. Moreover, knowledge about
Excel is necessary for the homework but it will not tested on the exams in the course.
Excel: You will need access to Microsoft Excel to complete this course. Either on your personal
computer or using a University of Oregon computer on campus.
Coursework: Each week homework assignments will be due at 6pm on Friday.
There will be one in-class 50 minute midterm exam scheduled which will be administered during
your discussion section in week 6.
The comprehensive Final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 10:15am.
The exam dates and times are not negotiable and there will be no make-up exams or
worksheets. No late homework will be accepted. In case of illness, or a conict with
a sanctioned university activity or event, special arrangements will be made.
Note on Homework: There will be homework assignments each week. The homework will
have two components: Online using WeBWork and an Excel assignment that will be submitted
electronically on Blackboard.
You will be able to access WeBWork at http://webwork.uoregon.edu/webwork2/ by choosing
the math 243 section corresponding to your discussion leaders name. Log into the course using
your usual University of Oregon username and password.
Your assignments using Excel will be submitted through the corresponding assignment on Black-
board. When submitting your Excel le the name must be [last name] [rst name].xls. Please
note: You can use either the .xls or the .xlsx format.
Note on Worksheets: You are allowed to miss one worksheet during the term.
Grade: Your grade in this course will be based on the work mentioned above. Your grade will
be based on a weighted average score of your homework, quizzes, midterm and nal. The value of
each component is below.
Webwork Homework 20%
Excel Homework 10%
Worksheets 5%
Midterm 30%
Final Exam 35%
Accommodations:If you are a student with a documented disability please meet with me and your
discussion leader soon to discuss your needs. If you have not already requested a notication letter
from Disability Services outlining recommended accommodations, please do so soon.
Outside help: You will have access to both me and your discussion leaders in oce hours during
the week. Additionally, we recommend that you also use the free tutoring and help available in the
University Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). They are located at 68 PLC Hall which is on the
ground oor. You can learn more about these services at http://tlc.uoregon.edu. There are also free
math tutors located in the math library in Fenton Hall during most of the hours the library is open.
Business School note: The business school requires that their applicants take Math 241, 242,
and 243 for a grade in order to satisfy the entry requirement to the college. If your intention is to
enter the business school, take this course for a letter grade. The Lundquist College of Business
will not accept grades of P/N for admittance.
I have included below a very rough schedule we will be following this quarter. The exam dates are
xed but the speed at which we move through a particular chapter or portion of a chapter may
vary from the schedule.
Tentative Schedule and dates
Week Chapters covered Discussion Session Important dates (last day to:)
1 1,2,3 Worksheet 1
2 3,4,5 Worksheet 2 add a class October 8
3 8,9 Worksheet 3
4 10,11 Worksheet 4
5 14,15 Worksheet 5
6 15 Midterm
7 16,18 Worksheet 6 drop or change grading options November 16
8 18,19 Worksheet 7
9 19,20 No discussion sections NO CLASS THURSDAY OR FRIDAY
10 21, review Worksheet 8
11 Final exam