Course Overview

Introduction to MAT 124 Statistics

This course, MAT 124 Statistics, offered by the Mathematics Department, provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of statistical methods. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to collect, analyze, and interpret data, as well as to apply statistical reasoning in various contexts. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, and the ethical use of statistical information.

Course Content and Learning Outcomes

Topics Covered

• Data Collection: Understanding and applying different methods of random sampling for data collection and making inferences.

• Descriptive Statistics: Computing and interpreting measures such as mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation.

• Probability: Applying rules of binomial, conditional, and addition probabilities to solve problems.

• Probability Distributions: Working with binomial and normal distributions, and solving problems involving discrete and continuous probability distributions.

• Inferential Statistics: Constructing confidence intervals and conducting hypothesis tests for population means (with known and unknown standard deviations).

• Bivariate Data Analysis: Analyzing and interpreting linear correlation and regression equations.

• Statistical Ethics: Recognizing misleading statistics and portraying statistical information ethically.

• Critical Evaluation: Evaluating and thinking critically about statistical information for effective use.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish and formulate different methods of random sampling used for data collection and inference.

• Compute measures of descriptive statistics.

• Construct and interpret confidence intervals for the mean (when standard deviation is known).

• Conduct and interpret hypothesis tests for the mean (when standard deviation is known and unknown).

• Analyze bivariate data using linear correlation and regression equations.

• Apply rules of binomial, conditional, and addition probabilities.

• Solve problems involving probability distributions.

• Recognize and address misleading statistical presentations.

• Portray statistical information ethically.

• Critically evaluate statistical information for effective use.

Course Structure and Assessment

Grading Allocation

Grading Scale

Assessment Policies

• There are two tests, a midterm exam (covering Chapters 1-5), and a final exam (covering Chapters 6-10).

• All exams are closed book, closed notes, and closed web pages/apps. Only blank paper, writing utensils, erasers, and an approved calculator are allowed.

• Honorlock is used for online proctoring of exams.

• There are no make-up tests or retakes except in cases of documented emergencies.

• Assignments must be submitted by the specified due dates; late work is not accepted without prior arrangement or documentation.

Course Materials and Resources

Required Textbook

• Sullivan, Michael III. Statistics: Informed Decisions Using Data, Seventh Edition, Pearson.

Supplemental Materials

• Pearson MyLab Statistics (online homework and resources)

• Access to an internet-enabled computer

• Smarter Proctoring for online assessments

Calculator Policy

• A scientific calculator (e.g., TI-30XIIS) is required.

• Graphing calculators up to TI-84 are permitted; TI Nspire and Casio models are not allowed.

• Calculators with advanced equation-solving capabilities are not permitted.

Course Schedule and Important Dates

All assignments are subject to change.

Participation and Communication

Attendance and Participation

• Students are required to log in daily and review course material.

• Attendance is tracked through assignment submission and participation in online activities.

• Failure to submit assignments on time will result in being marked absent for that week.

Netiquette Guidelines

• Respect others and their opinions.

• Consider privacy and copyright when sharing information.

• Use appropriate tone and avoid sarcasm or all-caps typing.

• Be concise, stay on topic, and think before sending messages.

• Report offensive content to the instructor rather than responding directly.

Support Services

• Accessibility Office: Provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

• Counseling and Student Success: Offers personal, career, and educational counseling.

• Tutoring Center: Free academic support, including in-person and online tutoring.

• Online Tutoring: Available 24/7 via Smarthinking.

• Online Proctoring: All exams are proctored online using Smarter Proctoring and Honorlock.

Ethical and Academic Integrity

• All students must adhere to CCM's academic integrity policies and copyright regulations.

• Improper use of calculators or unauthorized resources during exams is a violation of academic integrity.

• Students are expected to communicate using official CCM email accounts.

Mission and Values

• Commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, academic excellence, honesty, and integrity.

• Support for all students regardless of financial, academic, educational, or physical challenges.

Summary of Key Statistical Topics (as per course description)

• Descriptive Statistics: Methods for organizing and summarizing data.

• Probability: Fundamental rules and applications, including binomial and normal distributions.

• Inferential Statistics: Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.

• Ethical Use of Statistics: Recognizing and avoiding misleading statistical practices.

Example: A student may be asked to collect a random sample, compute the mean and standard deviation, construct a confidence interval for the population mean, and interpret the results in context.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a framework for the study of statistics, aligning with standard college-level statistics courses and covering all major topics listed in the provided chapter titles.