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MAT 137: Statistics for Business and Economics – Syllabus and Course Overview

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Course Information

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MAT 130 (or equivalent) is required to enroll in this course.

Course Description and Goals

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and ideas in statistics, with a focus on business and economics applications. Topics include data analysis with Excel, basic probability theory, theoretical probability distributions, sampling distributions, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and linear regression and correlation. The course aims to develop statistical thinking and inquiry skills.

  • Students will be able to apply and interpret statistical concepts, tools, and techniques.

  • Students will describe how natural scientific, mathematical, and/or computational methods function as mechanisms for inquiry.

  • Students will explain the interaction between the context of their SI-Elective course and other scientific disciplines or the broader society.

Textbook and Technology

Textbook

  • Statistics for Business and Economics, 14th Edition, by McClave, Benson, and Sincich.

  • MyLab Statistics online learning platform is required for homework and quizzes.

Required Technology

  • Computer or tablet with high-speed internet for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.

  • Excel is required for projects; students may use the DePaul virtual lab service if needed.

  • Daily access to D2L (course management system) and MyLabStat.

Recommended Technology

  • TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator (optional; Excel will be primarily used).

Expectations

  • Active participation in class and group work.

  • Openness to learning and improvement.

  • Timely completion of assignments and adherence to deadlines.

  • Respectful and professional communication.

Time Commitment

  • Expect to spend 8-10 hours per week, including class meetings, homework, and study.

  • 3 hours/week attending and participating in class.

  • 2-3 hours/week on homework.

  • 1-2 hours/week on quizzes or projects.

  • 1-2 hours/week for additional study and review.

Attendance

Attendance is expected at all class meetings. Missing class may result in loss of essential learning opportunities.

Assignments and Grading

  • MyLabStat Homework and Quizzes: 25%

  • Excel Projects: 20%

  • Midterm Exams: 2 x 15% = 30%

  • Final Exam: 25%

Grade Distribution Table

Grade

Percentage

A

93% – 100%

A-

90% – 92%

B+

87% – 89%

B

83% – 86%

B-

80% – 82%

C+

77% – 79%

C

73% – 76%

C-

70% – 72%

D+

67% – 69%

D

60% – 66%

F

< 60%

Assignment Details

MyLabStat Homework

  • Assigned after most class meetings.

  • Multiple attempts allowed; immediate feedback provided.

  • Late submissions may receive partial credit.

Excel Projects

  • Excel-based projects to develop familiarity with statistical tools.

  • Projects posted weekly; directions provided in class.

Exams

  • Midterm Exams: October 16 and November 13.

  • Final Exam: November 23, 11:30am–1:45pm.

  • Exams are cumulative and may include multiple-choice and calculation questions.

  • Calculators and Excel allowed; other devices only with permission.

Academic Integrity

  • Strict adherence to DePaul University’s Academic Integrity Policy (AIP) is required.

  • Examples of academic dishonesty: copying work, using unauthorized devices, sharing answers.

  • Collaboration allowed on projects, but all submitted work must be your own.

Support and Resources

  • Office Hours: Available at Lincoln Park and Loop campuses, and by appointment.

  • Tutoring: MAT 137 tutoring available; details posted on D2L.

  • Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities or exceptional circumstances.

  • Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD): http://go.depaul.edu/csd

  • Dean of Students Office (DOS): https://go.depaul.edu/dos

Updates & Announcements

  • Announcements posted on D2L and via email.

  • Check regularly for changes to schedule, assignments, or policies.

Summary of Key Topics Covered

  • Statistics, Data, and Statistical Thinking

  • Methods for Describing Sets of Data

  • Probability

  • Random Variables and Probability Distributions

  • Inferences Based on a Single Sample: Estimation with Confidence Interval

  • Inferences Based on a Single Sample: Tests of Hypotheses

  • Inferences Based on Two Samples: Confidence Intervals and Tests of Hypotheses

  • Design of Experiments and Analysis of Variance

  • Categorical Data Analysis

  • Simple Linear Regression

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, requirements, and expectations for a college-level statistics course focused on business and economics applications.

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