BackMath 1123-OL: Statistics – Course Syllabus and Overview
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Course Overview
Introduction to Statistics at HPU
This course, Math 1123-OL (Statistics), provides an introduction to both descriptive and inferential statistics. It is designed for students to develop foundational skills in collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting data, with applications to the physical and social sciences. The course is delivered online and utilizes a combination of textbook readings, video lessons, and interactive assignments.
Instructor: Quinn Culver
Textbook: M.F. Triola, Elementary Statistics, 14th ed. Pearson, 2021
Course Delivery: Online asynchronous (self-paced within deadlines)
Course Content and Structure
Chapters and Topics Covered
The course covers the following chapters from the textbook, with some sections omitted:
Ch. 1 – Introduction to Statistics
Ch. 2 – Exploring Data with Tables and Graphs
Ch. 3 – Describing, Exploring, and Comparing Data
Ch. 4 – Probability
Ch. 5 – Discrete Probability Distributions
Ch. 6 – Normal Probability Distributions
Ch. 7 – Estimating Parameters and Determining Sample Sizes
Ch. 8 – Hypothesis Testing
Ch. 9 – Inferences from Two Samples
Ch. 10 – Correlation and Regression
Ch. 11 – Goodness-of-Fit and Contingency Tables
Omitted Sections: 1.4, 4.5, 5.3, 6.5-6.6, 7.3-7.4, 8.4-8.5, 9.4-9.5, 10.3-10.5
Learning Outcomes
Skills and Competencies Developed
Data Quality and Study Design: Describe and assess the quality of data and the design of studies.
Graphical Representation: Represent and interpret data using appropriate graphical displays (e.g., histograms, boxplots).
Data Analysis: Use graphical displays to infer properties of data and summarize data using measures of center (mean, median, mode) and variation (range, variance, standard deviation).
Bivariate Analysis: Analyze relationships between two variables (e.g., correlation, regression).
Statistical Fallacies: Identify common errors such as confusing correlation with causation.
Probability: Calculate, interpret, and apply probabilities to real-world scenarios.
Estimation vs. Hypothesis Testing: Distinguish between estimation problems (e.g., confidence intervals) and hypothesis testing problems.
Confidence Intervals: Construct and interpret confidence intervals for population parameters.
Hypothesis Testing: Set up and perform hypothesis tests for population parameters.
Course Tools and Technology
Required and Recommended Resources
Textbook Access: E-book access is included with the required online homework system (Pearson’s MyLab).
Statistical Software: Most calculations are performed using StatCrunch (provided via MyLab) or Microsoft Excel (upon request).
Calculator: Not required; Desmos (online calculator) is encouraged and allowed on exams.
Assignments and Grading
Types of Assignments
Homework: One per chapter; lowest two scores dropped; late penalty of 15% for late parts.
Progress Reports: Weekly email check-ins with the instructor, reflecting on learning and challenges.
Exams: Two midterms (covering Ch. 1-5 and Ch. 6-9) and a cumulative final (Ch. 1-10). Midterms allow two attempts; the final allows one attempt.
Grading Breakdown
Component | Percent of Grade |
|---|---|
Progress Reports | 5% |
Homework | 20% |
Midterm Exam 1 | 20% |
Midterm Exam 2 | 20% |
Final Exam | 35% |
Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
Letter Grade | Percent Range |
|---|---|
A | 93.0 – 100 |
A- | 90.0 – 92.9 |
B+ | 87.0 – 89.9 |
B | 83.0 – 86.9 |
B- | 80.0 – 82.9 |
C+ | 77.0 – 79.9 |
C | 73.0 – 76.9 |
C- | 70.0 – 72.9 |
D+ | 67.0 – 69.9 |
D | 60.0 – 66.9 |
F | 59.9 and below |
Academic Integrity and Support Resources
Academic Integrity
All students are expected to adhere to HPU’s academic honesty policies. Academic dishonesty may result in penalties up to expulsion.
Student Support Services
Center for Academic Success (CAS): Tutoring, coaching, mentoring, and workshops.
Technology Support: ITS Service Desk for technical issues.
Accessibility Services: Accommodations for students with disabilities.
Health and Counseling: On-campus health services and confidential counseling.
Library and Learning Commons: Research resources, study spaces, and technology loans.
Military Veteran Center: Support for military-affiliated students.
Security and Safety: Campus security, SafeWalk, and emergency preparedness.
Assessment and Institutional Learning Outcomes
QASR Assessment
Participation in a university-wide quantitative reasoning assessment (QASR) is required. Completion counts as a homework assignment.
Course Policies and Wellness
General Policies
Late assignments and exams are only accepted under special circumstances and may incur penalties.
Students are encouraged to maintain personal health and utilize wellness resources.
HPU is committed to a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment (Title IX policies apply).
Summary Table: Key Course Information
Topic | Details |
|---|---|
Course Title | Math 1123-OL: Statistics |
Instructor | Quinn Culver |
Textbook | M.F. Triola, Elementary Statistics, 14th ed. |
Software | StatCrunch, Desmos, Excel (optional) |
Chapters Covered | 1-11 (selected sections omitted) |
Assignments | Homework, Progress Reports, Exams |
Grading | Progress Reports 5%, Homework 20%, Midterms 40%, Final 35% |
Support | CAS, ITS, Accessibility, Health, Library, MVC |
Additional Info
Students are encouraged to use Desmos and StatCrunch for statistical calculations.
Weekly progress reports foster reflection and communication with the instructor.
Exams are proctored via video or Zoom for the first attempt; the second attempt is open-book and collaborative.
HPU provides extensive academic, technical, and wellness support resources.