Q SCI 381: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (Section C: SLN 17873) --- Autumn 2009

Course Information and Syllabus

Welcome to the Q SCI 381C class web site. Here you will find helpful information about this course. You are also encouraged to read the information about the course posted on the CourseCompass Course Content web site .

At the beginning of each week, we send an email outlining the week's topics and the text chapter covered. We cover one chapter of our text per week. Every two weeks we have a closed book hourly exam and we end the class with a closed book comprehensive final exam. Please review the web page that describes how the class is graded.

The assigned homework problems are NOT turned in for grading. You may check your work by logging onto the CourseCompass web site and check answers to the odd numbered exercises (Chapter Contents tab).

Student Learning Goals

  • To master the basic concepts of probability and elementary statistical techniques.
  • To understand the difference between descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
  • To learn how to formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment or sample survey, collect and analyze sample data, interpret the results of the analysis, make the proper conclusion, and draw the correct inference.
  • To understand the power of inductive logic and its role in gaining a better insight into biological and environmental problems.
  • To demonstrate the proper uses of statistical thinking and the role statistics plays in science and in the common press.
  • To allow students to better understand how statistics can be properly used in their disciplinary studies in biology, natural resource sciences, environmental sciences, and other physical and social sciences.

    CourseCompass

    You are strongly encouraged to access additional online materials which are available at our CourseCompass web site. On the CourseCompass web site, click the Register tab in the Students dialog box. Create a logon name and password to use when referencing this site and register as a student. The specific course id you need to register is bare93379. The access code you need to access CourseCompass was packaged with your text book (if purchased new from the U Bookstore).

    If you purchased a used text you may purchase an access code for CourseCompass online by following the directions given in the Students dialog box on the CourseCompass web page. Helpful information is available by clicking the Take a Tour tab in the top menu bar on CourseCompass. The CourseCompass web site also contains additional online quizzes and exams that you may examine at your leisure to test your understanding of the course material. None of these online practice exams are graded as part of your course grade but are solely for your benefit to test your knowledge.

    Please note: Do not install MyMathLab on your computer. This is not required to use the web-based tools contained in CourseCompass.

    You may also find the online Multimedia Library helpful. It contains an online version of the text, powerpoint slides, video lectures, statlets and access to StatCrunch - online statistical computing software. Please use them if you desire additional help. The Multimedia Library is accessible from the CourseCompass web site after you login.

    In addition, you have access to a free Prentice-Hall Tutor available via telephone or email. To access this service, as well as the CourseCompass resources, retain the six word access code contained in the packaging material with your text.

    To Return to:Q SCI 381, Center for Quantitative Science