Q SCI 381: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (Section C: SLN 18485) --- Spring 2013

Getting Started: 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/MyMathLab Course Content web site .

This course is delivered using a hybrid approach.

  • The web is used to deliver all course content. Students are responsible for accessing this information and for learning the course material. This requires self-discipline and vigilance to ensure that enough study time is devoted to this course on a daily basis.
  • The instructors use email to communicate with the class and a discussion board is available for students to submit questions or comments. In addition, our course TA holds office hours to provide individual attention when needed.

    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 homework problems are NOT turned in for grading. You may check your understanding by logging onto the CourseCompass/MyMathLab web site and check answers to the odd numbered exercises (see Chapter Contents tab). In addition, there are numerous online CourseCompass homework problems that can be worked to test your level of understanding. Note to use CourseCompass/MyMathLab make sure you are using one of the approved browsers.

    Interactive Tutorial Website

    In addition to CourseCompass is an interactive website that generates practice problems that correlate directly to the exercises in the text. Every exercise is accompanied by an interactive guided solution that provides helpful feedback for incorrect answers. You can also view a worked out sample problem that steps you through an exercise similar to the one you're working on.

    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/MyMathLab

    You should purchase access to additional online course materials which are available at our CourseCompass/MyMathLab web site. This is especially important since no formal class lectures are included as part of this course. To register to use CourseCompass/MyMathLab, visit the CourseCompass/MyMathLab web site and under the Register tab click the Student dialog box. If you already purchased access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab enter the course id bare19718 and proceed. The access code you need to use CourseCompass/MyMathLab is packaged with your text book (if purchased new from the U Bookstore). If you have not already purchased access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab click the Students box in the horizontal bar near the top of the CourseCompass/MyMathLab page and then follow the instructions for registering and buying access.

    As stated above, if you purchased a used text, or did not purchase your new text from the U Bookstore, you may purchase an access code for CourseCompass/MyMathLab online by clicking the Students box in the horizontal bar near the top of the CourseCompass/MyMathLab web page and following the instructions. The CourseCompass/MyMathLab 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.

    Online Text Book

    You may also wish to access the online version of the text in lieu of purchasing a printed copy of the text or access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab. Remember, access to CourseCompass also provides access to the online text. More information about your options for purchasing the text and access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab is available on our text book web page. Do not purchase your text for this course until you have read the information on the text book web page.

    Miscellaneous Information About CourseCompass

    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, Student's Solution Manual, powerpoint slides, video lectures, statlets and access to StatCrunch - online statistical computing software. A version also exists for your mobile device. Please use them if you desire additional help. The Multimedia Library is accessible from the CourseCompass/MyMathLab web site after you login.

    In addition, when you purchase access to CourseCompass/MyMathLab, you have access to a Prentice-Hall Tutor available via telephone or email.

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