MATH 155 syllabus
PEOPLE
OFFICE HOURS
All preceptor office hours are held in OlRi 258 (the large computer lab). Alicia's office hours are in her office, OlRi 224.
Sunday
700 - 1000pm (NM) |
Monday
110 - 300pm (AJ) 430- 630pm (CK) 800 - 1000pm (ZY) |
Tuesday
6 - 8pm (AA) |
Wednesday
400- 630pm (AJ) 7-9pm (LK) |
Thursday
7 - 9pm (XW) |
Friday
100 -300pm (AJ) |
COURSE RESOURCES
PHILOSOPHY
- Application, literacy, & computing over theory
This course emphasizes statistical application, literacy, and computing over statistical theory. Why?- Memorizing / manipulating formulas requires a lot of time. By choosing to spend this time on the intuition behind these formulas and on advanced applications, we cover the same material in one semester that most colleges cover in two.
- Solving formulas by hand is simply unnecessary given today's computing resources.
- Solving formulas by hand is restricted to "simple" problems. In general, a complete mathematical treatment of the material would require skills beyond the prerequisites of this course, mainly linear algebra and probability.
- For the majority of the Math 155 audience, this is a terminal course in statistics. By focusing on application, literacy, and computing over theory, we develop a set of sophisticated tools with broad applications. For the students that do go on to study more statistics, you're in luck! You'll get the chance to dive into theory in our upper level courses.
- Reaching beyond the classroom
A hammer that can pound only one particular nail is not a very useful hammer. Ditto statistical techniques that can only be applied in the comfortable classroom setting. Thus coursework is designed to provide practice in extending course concepts in novel, open-ended, and unguided settings. This can be difficult. That's what practice is for. - Sophistication at the introductory level
Math 155 is a 100-level introductory course. While recognizing that students have encountered statistical concepts throughout their education, we respect that this experience varies from student to student. As such, we must build a common foundation before diving into more sophisticated methods. This common foundation might be a review for some students, for example, those that have taken AP or have encountered statistical methods in other courses. If you are one of these students, it is important to recognize that Math 155 is an innovative introductory course that incorporates advanced statistical methods - you will learn something new and learn something old in a new way. If you do not feel challenged, the instructor is excited to provide extra opportunities.
OBJECTIVES
Explore, illuminate & communicate patterns in data using graphical techniques.
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Develop statistical models and other numerical summaries of the patterns in data.
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Extend observations about sample data to the broader population.
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Recognize how to apply course content in novel settings. Ex: how can we apply Trump vs Clinton to apples vs oranges?
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SCHEDULE (subject to change)
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EVALUATION
COURSE COMPONENTS
Graded in-class work will be assigned nearly every class period, thus attendance is crucial. In-class work will vary in structure and include individual quizzes and group activities. This work requires active participation: consistent attendance, arriving to class on time, engagement, responsible/respectful use of technology, etc. In cases of lacking participation, points will be deducted from in-class scores. Missed in-class work can only be made up in cases of college-sanctioned excused absences. The lowest 2-point activity will be dropped at the end of the semester. Since we will be working with the RStudio computer software, you must bring a laptop to every class. If you do not have access to a laptop, please contact the instructor. Course tech policy: NO cell phones and laptops ONLY during activities that require them. |
There are two homework components:
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The course project, an application of course concepts to "real world data", will include both individual and team work. Specifically, teams will provide a project "support group" but students will hand in and be graded on their own work. Project deadlines will be spread throughout the semester, with the final deadline being Friday, December 9 (the last day of classes). |
Exam 1 will be held in class on Tuesday, October 18 (the week of fall break). This date is firm. There are no make-up exams for non-essential absences. You must plan around the exam when making travel plans. If you have any questions about the definition of "non-essential," ask the instructor at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled exam time. |
GRADING SCALE
IMPORTANT:
- This is a worst case scenario scale. A curve may or may not be implemented.
- Moodle does NOT correctly weight your grades, thus should not be used alone to monitor your progress.
A
A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D NC |
93 - 100%
89 - 92.9 86 - 88.9 80 - 85.9 77 - 79.9 75 - 76.9 69 - 74.9 65 - 68.9 55 - 64.9 0 - 54.9 |
MISCELLANEOUS BUT IMPORTANT
- I am committed to every student having an equal opportunity for success in this class. If, in light of the course design and activities, you are in need of any accommodations, please contact the Assistant Dean of Students, Robin Hart Ruthenbeck, who will advocate for you. You can find specific information on accommodations here.
- The majority of communication outside the classroom and office hours will be conducted on the Moodle Question & Answer Forum. This will be the most efficient way to ask/address homework questions, etc across the instructor's 3 sections of 155. If your questions are personal in nature, send a private email to the instructor.
- Your feedback is valued. Please feel welcome to discuss any concerns with me throughout the semester (not just at the end when it's too late!).
- Academic integrity is demanded. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: copying others' work, using material from previous/other Math 155 courses, using a solutions manual, and prodding the preceptors for answers. Acts of academic dishonesty will result in an automatic score of 0 for the relevant activity and notification of the Dean of Students. At this point, the consequences are chosen by the Dean, not myself. If you ever have a question about these policies or what I consider academic dishonesty, please ask before acting.
- See the college policy on incompletes and appeals.
- This syllabus is subject to change. Announcements of any changes will be made in class.