COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to introduce you to the field of
statistics and its many applications in business and economics. The course uses lectures, class discussion, lab work, assignments and exams to help you develop critical thinking skills that will allow you to recognize, describe, and analyze economic problems using statistical tools. You will also learn to use Excel and Minitab to help you solve these problems.
CLASS TIMES: M,W,F 10:20 to 11:30
GRADES: The course grade is determined by the following formula:
Three midterm exams 45%
Final Exam 15% Assignments 20% Term Project 10% Class Participation 10%
EXAMS: There are three midterm exams and one final exam. The exam dates are noted on the syllabus and will not be changed. Exams consist of problems and short answer questions. Formula sheets and tables will be provided, but you must bring calculators to all exams. Your calculator should perform statistical functions, and you should know how to use it before you take an exam. You cannot share calculators, and you cannot use cell phones as calculators. Makeup exams are given only in EMERGENCY situations and are significantly different than the original exam. Cell phones must be turned off and kept out of sight during all exams. TERM PROJECT: The term project will be distributed in class.
ASSIGNMENTS: You should read assigned chapters before coming to class.
Homework assignments for each of the chapters are listed on the syllabus, and are due upon completion of relevant material, on due dates announced in class. These assignments will be graded and YOU MUST SHOW ALL WORK for full credit. If you have trouble with a problem, you will find answers to other problems (self-test and even numbered) in Appendix D at the end of the textbook. Exercise and cases typed in bold must be completed using Excel or Minitab, and all other problems must be completed manually. The data sets for the Excel and Minitab problems and cases are contained in the CD that comes with the textbook but can also be found on the p:drive under “econ/Ravelle/Excel Files”. If you turn in an assignment late (after the class period in which it is due) the grade will be reduced one letter grade per day late. PLEASE NOTE: the dates, chapters, and assignments are subject to change. If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out about due dates and changes in assignments. Failure to attend class is NOT an excuse for turning in assignments late.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Please do not disrupt class by arriving late or
leaving early. The class participation grade is determined by attendance (50%) and ability to answer questions and participate in class discussions (50%). This class will make extensive use of computers, but you may only use the computers when we are working on problems. You can only use the computers for classroom work. DO NOT use computer for non-classroom purposes (email, internet browsing, etc.) during class time or you will be asked to leave class.
HONESTY: All students are expected to adhere to the College’s Policy on Academic Honesty as outlined in the Student Handbook. Students who violate the Policy must accept the consequences dictated by this policy. If you have any questions about this policy, please see me.
CELL PHONES: You may not use cell phones in class. Please turn them off before you come to class.
OTHER: If you have trouble with any of the material covered in this class, let me know as soon as possible. The material is cumulative, so you should not assume that you can skip the parts you do not understand, or that you can catch up later. If you need help beyond what I can provide, a departmental tutor is available.
DISCLAIMER: I will make every effort to cover the material outlined in this syllabus. However, unexpected events may lead to delays or changes in assignments. I will announce any changes in class. DATE TOPIC CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS
Jan 18 Data and Statistics 1
20 Descriptive Statistics I 2 9,21,31,33,47
Case Problem 1 22
25
27 Descriptive Statistics II 3 9,19,21,31,33,43,47,55
Case Problem 2 29
Feb 1
3 Introduction to Probability 4 7,13,19,29,35,43,47,49,57
Case Problem 5
10 EXAM I
12 Probability Distributions 5 13,21,31,37,43,59,61,65
Handout Ch 5 15
17
19 Continuous Probability Distributions 6 3,19,25,31,37,39,45,41
