MAT 207
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Professor: Dr. Melinda
Gann (gann@mc.edu)
Text: Essentials of Statistics, 3rd
ed., Triola
Calculator: Casio fx-300MS
strongly recommended
Prerequisites: MAT 101, 210 or
two years of high school algebra
Rationale for Course: Statistics is the basic mathematical tool for drawing
certainty from uncertainty. Public policy, the availability of new drugs, the
development of new products, comparisons of teaching effectiveness, quality
control in production, and even who gets the biggest contract in baseball are
based on statistical analysis. The study of statistics develops a set of
cognitive and technical skills which include thinking analytically, defining
and solving problems, and collecting and analyzing and interpreting data. These
understanding and skills are important in preparing students for a lifetime of
learning and of service to God and others. This course helps college students
understand the basic vocabulary and principles of statistics needed in order to
skillfully discern truth in presentations of information.
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the
student will be able to:
-correctly define and use statistical terms
-draw and interpret graphs of various types, including
scatter plots
-compute measures of central tendency, dispersion and
position
-use probability as a tool in statistical evaluation
-compute probabilities from a binomial probability
distribution
-develop information from a normal probability distribution
-state and use the Central Limit Theorem
-make point and interval estimates
-test hypotheses
-compute correlation and regression
-explain how statistics are used in a variety of
realistic situations
-evaluate statistical citations for correctness and
completeness
Academic Integrity: Honesty and
integrity are basic virtues expected of all students at Mississippi College.
The Mississippi College Student Handbook (available
online - p. 41) lists the policies and penalties for plagiarism and cheating.
Disability Accommodation: If you need special
accommodations due to learning, physical, psychological, or other disabilities,
please contact Dr. Buddy Wagner in the Counseling and Career Development
Center. He may be reached by phone at 925-3354
or by mail at P. O. Box 4016, Clinton, MS 39058.
Learning Environment: The method of instruction may include lecture, group
problem solving, individual problem solving, demonstrations, computer lab
assignments, video assignments, quizzes, and examinations. Each student is expected to have a copy of
the text, a calculator, writing materials, and an open mind. Group work is allowed on homework. On tests, quizzes, computer assignments, and
video reports, the work must be the student's own, and no cheating will be
tolerated.
Students are encouraged to see the professor for extra
help when needed.
Absences: A student will automatically receive a course grade of
F immediately upon accumulating 8 absences (excused or unexcused)
in a TR class or 4 times in a night class. Please remember that three tardies constitute one unexcused absence. Also, note that
students are responsible for material and assignments when absent. Late
assignments are not accepted.
Assessment: Assessment of the student’s progress will be made
through quizzes and examinations as well as through homework and class
feedback. There will be approximately 3 examinations (worth 100 points each).
Other grades will include computer assignments and unannounced quizzes (worth
approximately a total of 100 points). A comprehensive final will be given at
the end of the semester that is worth 200 points. You are expected to take the
tests at the assigned times. Make-up
tests will be given only with prior
notification of absence and professor approval. If an exam is missed due to
illness, a doctor’s excuse will be necessary to receive a make-up exam. All
make -up exams will be given at the end of the semester. Partial credit may not
be awarded on make-up exams.
Grades will be assigned on total points as follows:
90 - 100% of the total points = A
80 - 89% of the
total points = B
70 - 79% of the
total points = C
60 - 69% of the
total points = D
below 60% of the total
points =
F
Note: Students cannot withdraw after the last drop date with
a W (passing) unless the three following criteria are met:
1) extenuating circumstances
(clearly outside the student’s control)
2) passing the course at the
time of withdrawal
3) does not have excessive
absences at the time of withdrawal
The last day to
drop a class this semester is Friday,
October 31.
Office Hours: During the following times I
make a concentrated effort to be available in my office. Please be aware of the
fact that I have committee meetings and emergencies do arise. Thus, it may be wise to call my
office prior to coming or schedule an appointment in advance to ensure your
time is maximized.
MWF: 10:00 – 11:00
TR: 9:30 – 11:30; 1:30 – 3:00
Exam Time
7:00 pm Thurs night class exam is scheduled for Thurs., Dec 11 at 7:00 pm
8:00 TR class exam is scheduled for Tues., Dec 16 (8:00 – 10:00 am)