Introduction to Statistics

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
MATH 1160
Descriptive
Introduction to Statistics
Department
Mathematics
Faculty
Science and Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
201810
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
35
Contact hours
4 hours lecture and 1 hour tutorial
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Learning activities

Lectures, group work, assignments.

Course description
A pre-calculus introduction to descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and variation, elementary probability, probability distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation and chi-square testing.
Course content

Introduction to Statistics

  • The nature of data, uses and abuses of statistics, design of experiments statistics with calculator and computers.

Describing exploring and comparing data

  • Summarizing data with frequency tables, pictures of data, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, measures of position, exploratory data analysis.

Probability

  • Definitions, addition rule, multiplication rule, probabilities through simulation, counting.

Probability Distributions

  • Random variables, binomial experiments, mean, variance and standard deviation for the Binomial distribution.

Normal Probability Distributions

  • The Standard Normal distribution, non-standard Normal distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, Normal approximation to the Binomial distribution.

Estimates and Sample Sizes

  • Estimating a population mean using large and small samples, estimating a population proportion.

Hypothesis Testing

  • Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing, testing a claim about a mean using large and small samples, testing a claim about a proportion.
  • Confidence intervals.

Inferences from Two Samples

  • Inferences about two means: dependent samples, inferences about two means: independent and large samples, inferences about two means: independent and small samples, inferences about two proportions

Correlation and Regression

  • Correlation, regression variation
Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the successful student should be able to:

  •  Define the terms “population” and “sample” as they apply to Statistics
  • Define and differentiate between the nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio levels of measurement
  • Explain the proper use of Statistics within real world application and provide examples of its abuse
  • Have an understanding of experimental design and the use of random number tables and generators
  • Create and interpret frequency tables, histograms, cumulative frequency tables, stem and leaf displays and scatter plots
  • Calculate and interpret measures of central tendency and variation
  • Calculate and interpret standard scores
  • Understand the classical and relative frequency approaches to probability and employ counting techniques
  • Know and apply the addition and multiplication rules for probability and the concept of conditional probability
  • Be able to differentiate between discrete and continuous random variables
  • Determine whether the conditions for a Binomial experiment apply and compute the Binomial probabilities
  • Compute the mean, variance and standard deviation for the Binomial distribution
  • Determine probabilities of standard and non-standard normal random variables
  • Use the Normal distribution to approximate Binomial probabilities
  • Understand and apply the Student t distribution
  • Apply the Central Limit Theorem to estimate population parameters using large and small samples
  • Apply the Central Limit Theorem to estimate the difference between population parameters        
  • Perform hypothesis tests on population parameters or the difference between population parameters using large and small samples
  • Create confidence intervals for population parameters or their difference using large and small samples.
  • Create Contingency Tables and perform goodness-of-fit testing in multinomial experiments using the Chi-square test. (optional)
  • Understand and apply Chebychev’s theorem (optional)
  • Understand and apply the Poisson and other probability distributions (optional)
Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy.  The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.  Evaluation will be based on some of the following:

Weekly quizzes 0-20%
Term tests 20-70%
Tutorials 0-10%
Participation/attendance 0-5%
Assignments 0-10%
Final exam 30-40%

Note:  Students may be required to pass the final exam in order to be eligible to pass the course.

Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

  • Moore, The Basic Practice of Statistics, current edition, Freeman
  • Calculator TI83+ or TI84 (optional)
Prerequisites

Math 1105; or B.C. Principles of Math 11 with a B or better; or B.C. Applications of Math 11 with an A- or better; or B.C. Principles of Math 12 with a C or better; or B.C. Applications of Math 12 with a B or better; or Precalculus 11 with a B or better; or Precalculus 12 with a C or better; or Foundations of Math 11 with a B or better; or Foundations of Math 12 with a C or better.