Syllabus
Course: Math 183 (Course Catalog)
Title: Statistical Methods
Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites: Math 20C
Catalog Description: Introduction to probability. Discrete and continuous random variables; binomial, Poisson and Gaussian distributions. Central limit theorem. Data analysis and inferential statistics: graphical techniques, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, curve fitting.
Required Textbook: An Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and its Applications (5th Edition), by Larsen and Marx. Published by Pearson (2012).
Supplementary Textbooks:
OpenIntro Statistics, D. M. Diez & C. D. Barr & M. Cetinkaya-Rundel (pdf)
Probability with R: An Introduction with Computer Science Applications, J.M. Horgan (amazon)
Introduction to Probability, C. M. Grinstead & J. L. Snell (pdf)
A Modern Introduction to Probability and Statistics: Understanding Why and How, F.M. Dekking
& C. Kraaikamp & H.P. Lopuhaä & L.E. Meester (amazon)
Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications, J. L. Devore & K. N. Berk (amazon)
Material Covered: We will cover parts of Chapters 1-7 of the Larsen and Marx text, time permitting. A list of topics scheduled to be covered each day can be found on the Course Calendar.
Graphing Calculators: Although a graphing calculator is not required for the course, it is likely to be helpful. Graphing calculators will be permitted on exams, but no answers will be given credit (even correct ones) without supporting work. The TI-83 is recommended, but other calculators such as the TI-89 are fine also.
Homework: Homework is a very important part of the course and in order to fully master the topics it is essential that you work carefully on every assignment and try your best to complete every problem. The homework assignments will be announced on the course "Homework" page and should be completed by the the indicated due date.
- Homework is to be turned in by means of a drop box in the BASEMENT of AP&M. You should make every effort to complete the homework assignments and seek help for problems you are unable to solve.
- Late assignments will not be accepted.
- Selected problems on the assignment will be graded. To assist your grader, you should keep all problems in the same order as the assignment list and ordered vertically on your page. If a problem is omitted, it should still appear in the correct order. All work must be on full-sized notebook paper and all pages must be stapled together.
- Homework will be returned in discussion section.
- The grader is under no obligation to grade messy or disorganized homework.
(This includes homework that has not been stapled together.) - The upper right corner of each assignment must include:
- Your full name (last name first)
- Your PID
- Your discussion section (A01, A02, etc.)
- Homework assignment number
Course Readings: Reading the sections in the textbook that correspond to what we are discussing in class is a very important part of learning the subject. Lecture time is very limited and not every subject can be fully covered in the time allotted for lecture. Consequently, it is in your own interests to read the related chapters in the textbook. The assigned reading will be posted on the course "Homework" page with the homework corresponding to that reading.
Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. The midterm exams will be held during class and you will have 50 minutes for each. Check the Course Calendar for the exact dates of the midterm and final exams. You will be permitted to use a calculator during the exams. You may use one page (8.5 x 11 inch) of notes when taking the exams. Both sides are okay, but no photocopies are allowed. You may not use any other notes or electronic devices. Please bring your student ID to the exams.
Grading: There are two methods to determine your weighted average:
- Method 1: 20% Homework, 20% Midterm 1, 20% Midterm 2, 40% Final Exam
- Method 2: 20% Homework, 20% Best Midterm Exam, 60% Final Exam
| A+ | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D |
| 97 | 93 | 90 | 87 | 83 | 80 | 77 | 73 | 70 | 60 |
We may adjust the scale to be more lenient, depending on the performance of the class. Please notice that outside factors, including the need for a certain grade for admission/retention in any academic program, scholarship or transfer credit, graduation requirements or personal desire for a specific grade DO NOT appear in the above calculations, and thus are not considered in any way in the determination of your course grade. Effort, improvement, class attendance and participation will all dramatically improve your grade in the course in that they will allow you to do well on quizzes, exams, and the final exam. They will NOT, however, actively participate in the calculation of your course grade.
Grade Recording Errors: Keep all of your returned homework and exams. If there is any mistake in the recording of your scores, you will need the original assignment/lab/exam in order for us to make a change.
Regrades: All graded material will be returned in discussion sections. If you wish to have your exam regraded, you must return it immediately to your TA. Regrade requests will not be considered once the exam leaves the room. If you do not retrieve your exam during discussion section, you must arrange to pick it up from your TA within one week after it was returned in order for any regrade request to be considered.
Make-up Exams: Make-up exams will not be given. If you miss a midterm exam for any reason, then your course weighted average will be determined using Method 2. You may not reschedule your final exam. If you cannot take the final exam at the scheduled time, then you must not take this course.
Late Homework: No homework will be accepted late. We will drop the lowest homework score, so if you are unable to turn in an assignment on time, then that will be the assignment that gets dropped.
Suggestions: Below are some suggestions that I hope will help you to succeed in this course:
- Spend sufficient time on the course. According to the policy of UCSD's Academic Senate, "The value of a course in units [during a ten-week quarter] ... shall be reckoned at the rate of one unit for three hours' work per week per quarter on the part of the student." Since this course is worth 4 credits, you should be willing to spend about 12 hours per week on the course.
- Keep up with the homework and do not miss a midterm.
- Get started on the homework assignments early. This will enable you to make the most of your discussion section time by coming prepared with specific questions.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university. It is in your best interest to maintain your academic integrity. (Click here for more information.)