Math 165, Elementary Statistics, Fall 2008

Section 9, MW: 2-3:50 p.m., Darwin 30
Section 11, MW: 12-1:50 p.m., Darwin 31

Instructor

Dr. Ai-Chu Wu, Darwin 114M, wu@sonoma.edu, (707) 664-4117 x3.
Office Hours: Mon: 4-4:50, Tue: 3-3:50, and Thurs: 2-3 p.m. or by appointment.

Values: Trust, Teamwork, Quality, Fun

We trust that we will all do our best. TEAM = Together each achieves more.
We strive for highest quality. We try to have fun as we learn.

Education:

PhD, Population Ecology, Statistics focus, UI Chicago
Master of Public Health, Biostatistics, UC Berkeley
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biostatistics, UC Berkeley

Experience:

Lecturer, Sonoma State University, MATH 35, 45, 107, 131, 165, 250, 265, 367.
Founder and Consultant, Ai-Chu Wu, Ph. D. Statistical Consulting
Senior Quality and Statistical Consultant, Quality Program Manager, HP/Agilent

Course

Objectives: To apply statistical thinking and tools in real world. To think, show, and tell statistics in every class. To practice the five steps of statistics: 1) identify the question asked, 2) collect the data needed, 3) analyze the data, 4) make the conclusion, and 5) present the result.

Goals: To develop and practice: 1) self-learning, 2) critical thinking, 3) problem solving, and 4) communication skills.

Textbook: Stats: Data and Models, by Richard D. De Veaux, Paul F. Velleman, and David E. Bock (2008), 2nd ed., Pearson Education, Inc.

Calculator: I will use TI83 (or plus) or TI84 (or plus) for all class examples.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra including linear equations, interpretations of functions and areas bounded by curves, and inequalities. Check your readiness by trying the 10 free questions at http://www.csumathsuccess.org/short_quiz.

Course Format:

Review - quizzes, questions and answers.

Lecture - key points, examples, and applications.

Practice - individual and team homework show and tell.

Everyone contributes to a positive learning environment.

Expectations before, during, and after every class:

Preview textbook and try homework exercises before lecture.
Arrive on time and pay 100% attention.

Turn off cell phones, earphones and other distracting devices.

Speak up whenever you have suggestions or questions.

Be responsible for materials covered in every class.

Form a study group to think, show, and tell statistics.

Use technology: WebCT, TI calculator, and CD in textbook.

Use help: Free one-on-one SSU tutor and my office hours.
Library Resources: Cartoon Guide to Statistics; Decisions Through Data Video (VHS2552)

Lecture and Homework Schedule: Click

Grading Criteria:
Class Participation = 10% Pop Quizzes = 10%, Homework = 20%,
Midterm Exams = 40%, Final Exam = 20%.
All exams are written in class. No makeup homework, quiz or exam. I drop the lowest homework and quiz and use final exam score to replace one missed exam.

Grades Cutoffs:

A = 90%, B+ = 87%, B = 80%, C+ = 77%, C = 70%, D+ = 67%, D = 60%,
F = below 60%.

Grading Policy: Math Department has a policy at: http://www.sonoma.edu/math/grade_philos.html

GE Requirements: This course fulfills one General Education (GE) requirement. The GE Mission and objectives are at http://www.sonoma.edu/senate/gefuture/.

Special Needs: Please let me know as soon as possible if you need special accommodations.

University Policies: The policies regarding add/drop, cheating and plagiarism, grade appeal, are at http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/studentinfo.shtml.

Aug. 17, 2008 by acw.