I'll put course announcements here. Be sure to check here regularly, especially if you can't make it to class for any reason.
Click on the appropriate dataset. Remember to "Save As..." type "Text File".
All datasets from Hayter (ASCII, zipped) (May require editing - remember, SAS wants only one space between variables for space-delimited files.)
Instructor: Michael Minnotte
Office: Lund 201-C
Phone: 797-2844
E-mail: Mike dot Minnotte at usu dot edu
Office Hours: TR 9:30 - 10:20, W 10:30 - 11:20, or by appointment.
Course Web Site: http://www.math.usu.edu/~minnotte/S3000F05
Course Objectives: The purpose of this class is to introduce you to
a variety of methods that statisticians and researchers use to collect
and analyze data. The central underlying concept associated with all
statistical methodology is the identification of the sources of
uncertainty or variation in the observations/measurements we analyze.
Unlike lower level statistics classes (such as Stat 1040, 2000, or 2300),
we will use a higher level of mathematical thinking to develop some concepts
in a more rigorous manner.
Text: Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
(2nd ed.), Anthony J. Hayter, (Duxbury, 2002).
Also required: The course packet from
the bookstore. This will include copies of all of my powerpoint slides for the
semester.
Prerequisite: Math 1100, Math 1210, or an equivalent calculus course.
If you are concerned about your preparation, please come see me.
Homework:
I will assign homework most weeks, usually from the text book, and usually
due in class the following Thursday.
Please make things easy on me, the grader, and yourself; make your
homeworks easy to read and
grade. Use one side of the paper, write neatly, and leave plenty of
space. I will not require the grader to grade a paper which I can't read.
Also, show your work. Full credit will not, in general, be given
for just the answer. If your answer is wrong, you will probably receive
partial credit if you show your work, but not otherwise.
Many of the problems will involve computer work. We will use the SAS computer package, available on the PC's in the SciTech Library, Ag Sci, and Family Life computer labs, as well as in the group rooms outside the Merrill Library lab. For the computational portions of such problems, you need only turn in the relevant output, together with any associated discussion and answers to specific questions. You do not need to turn in programming code or commands.
Finally, you may help each other with your homeworks, but I expect what
you turn in to be your own work. Helping does not mean simply copying
what someone else has put down.
Late Homeworks:
All homework will be due in class on the due date. The grade for the
homework will be reduced by 10% if it is turned in late on the due date,
and another 10% for every working day it is late after that,
to a minimum of 30% of the original grade.
Once during the semester, I will, on request, waive the late penalty
for a paper turned in by class on the Tuesday following the due date (or start
the clock then for a later turn-in). Simply note the request at the top of
your homework when turning it in. Additional requests for extension
without penalty will not be granted, so save this for a time you really
need it.
Tests:
There will be a midterm in class October 6, and another
November 17 (both Thursdays). The tests will be closed book, but
you may bring one prepared formula sheet. Calculators will be
required, and the problems will be similar to those in the
homeworks. Exam policy is no makeups unless you have a
very good reason and notify me in advance that you will
not be able to attend a scheduled exam.
Final Project:
There will be a final project in lieu of a final exam. You will work
in groups of 3-4. You may propose groups, although I reserve the right
to assign and reassign where necessary. The project will consist of a
meaningful (but relatively brief) analysis of data that your group has
selected. You will submit a write-up and give a short (10 minute)
presentation. Presentations will be given during our final exam period,
which is Thursday, December 15, 9:30-11:20.
You must be present for your
group's presentation to receive credit for the project. More guidelines
may be found in the back of your course packet and will be discussed
further as the semester progresses, although you are welcome to ask
questions about the project at any time. The first deadline will be
to turn in proposed groups of up to 4 students on Thursday, September 22.
Grades:
For each person I will compute an overall score according to the formula