Statistics is the tool which allows us to make rational decisions under uncertain conditions. For example, suppose a coin is tossed ten times, and it comes up heads seven times. Is the coin fair? Big deal you say. Instead, suppose 99 out of 100 hospital emergency generators start. Is the design reliable? From the point of view of statistics, these are the same question.
This is a one semester course in Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistical Inference and is intended mainly for those who will teach statistics to high school students. This includes AP statistcs, as well as standard high school curricula. The State of Wisconsin has developed Model Academic Standards in Probability and Statistics, and the purpose of this course is to ensure both that the successful student is proficient according to these standards, and, more importantly, has sufficient background to confidently and competently teach the topics addressed in the standards to others. As you may know, in order to be licenced to teach high school mathematics you will have to pass a Pre-Professional Skills Test in mathematics. You can find information about this examination here. . This examination will cover probability and statistics and this course is designed to provide you with the background needed to prepare for this test, but will not be a test prep course.
This course will be deep rather than wide. The focus will be on understanding the fundamental concepts of Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistical Inference using both algebraic and calculus-based methods, while learning how to present these concepts to students with a good knowledge of algebra, but no knowledge of calculus. A student who successfully completes this course will be expected to be able to explain statistical concepts to others and to derive most of the formulae discussed in the course.
Students interested in a broader look at Probability and Statistics should consider one of MthStat 215 or Industrial Engineering 467 for one semester surveys of the subject. Students wanting an in depth look at statistics from a mathematical point of view are advised to take MthStat 361 and MthStat 362.
The required texts for the course are
To be prepared for this course you must have some background in elementary calculus. The ability to write simple computer programs, to use MAPLE, or to use a graphics calculator will be helpful, but is not essential. If you have any doubts about your preparation, contact me .
Here are the ground rules for homework, grades and so on.