Mathematical Statistics 465:
Ground Rules Spring 2005

Instructor:
Professor Eric Key
Office:
EMS E455 229-4600 ericskey@uwm.edu
Hours:
I will be available the hour after class and by appointment. I expect you to attend each class meeting, and to come prepared for discussions of the material in the course. You are expected to ask questions in class that are relevant to the course material. If you aren't sure of the relevance, then ASK your question.

Content:

Grades:
There will be a final exam at the time and date in the university schedule of classes. There will be a midterm exam, homework, and two projects. I hope that you will make full use of calculators, computers, etc on the homework assignments. I will be happy to show you how to use the technology that is available to you, such as calculators and spreadsheet software.
  1. Final Exam: 25% of your grade. Closed book, no notes or other outside materials. You are permitted only something to write with and a calculator. All other materials will be provided.
  2. Midterm Exam. 25% of your grade. Closed book, no notes or other outside materials. You are permitted only something to write with and a calculator. All other materials will be provided.
  3. Homework Assignments. 30% of your grade. There will be six assignments, each 5% of your grade. You may use any resources. Due dates will be posted. No assignments will be accepted late.
  4. Science Fair Report: 10% of your grade. You will visit a high school or middle school science fair and critique the data collection and statistical components of the projects. This report should run 5 to 10 pages. This component of the course may be converted to additional homework if I cannot identify science fairs for you to attend.
  5. Data Collection/Analyis Reports: 10% of your grade. You will collect and analyse date in two separate reports. One report will exemplify regression and the other a test of hypotheses. You may work with a partner on these reports. Due dates will be announced as the semester progresses.

There will be assigned reading and practice problems. You may submit practice problems for me to evaluate, but they will not be a part of your grade. There will be no extra credit opportunities.

Computing:
You will find it helpful to know how to use MAPLE or some similar program, to have scientific calculator which will generate random numbers and calculate binomial coefficients, a deck of cards and some dice.

Philosophy:

I am told that many of you are taking this course in order to prepare to become high school mathematics teachers. For this reason I am going to require you to be able to explain and derive most formulae.

Eric S Key
8/31/2003