Math 1040-1: An Introduction to Statistical Thinking
University of Utah, Spring 2004

  • Lectures: Time and Place. MW 9:40- 10:30 a.m. EMCB 104
  • Text. Statistics: Concepts and Controversies, David S. Moore, Fifth Edition, Freeman Publishing
    [2 copies on 1-Hour Reserve at the Math Library]
  • Prerequisites. Math 1010 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent.

Brief Course Description (Case Studies)

This is an introductory semester on quantitative reasoning, and is a Quantitative Reasoning B Course. The main objective of this course is to discuss and well understand quantitative/mathematical/logical reasoning, and to learn some rudimentary statistical methods and ideas.

To sign up for this course, you register for a Thursday section (or "lab"). This automatically registers you for the main lectures as well.

The main lectures cover the theory and discuss case studies. The study sessions do not involve lectures; rather they are devoted to answering questions, and going over some of the assigned homework problems. It is mandatory that the students attend the main lectures (MW) as well as their assigned study sessions (H).

Grading

There are weekly assignments assigned during the Thursday study session (20%), three midterms (the best two count for 30% each), and a comprehensive final exam (20%). The midterm exams are not comprehensive. The grading curve follows. Further refinements to the grade (e.g., A-, B+, etc.) are made in accord with the fine details of the student's individual performance.

  • A: 86-100
  • B: 76-85
  • C: 61-75
  • D: 51-60
  • E: 0-50

Homework (web link)

Homework is assigned during the lectures, and has assigned due dates. The lowest two homework scores are dropped, and the remaining scores make up 20% of the student's final grade in this course. The only way to keep up with the pace of this course is to solve, at the very least, the assigned homework problems in a timely fashion. Late homework is not accepted.

Exams

The highest two midterm scores, out of the three, make up 60% of the student's grade in the course. The lowest midterm score is dropped. There are no make-up tests in this course, and the midterms are not comprehesive. The final exam is comprehensive, and makes up for 20% of the student's final grade.

Midterm Dates

Midterms are held in the main lecture hall during the lecture times.
  • Midterm 1. Wednesday February 11
  • Midterm 2. Wednesday March 10
  • Midterm 3. Wednesday April 14

Seeking Help

To find help, the students are encouraged to visit their TA's and/or instructor during the designated drop-in office hours ( web link), schedule an appointment (web link), or visit the fine (no-cost) tutoring center (web link ) of the department of mathematics. The tutoring center is centered at the T. B. Rushing Undergraduate Student Center in the basement of LCB.

Drop/Withdrawal Dates (Catalogue Information)

web link

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act ( web link) requires that reasonable accomodation be provided for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systemic, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. For further details, contact the instructor at the beginning of the term.

Disclaimer
© 2003 by the Dept of Math. University of Utah