NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title:		Elementary Statistical Methods
Course Prefix & Number:		MATH 1342	Section Number:	404	Semester/Year:	Fall 2017
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data, and probability. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Use of appropriate technology is recommended.
Course Prerequisite(s): Meet TSI college-readiness standard for Elementary Statistics; or equivalent
Required or Recommended Course Materials: MyStatLab Access Code (**e-textbook is included with the MyLabsPlus  Access Code) TI-30X IIS or TI 83-84 calculator Computer access with Microsoft Excel Current email address (default email address is Lion Pride) Notebook Textbook (optional): Fundamentals of Statistics: Informed Decisions Using Data 5th edition, Michael Sullivan III, 2018, Pearson NOTE: Cell phone calculators will not be allowed on exams.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Dr. Elizabeth Howell
Campus/Office Location:	COR 236 (inside COR239, eLearning suite)
Office Hours:	Mon,  Wed  9 – 11 am, 1 - 3 pm Tues, Thurs   9 am – 2 pm Other times available by appointment
Telephone Number:	940-498-6209
E-mail Address:	ehowell@nctc.edu

 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Name of Chair :	Dr. Elizabeth Howell
Office Location:	Corinth 236
Telephone Number:	940.498.6209
E-mail Address:	ehowell@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Sara Flusche
Office Location:	Gainesville 1306
Telephone Number:	940.668.3351
E-mail Address:	sflusche@nctc.edu

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/WECM/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

Explain the use of data collection and statistics as tools to reach reasonable conclusions.

Recognize, examine and interpret the basic principles of describing and presenting data.

Compute and interpret empirical and theoretical probabilities using the rules of probabilities and combinatorics.

Explain the role of probability in statistics.

Examine, analyze and compare various sampling distributions for both discrete and continuous random variables.

Describe and compute confidence intervals.

Solve linear regression and correlation problems.

Perform hypothesis testing using statistical methods.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
Approx 30	Homework	15%
10	Quizzes	15%
4	Excel Assignments	10%
4	Unit Tests	50%
1	Final Exam	10%

Grade Scale:   90 – 100% = A;   80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C;  60 – 69% = D;  Below 60% = F

 

*Homework and quizzes will be assigned and completed online through MyStatLab.

*Exams will be given in class.  There are no make-up exams.  If you know you’ll have a conflict on an exam date, and you let the instructor know at least one week before the exam, we’ll will try to make arrangements for you to take an exam before the scheduled date. No makeup tests will be given after a test has been graded and returned.

*You may have a 3X5 notecard to put formulas, etc. on for the unit exams, and a full sheet of paper for the final exam.

*The final exam is a comprehensive exam and must be taken by all students. The final exam may also be used to replace the lowest unit test grade. 

*The grading policy may be amended during the semester at the instructor’s discretion.                

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE

See Course Calendar

 

STUDENT EMAIL

All students at NCTC are assigned a student email address, also known as Lion Pride email. Lion Pride email can be accessed on the NCTC home page by clicking on MyNCTC, then the link “Lion Pride Email” to the left. After clicking the Lion Pride Email link, the Microsoft Office 365 window will open.
1. Enter your NCTC student e-mail address. (for example, Smithj123456@student.nctc.edu)

2. Enter your password (your NCTC Student ID Number, either 7 or 9 numbers).
3. From the list of Microsoft icons, choose MAIL.
4. You will be asked to set your language and local time zone (Central Time). Your account is now activated.

 

**It is the student’s responsibility to activate and regularly monitor the assigned NCTC (Lion Pride) e-mail account. Important announcements and notifications from the Admissions office, Financial Aid, or other college staff will be sent via the Lion Pride student email system.

For communicating with classmates and instructors, students also have an option to communicate through Canvas. Canvas messaging is NOT the same as Lion Pride e-mail. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mails (either in Lion Pride or in Canvas) is no excuse for not complying with school policies. Be sure to regularly check BOTH the Lion Pride email as well as the Canvas inbox for important messages and information.

 

HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, AND TESTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All homework and quizzes are completed online in MyStatLab. You will need an access code that can be purchased in the bookstore or online after you log into MyStatLab. Read the announcements in Canvas for all instructions.

 

 Homework:

All due dates are listed in MyStatLab. The homework may be attempted multiple times in order to increase your homework grade. You are also encouraged to watch section video presentations in the MyStatLab program. These videos can be accessed from the Chapter Contents menu. This may help you to understand the material we are discussing in lecture. If you do not have a high-speed Internet connection, it may be difficult to view the videos. The videos contain instruction on each objective that is to be covered in the course. You can also access a power point presentation for each section, to use as we review material in class.

 

Quizzes:

Weekly quizzes will be due by Sunday of the following week.  All due dates are listed in MyStatLab. Quizzes may be attempted five times, and each quiz attempt has a time limit.  Only the highest score will be counted. Students should attempt the quiz multiple times in order to be prepared for the unit test.

 

Tests:

Four unit tests are scheduled during the semester, as well as a comprehensive final exam.  The tests will be given in class. Students will be allowed to use a calculator on the tests, as well as a 3x5 index card with notes and formulas of your choosing. No make-up exams will be given, but the final exam can replace your lowest test grade.

 

The final exam will be comprehensive and is required of all students. The final exam will be given in class on our scheduled exam date. Students may bring a full size sheet of paper (8x11) with notes and formulas that you choose for the final exam. The final exam may be used to replace your lowest regular exam grade.

 

Gradebook:

I review all quizzes in MyStatLab in order to assign partial credit where possible.  I look for answers that are technically correct, but have not been submitted in ‘good form’. An example would be an answer of 14/16 that has not been simplified to 7/8. Your answers will be more complicated than this example, but you get the idea that I will be looking for answers that are technically correct. Your HW and Quiz grades from MyStatLab will be submitted to your Canvas gradebook so that you can see your current overall average.

 

Excel Projects:

Four Excel projects will be assigned throughout the semester. You are welcome to come by my office, or go to the MathLab, for assistance on these projects. Excel guidelines and directions will be posted in Canvas for your use. Please follow directions carefully in order to receive the highest grade possible.  If you do not have Microsoft Excel on your personal computer, you can download it for free on the NCTC website. You can also use computers on campus, which have the Microsoft Office suite. Please see me for assistance.

 

 CLASS RULES

1. Attendance is VERY IMPORTANT in this class!
2. Please be courteous to your class mates and keep conversations to a minimum during lecture.
3. Come to class prepared, with all material that you will need for class (powerpoint notes, calculator, pen, paper).
4. Please ask when you get stuck! If convenient for you, you can go to the Math Lab at any NCTC campus during their posted hours for additional help. You are also welcome to come to my office during my posted hours. The best way to contact me is via email, ehowell@nctc.edu.

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all College Prep classes for which they have registered. There are NO excused absences.  Faculty will notify students of absences on a regular basis and one courtesy warning e-mail notification will be sent to the students’ current NCTC student e-mail address (Lion Pride email and/or Canvas email) when the student accrues 1 week absence (not necessarily consecutive days) in a course. Please check your NCTC student email (Lion Pride) frequently to ensure that you are receiving notifications from the college and from your instructors. Some faculty may send notifications in Canvas as well. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mail (Lion Pride) is no excuse for not complying with the Attendance Policy. It is the student's responsibility to maintain correct and current e-mail and local and permanent addresses with the college.

 

After a student has been absent from class 2 weeks (not necessarily consecutive days), the student may be dropped. After a student receives an F/W in the same College Prep course twice, the student will receive an academic hold so that the student is blocked from enrolling in any other course except the required College Prep courses in the subsequent semester. This hold will be enforced even in summer.

 

Absence does not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  If you must miss a class, make sure you get notes from another student.  I would also recommend looking at the supplementary materials (videos, notes) in MyStatLab for the sections you missed. Students are responsible for keeping up with what occurs in class when they are absent.  Dropping a course is the student's responsibility, but you MAY be dropped for excessive absence. 

 

Inform the instructor in writing during the first week of class of any religious holidays observed this semester. Documentation must be given to the instructor at the class following the holiday.

 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Thursday, November 9, 2017.

MATH LAB Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. No appointments are necessary. See the most current tutoring hours for all five campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html.    TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON TUTOR AVAILABILITY: GAINESVILLE – 1403 (Library) CORINTH – 186 FLOWER MOUND - 111 Mon 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Mon through Thurs 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Mon & Wed 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Tues & Thurs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207. North Central Texas College is committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/disability-services.html.

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________   

 

o         Communication

x        Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         American History

 

o         Government/Political Science

o         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

x          Critical Thinking

x          Communication

x          Empirical and Quantitative

 

o           Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

o           Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

x        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://www.nctc.edu/catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook/nctc-student-handbook.html. 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

• Zero on the assignment
• Failing grade for the course

 

 CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS

Tobacco-Free Campus:  NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.

 

Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at http://www.nctc.edu/police/campus-carry.html.