Placement:

All students except those who have Statistics AP credit of 5 or who have passed STA 30 (old Sta 10) need to take the placement exam to register for this course. There are no more placement exams being offered this semester. If you are interested in taking the class and you need to take the placement exam, you will need to wait till the Spring semester. Placement exam dates will be announced at placement exam page, where you can also sign up for the exam.

Meetings:

Course goals & objectives:

This course introduces students to the discipline of statistics as a science of understanding and analyzing data. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to effectively make use of data in the face of uncertainty: how to collect data, how to analyze data, and how to use data to make inferences and conclusions about real world phenomena.

The course goals are as follows:

  1. Recognize the importance of data collection, identify limitations in data collection methods, and determine how they affect the scope of inference.
  2. Use statistical software to summarize data numerically and visually, and to perform data analysis.
  3. Have a conceptual understanding of the unified nature of statistical inference.
  4. Apply estimation and testing methods to analyze single variables or the relationship between two variables in order to understand natural phenomena and make data-based decisions.
  5. Model numerical response variables using a single explanatory variable or multiple explanatory variables in order to investigate relationships between variables.
  6. Interpret results correctly, effectively, and in context without relying on statistical jargon.
  7. Critique data-based claims and evaluate data-based decisions.
  8. Complete two research projects: one that employs simple statistical inference and another that employs more advanced modeling techniques.

Please see the syllabus for detailed information on the course, policies, and grading. All course materials are posted on the schedule page (lecture notes, labs, assignments, etc.).

Required materials:

1. Texbook:
OpenIntro Statistics, Diez, Barr, Çetinkaya-Rundel
CreateSpace, 2nd Edition, July 2012

You can purchase a paperback copy of the book on Amazon at cost of printing (under $10), or download a free PDF at openintro.org.

2. Clicker:
i>clicker2
ISBN: 1429280476

Available at the Duke textbook store and on the i>clicker website or on Amazon for slightly cheaper. If you would like to purchase a used clicker from a former student, see the list of students selling their clickers at this Google doc. You can directly contact the sellers (more effective) or leave your name on the list under "Wants to buy a clicker" and see if someone contacts you.

Optional: Calculator

You will be allowed to use a calculator in this class. There is no restrictions on the type of calculator. A simple calculator that can take square roots should be sufficient.