Pierce College

Military Program
Course Syllabus
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Statistics
ABBREVIATION: Math&146
CREDIT HOURS: 5

LECTURE CONTACT HOURS: 50

INSTRUCTOR INTRODUCTION:
I earned my Bachelors in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Pacific Lutheran
University in 1998 and my Masters in Technology in Education from the University of Washington,
Tacoma in 2002. I taught math for the Tacoma School District from 1999 to 2008. I have taught
for Pierce College since 2005. I am currently also teaching math for the Steilacoom Historical
School District.
COMMUNICATIONS: Through Conversations via the course Inbox.
PRE-REQUISITES :
MATH 095 or MATH 098 or equivalent with a grade of at least 2.0 or placement test score above MATH 098.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the analysis of data using descriptive statistics,
probability, and inferential statistics. Topics include: data collection methods; measures of center
and variation; graphical presentation of data; probability; binomial and normal distributions;
confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of one and two parameters, using the normal, Student-t, and
chi-square distributions; linear correlation and regression.
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS: Elementary Statistics, Twelfth Edition, Triola, Mario F.,
Pearson Addison Wesley, Boston, 2014.
- Textbooks are available at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/piercemilitary.htm
COURSE GUIDANCE:
1. Online Elements: Portions of this course will be available online, in Canvas.
2. Course Expectations: As a student, you can expect that I will respond to your e-mail within 48
hours and will grade assignments/tests/quizzes within four (4) days. Please contact me
immediately if you have not heard from me within these timelines.
3. Introductions: You are expected to post a short (one paragraph) introduction to the course
Discussions Area during the first week of the course. I have guidelines within the course for the
introduction.
4. Discussions: This course may have discussions as part of the curriculum. Students may also
desire to discuss topics with other students in an unscheduled manner. Your instructor, as part
of the course, may publish discussion questions/topics and require your input. Should you
desire to hold a discussion with other students enrolled in your course, you may be authorized
to create your own discussion topics.
5. Course Extensions: are not automatic and must be requested from me. Extensions must be
approved and arranged with your instructor. Extensions will not be considered unless 50% of
the course material has been submitted and graded.
6. Student Responsibilities: Please remember that it is your responsibility to notify me of major
changes in your circumstances (e.g. deployment) that affect your ability to complete all course
work within the course timeline.
7. Plagiarism software may be in use during your course. Place your plagiarism policy here.
8. Etiquette for classroom and online courses is the same. Treat others as you would like to be
treated, respectfully and compassionately.
Syllabus Format as of January 6th, 2014

STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
Descriptive Statistics
1. Demonstrate appropriate use of statistical terms.
2. Identify and describe various sampling methods.
3. Identify components of experimental and observational studies.
4. Identify uses and misuses of statistics.
5. Construct appropriate representations of data, such as tables (contingency tables and frequency
distributions), and graphs (histograms, scatterplots, and boxplots), with and without technology.
6. Interpret and analyze various representations of data.
7. Calculate measures of center (mean, median, mode) with and without technology.
8. Calculate measures of variation (range, standard deviation, variance) with and without
technology.
9. Identify various distributions (such as normal, uniform, skewed).
Probability
10. Understand and use probability vocabulary in context.
11. Calculate probability for simple and compound events using both empirical data and sample
spaces.
12. Select and use appropriate counting methods (fundamental counting rule, permutations,
combinations).
13. Identify defining characteristics of discrete probability distributions.
14. Solve problems using discrete probability distributions, including binomial distributions.
15. Determine the mean and standard deviation of discrete probability distributions.
16. Identify defining characteristics of continuous probability distributions.
17. Solve problems using continuous distributions including uniform and normal distributions.
18. Apply the Central Limit Theorem to calculate the mean and standard deviation of sampling
distributions and use these to solve probability problems.
Inferential Statistics
19. Determine appropriate sizes of samples.
20. Generate confidence intervals for means and proportions.
21. Select and perform hypothesis tests for the mean of one population, proportion of one
population, means of two populations, and proportions of two populations.
22. Use the chi-square distribution to perform a hypothesis test such as goodness-of-fit or test of
independence.
23. Analyze two-variable data using scatter plots, linear correlation coefficients, and linear
regression lines, using technology to calculate these items.
24. Determine whether there is a statistically significant linear correlation between two variables.
Communication and General Skills
25. Communicate the results of data analysis clearly and precisely in both technical and nontechnical words, including the use of the following: correct statistical vocabulary; graphical,
symbolic, and numeric support for conclusions; indications of the strength and limitations of
conclusions.
26. Engage in experiential learning of key concepts through classroom activities and/or projects.
27. Draw logical conclusions related to a specific problem by integrating the use of the following:
sampling; summary statistics and presentation of data; and either confidence intervals, hypothesis
tests or regression analysis as appropriate.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Students will read Lessons and Instructor Notes for each Module.
2. Each Module will consist of a single or multiple Chapters from the text, depending on the
complexity of material.
Syllabus Format as of January 6th, 2014

3. This course consists of four tests worth 100 points each and a cumulative final exam worth 200
points.
4. Each test/exam may only be taken once. Tests should take two or less hours to complete, but I
have set the time limit for five hours for completion. The additional time is to help accommodate for
any unforeseen issues that may arise while taking the test. The final exam has a 24 hour time limit
for completion, but should only take 4 or less hours. Answers submitted after the time limit has
expired will not be counted.
5. There are also 4 discussion topics worth 25 points each. Students are required to submit a new
and unique entry for each discussion topic. Students are encouraged to respond as appropriate to
other students submissions.
GRADING: Each assignment and assessment will be given a specific point value. The earned
value of all possible points will determine grade, per Pierce College published policy:
WEIGHT OF ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:
Category

# per module

Module Tests (100 pts. each)

Discussions (25 pts. each)
Final Exam (200 pts. each)

# per course

1
1-2

4
5
1

Value
400 pts.
125 pts.
200 pts.

Total

725 pts.

Divide your total points by the value of the assignments/assessments to calculate your current %
and grade.
GRADE SCALE:
See http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/about/policy/grading for District Grading Policy)
Grade Point

Letter
Grade

100 95%

2.1 1.9

76 74%

A-

94 90%

1.8 1.5

C-

73 70%

3.4 3.2

B+

89 87%

1.4 1.2

D+

69 65%

3.1 2.9

86 84%

1.1 1.0

64 - 60%

2.8 2.5

B-

83 80%

0.0

< 59%

2.4 2.2

C+

79 77%

Grade Point

Letter
Grade

4.0

3.9 - 3.5

COURSE SCHEDULE:
Based on your course start date
Module

Chapters

Requirements

Outcomes*
1-9, 25-27

Week 1 Module 1 1, 2

Introduction
Discussion Post and
Ch. 1 and 2
Recommended
homework

Week 2 Module 1 2, 3

Ch. 3 Recommended

1-9, 25-28

Syllabus Format as of January 6th, 2014

homework and
Discussion Topic 1
and Module 1 Test
Week 3 Module 2 4

Ch. 4 Recommended
homework

1, 2, 10-18, 25-27

Week 4 Module 2 5

Ch. 5 Recommended
homework

1, 2, 10-18, 25-27
1, 2, 10-18, 25-27

Week 5 Module 2 6

Ch. 6 Recommended
homework and
Discussion Topic 2
and Module 2 Test

Week 6 Module 3 7

Ch. 7 Recommended
homework

1, 2, 19-22, 25-27
1, 2, 19-22, 25-27

Week 7 Module 3 8

Ch. 8 Recommended
homework and
Discussion Topic 3
and Module 3 Test

Week 8 Module 4 9

Ch. 9 Recommended
homework

1, 2, 23-27
1, 2, 23-27

Week 9 Module 4 10 (only 10-1 to 10-3), 13-6

Ch. 10 and 13
Recommended
homework and
Discussion Topic 4
and Module 4 Test

Week
10

Review

Review Chapters 1-9, 13.

Review All Supplemental
Materials

1-27
Final Exam

* Note: Outcomes are listed in the area entitled STUDENT OUTCOMES, above.

CONSENT AGREEMENT:
A Pierce College course requires frequent interaction with your instructor. It is, therefore, essential
that you agree to the conditions set forth in the course syllabus. After you have read the course
syllabus, let us know (do not wait) if you do not agree with the course conditions and requirements.
If we do not hear from you within three (3) days from the start of the course, we will assume you
agree with the conditions set forth in this syllabus.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Pierce College Military Program Policies and Procedures are located at
http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/military/canvas/Policies/index.html, or on the Policies and Procedures
menu item in Canvas.

Syllabus Format as of January 6th, 2014