Syllabus

Spring 2009 syllabus

Required Materials

Textbook

We will be using the book, The Practice of Business Statistics , Moore, McCabe, Duckworth and Alwan, 2nd Edition, Freeman Publishers. This is the same book that is used for 22S:008. You can purchase a hardbound copy of the book with StatsPortal at the IMU Bookstore. Alternatively, you can just purchase StatsPortal and use the electronic version of the text that comes with the subscription.

StatsPortal

We will also use StatsPortal , Freeman Publishers. If you purchase the text new, it will come with a year-long subscription for StatsPortal.

Clickers

We'll also be using a personal response system - that is, clickers. You'll need to check out a clicker for the semester in W294 PBB. Bring your student ID. The clickers cost $50 per unit, and are being loaned to you for the semester thanks to a grant from Academic Technology Services. NOTE: If you fail to return the clicker by the end of finals week, a charge will appear on your U-bill for $50 to replace the clicker.

People

Attendance

Learning is the joint responsibility of both teacher and student, and students who attend class are more apt to do well. Attendance is highly recommended, and I strongly encourage you to attend both lectures and discussion sections. The class is a three hour class, but we've reserved three lecture hours per week. During discussion, you will work on homework assignments that will enable you to practice skills that will be necessary to perform well on the exams. I reserve the right to offer extra credit to students who attend class. There will be no makeups for extra credit opportunities.

Assignments

Homework is due approximately weekly, generally at 10PM on Monday. All assignments will be completed through StatsPortal.

Exams

The point of exams is twofold. First, the exam will measure your retention of course material, your ability to interpret statistical concepts, and your understanding of the homework assignments. Second, it will give me some sense of what concepts are giving the class the most trouble.

There will be three exams, two midterms and one final exam. All three are cumulative. You can bring one sheet of paper (8.5 by 11) to each exam, typed or handwritten, which includes any information that you feel will be helpful for the exam (formulas, hints, etc.). There are no restrictions on what you include on your sheet. The midterms will be two-part exams. Part I will be multiple choice and Part II will be essay and problem solving. The exams will take place in class during two consecutive lectures.

Exam dates

1. Exam 1:
2. Exam 2:
3. Final Exam:

Exams

Grades

Your progression in learning how to use and evaluate statistical ideas will be evaluated based on the two midterms (25% per exam), the final (30%) and the homework assignments (20%). In order to pass the course (achieve a grade of "D" or higher), you will demonstrate that you can perform specific statistical tests when given the formula and the data. To achieve a grade of "C", you must demonstrate that you can correctly choose an appropriate statistical method. To achieve a "B", you will demonstrate that you can choose an appropriate statistical method, justify your choice and apply it correctly. In order to achieve an "A" performance, you will need to demonstrate that you can, in a particular situation, use statistical methods, justify your choice of statistical method, and explain your results in terms that can be understood by people who have not taken statistics. Roughly speaking, a 90% will represent "A" achievement, 80% will represent "B" achievement, 70% will represent "C" achievement, and 60% will represent "D" achievement.

Course Policies

Academic Misconduct

This course is given by the College of Business and is governed by the Tippie College of Business honor code .This means that class policies on matters such as requirements, grading, and sanctions for academic dishonesty are governed by the College of Business. Students wishing to add or drop this course after the official deadline must receive the approval of the Dean of the College of Business. Details of the University policy of cross enrollments may be found at Cross Enrollment Policy

You may work together on homework assignments. You must, however, submit your own individual assignment to the electronic dropbox on ICON. Note that simply copying the assignment from a classmate will not help you learn the material, and will certainly hinder your performance on the exams.

Exams must be taken individually. I will move students to other seats if I feel this is necessary. Cheating on an exam will result in a grade of "F" for the course. Students arriving late to an exam will only be allowed to take the exam if no one has left the room prior to the student's arrival.

Grievance procedure

If you have issues or concerns about the class, please see me first. If you are not comfortable speaking to me, the next person to see is the chair of the economics department, B. Ravikumar, W210 PBB, 335-0831.

Course accommodation

I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please contact me after class or during my office hours.

Policy on sexual harassment

The Tippie College of Business and the University of Iowa are committed to providing students with an environment free from sexual harassment. If you feel that you are being or have been harassed or you are not sure what constitutes sexual harassment, we encourage you to visit the University website, and to seek assistance from department chairs, the Dean's Office, the University Ombuds Office, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Approximate schedule

Under homework, A1 refers to Assignment 1. All assignments are due at 10:00 pm on the due date.