STAT 2300: Statistical Methods I

Fall 2015

General Course Syllabus

Course Description
This course introduces basic statistical concepts and methods of statistical inference. Course topics
include data collection, organization and presentation of data, measures of central tendency and
variation, elementary probability, the binomial distribution, the normal distribution, sampling
distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, correlation, and simple linear regression. This
course stresses the role of statistics in interpreting research and the general application of the
methods. Statistical software will be used for analyzing data.
Prerequisites
To enroll in STAT 2300 a student must have credit for any MATH course or STAT 2220 or have a
score of 65 or better on the Clemson Mathematics Placement Test. This course is not open to
students who have received credit for MATH 3020 or STAT 3090.
General Education Competencies
This course satisfies 3 credits of the Mathematical, Scientific, and Technological Literacy general
education requirement, and specifically addresses the following general education competencies:
B. Mathematics
Demonstrate mathematical literacy through solving problems, communicating concepts, reasoning
mathematically, and applying mathematical or statistical methods, using multiple representations
where applicable.
H. Critical Thinking
Demonstrate the ability to assemble information relevant to a significant, complex issue, evaluate the
quality and utility of the information, and use the outcome of the analysis to reach a logical
conclusion about the issue.
Learning Objectives
1. Distinguish between a population and a sample, and explain the process and relevance of
statistical inference.
2. Understand how to produce data that provide clear answers to properly posed questions.
3. Identify variables as either quantitative or qualitative and select appropriate statistical techniques
on this basis.
4. Create and interpret graphical displays and numerical summaries of data.
5. Apply the basic rules of probability, and extend those principles to discrete and continuous
probability distributions.
6. Understand the concept of a sampling distribution and how it applies to making statistical
inferences about a population based on sample data.
7. Calculate and interpret confidence intervals for one and two population proportions and for one
and two population means.
8. Conduct hypothesis tests for one and two population proportions and one and two population
means, and draw appropriate conclusions from their results.
9. Analyze the association between two quantitative variables using linear regression techniques.

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Fall 2015

Required Materials
1. Course Packet
Students are required to purchase the STAT 2300 course packet of lecture notes from the
Campus Copy Shop (www.campuscopyshop.com) located at 384 College Ave in downtown
Clemson. The course packet for this semester will have a purple cover. Students should bring
the course packet with them to every lecture and lab class.
2. MyStatLab
Students must purchase a MyStatLab access code associated with Fundamentals of Statistics:
Informed Decisions Using Data, 4th edition (2014) by Michael Sullivan (ISBN-13: 978-0-32183905-3). There are several options available for purchasing MyStatLab access:

Purchase MyStatLab with eBook Access directly from Pearson when you sign in to
MyStatLab for the first time for $95.70.

Purchase a MyStatLab student access code card from the Clemson bookstore for $116.00.
This option will also come with the eBook.

Optional: Purchase a loose-leaf print version of the textbook with a MyStatLab access code
card (which also gives access to the eBook) from the Clemson bookstore for $122.00.

Note that all 3 options come with an eBook, and students should choose the last option only if
they know they will benefit from having a print version of the course textbook.
3. Calculator
A scientific calculator such as a TI-30 is required (a graphing calculator such as a TI-84 is
permitted). Students will need to bring a calculator with them to every lecture and lab class, and
to every exam. Students will not be permitted to use the calculator functions on their laptop
computers or cell phones as a substitute for a calculator.
4. JMP Statistical Software
Students will learn how to analyze data using the statistical software package JMP (pronounced
"jump"), which is available as a free web download for Clemson students at
http://www.clemson.edu/ccit/software_applications/software/web_downloads.html. The lecture
notes contain detailed instructions for carrying out statistical analyses with JMP. The use of JMP
will be required in order to complete both the lab assignments and the MyStatLab assignments.
Websites
https://mthsc.clemson.edu/ug_course_pages/STAT2300 - General STAT 2300 site which includes
this syllabus, a daily schedule, unit learning objectives, solutions and grading guidelines for the
exams (to be posted), announcements, and other useful information.
http://bb.clemson.edu Follow links to your section of STAT 2300 and STAT 2301 in Blackboard.
You are responsible for checking this website and your university email account
(userid@clemson.edu) on a regular basis for announcements and class materials.
http://www.mystatlab.com MyStatLab is an on-line homework system that uses exercises from the
Fundamentals of Statistics textbook. A copy of the eBook is located under 'Chapter Contents.'
If you have any technical difficulties with MyStatLab, you can reach Technical Support by calling
(864) 292-7015 or by going to www.mystatlab.com/contactus.html.
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Structure of the Course

Class meetings will be mostly lecture oriented. Prior to each class meeting, students should complete
the homework assignment from the previous class meeting and read the assigned material in the text.
In the lab meetings, course material will be reinforced through application problems, hands-on
activities, simulations, simple experiments, and the use of statistical software. It is the responsibility
of the student to master the objectives of the course.
Grading Policy
The final STAT 2300 course average will be determined by the following:

The STAT 2301 lab grade, weighted 10%.

MyStatLab homework assignments, weighted 5%.
MyStatLab quizzes, weighted 5%.
Scores on 3 unit tests, weighted 20% each (60% combined).
The final exam score, weighted 20%.

The final numerical course average is computed according to the more favorable of the two methods
shown below:
Method 1
Lab Grade
MyStatLab Homework
MyStatLab Quizzes
3 Tests @ 20% Each
Final Exam
Total

10%
5%
5%
60%
20%
100%

Method 2
Lab Grade
10%
MyStatLab Homework
5%
MyStatLab Quizzes
5%
Best 2 of 3 Tests @ 20% Each 40%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%

This policy has the effect of replacing the lowest test score with the final exam score if this improves
the final course average. No extra credit work will be given and no grades will be curved.
The course grade is calculated according to the usual 10-point grading scale.
That is, over 90% = A, 80 90% = B, 70 80% = C, 60 70% = D, below 60% = F.
Lab Assignments
The STAT 2301 lab grade will consist of 9 in-class assignments, each counting 100 points. Lab
classes are not rescheduled for any reason. To allow for illness, family emergencies, and religious
holidays, one low (or missing) lab grade will be dropped in the calculation of the final lab grade.
MyStatLab Homework Assignments
There are 25 MyStatLab homework assignments, each counting 100 points. It is the student's
responsibility to complete the homework assignment prior to 5pm on the due date, no exceptions.
Note that instructors must manually enter a grade of zero for all incomplete homework assignments,
and as such the homework grade posted in MyStatLab will be artificially high until this is done. To
allow for illness, family emergencies, religious holidays, and computer malfunctions, two low (or
missing) homework grades will be dropped before the final homework grade is calculated.
In general, within a given generation of a homework problem students will have two attempts to
correctly answer each multiple-choice part and three attempts for each free response part.
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Fall 2015

Additionally, students will have up to five re-generations of a homework problem by selecting

Similar Exercise. This requires all parts of a problem to be re-worked, but will save the best score.
The View an Example option shows a similar example with explanations but will not re-generate
the current problem. The Help Me Solve This option shows how to solve the current generation of a
problem, but requires students to solve a new generation of a problem once they return (and will
reduce the number of re-generations allowed by one). You can review a completed assignment at
any time by going to the Gradebook section and clicking on the Review link for that assignment.
Pay careful attention to the number of decimal places requested for a final answer. Entering in more
or fewer decimal places than requested will cause an answer to be marked incorrect. In order to
make sure that an answer is within the range of acceptable values, students should carry out all
intermediate calculations to five decimal places. Also pay attention to any Instructor Tips that give
information about how to solve the problem using JMP.
MyStatLab Quizzes
There are 9 MyStatLab quizzes, each counting 100 points. During a week in which a quiz is
assigned, the quiz will become available at 8am on Friday morning and is due at 8am the next
Monday morning. Students will have 30 minutes to complete each quiz, which must be completed in
one sitting (i.e., students cannot save their work and come back to it later). Students will have only
one attempt to correctly answer each question, though answers can be reviewed and changed up until
time runs out or the quiz is submitted. Quiz questions and answers cannot be reviewed until after the
due date. Students are allowed to use their notes and their textbook to help them complete the quiz,
but are NOT allowed to seek any outside help from any source including a fellow student, a lecture
instructor, or a lab instructor. To allow for illness, family emergencies, religious holidays, and
computer malfunctions, one low (or missing) quiz grade will be dropped before the final quiz grade
is calculated.
Unit Tests and the Final Exam
The Monday evening time slot on the schedule is to block out times for the three common (i.e.,
course-wide) unit tests. The material to be covered on each unit test is specifically outlined in the
Unit Learning Objectives documents on the STAT 2300 course website. The common final exam is
comprehensive (i.e., includes content from throughout the entire course) and is mandatory (i.e., no
exemptions).
All tests should be taken on the scheduled dates. The common unit tests are scheduled for
September 21, October 19, and November 16 from 5:30-7:00pm and the common final exam is
scheduled for Monday, December 7 from 11:30am-2pm. Testing locations will be announced prior
to the exam, but are not likely to be in the class meeting location. Please add these dates to your
calendar now to avoid potential conflicts later. You have one week after graded tests are distributed
in class to request correction of clerical errors or for grading reconsideration.
The unit tests and final exam will be composed of both multiple choice and free response questions.
The use of a textbook and/or notes is prohibited on all unit tests and the final exam, but students will
be provided with a scantron and with formula sheets that will be published in advance. Cell phones
and other technology (other than a calculator) are not permitted in any testing environment. Use of
unapproved technology will lead to a charge of academic dishonesty.

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An absence from a test or exam will result in a grade of zero. Note that the final exam score can be
used in place of a missing test score for one exam only. In general, make-up tests are not given.
However, if a student misses a unit test or the final exam for a reason that would qualify as an
excused absence and can provide the proper documentation, a make-up test may be permitted if the
request to take the test at a later date is made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled test or
exam. Realize that a note simply stating that a student was at Redfern on the date of the exam does
not qualify as proper documentation. An excused absence for medical reasons will only be granted if
the student can provide a note from a doctor that indicates the student should not attend work or
school on the date of the exam.
No rescheduling of the final exam will be permitted to accommodate travel arrangements. Per
Clemson University policy, a student who has more than two final exams in one calendar day, or two
final examinations at the same time, should contact the instructors no less than one week (preferably
several weeks) prior to the last class meeting to reschedule his/her exam. Common exam times,
regardless of course number, may not be rescheduled.
Attendance
Students are expected to be regular and punctual in their class attendance. Students who have more
than 4 absences are subject to being dropped from the course or receiving a final course grade
of F. Proper documentation must be provided to the instructor for any university sanctioned absence.
Students are responsible for all notes, assignments, and announcements made in class. Instructors are
NOT obligated to provide students with notes from missed classes. Instead, it is the responsibility of
the student to consult with a classmate to obtain any material that was missed due to an absence.
If the instructor does not arrive in the classroom within 15 minutes after the scheduled start time,
class is dismissed for the day. In this event, please call Mrs. Haynes at 656-5224 to report this
occurrence.
Any common exam that is canceled due to inclement weather will be given on the next Monday
during the reserved 5:30-7pm time slot, unless notified otherwise by the instructor. Any MyStatLab
assignment or quiz due on the date of a university closing will still be due at the assigned time. Any
extension or postponement of assignments or exams must be granted by the instructor via email or a
Blackboard announcement within 24 hours of the weather related cancelation.
Open Lab Hours
A lab instructor will be on duty in the Martin M-304 computer lab every Monday and Wednesday
from 9am until 5pm. These open lab hours are for students who want to use the computers to
complete the MyStatLab homework assignments, or for students to get help with the homework
from the lab instructor on duty. Additionally, the Martin M-01 computer lab is open 24 hours and
has JMP installed on all computers for students needing access to a computer to complete the
MyStatLab assignments. Students are expected to begin their homework early enough such that they
are able to attend open lab hours if they experience any difficulties in completing the assignment.

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Fall 2015

Tutoring through the Academic Success Center

Free, drop-in tutoring is available for this class through the Academic Success Center. The tutoring
schedule is posted at http://www.clesmon.edu/asc. Tutoring should be used to discuss course
materials and ask questions but not as a replacement for class or office hours. To maximize the
benefits from tutoring, come fully prepared with your books, notes, and other course materials.
Disability Access Statement
Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should make an appointment with Dr.
Margaret Camp (656-6848), Director of Disability Services, to discuss specific needs within the first
month of classes. Students should present a Faculty Accommodation Letter from Student Disability
Services when they meet with instructors. Accommodations are not retroactive and new Faculty
Accommodation Letters must be presented each semester. This documentation must be presented at
least one week prior to a scheduled quiz or exam. Students without documentation will not be given
accommodations.
Academic Integrity Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the following Clemson University Academic Integrity Policy: "As
members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson's vision
of this institution as a 'high seminary of learning.' Fundamental to this vision is a mutual
commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and
respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a
Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form."
Title IX (Sexual Harassment) Statement
Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national
origin, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to
prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational
programs and activities, admissions and financial aid. This includes a prohibition against sexual
harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy is located at http://www.clemson.edu/campuslife/campus-services/access/title-ix/. Mr.
Jerry Knighton is the Clemson University Title IX Coordinator. He also is the Director of Access
and Equity. His office is located at 111 Holtzendorff Hall, 864.656.3181 (voice) or 864.565.0899
(TDD).
Supplemental Course Information
Each instructor will provide a supplement to this syllabus with information pertinent to their section
of STAT 2300 and each lab instructor will provide a syllabus for their STAT 2301 section.
Course Coordinator: Dr. Christy Brown, Martin Hall O-212, (864) 656-3049, cjb2@clemson.edu

Copyright 2015 Clemson University

All rights reserved.

Comments to: cjb2@clemson.edu

Last Updated: August 6, 2015