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(MATH 121) Principles of Statistics

Descriptive statistics, elementary probability, central tendency, variability, random variables (discrete and continuous) confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, linear regression, ANOVA, contingency tables.

Course Learning Outcomes

Mathematics promotes the development of critical thinking and logic. By the end of the course student’s reasoning skills will be increased and you will become more proficient in solving problems (not just math problems). Students will also learn how to logically process data to determine whether it is believable or not. The math department has established eight outcomes for graduating majors. The table below indicates which outcomes will be addressed in Math 121 (the list below is aligned to the PLOs):

  1. Some algebra will be used but most statistical calculations will be done using StatCrunch.
  2. Calculus is not used in this course.
  3. Knowing the conditions for inference is very important.
  4. Proofs will not be done in this course.
  5. Written answer is expected on some tests.
  6. Knowing definitions, conditions of inference, and the algorithms is extremely important.
  7. Use of calculators and/or computer programs is essential throughout the course.
  8. Students will see how Statistics is applied in “the real world”. Applications are in every chapter.