This course is an introductory course in probability and statistics, covering methods for organizing and summarizing data, elementary probability, and an introduction to statistical hypothesis testing. The course is based heavily on examples drawn from newspapers and elsewhere in the public domain.
The approach is conceptual, presuming no skills beyond high school mathematics.
The course covers the basics of probability and statistics, but includes only a sampling of topics appearing in more advanced statistics courses. Students wishing a more technical introduction to statistics should take Math 203 (Statistical Methods and Their Applications). To learn about the full range of statistical techniques practiced in a particular discipline (e.g., psychology, economics, or sociology), students might also need to take a course in that discipline.
Math 103 is intended primarily for humanities and social science majors.
Prerequisites:
None.
Who should take this course?
Humanities/social science majors wishing to fulfill the NA or QU requirement
Students looking for alternatives to calculus as a way to develop their math skills
Anyone who wants to learn how to demystify statistical claims they read in newspapers and
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Topics covered:
Descriptive statistics: histograms, median, mean, standard deviation
Linear regression and correlation
Permutations and combinations, binomial coefficients, binomial distribution
Conditional probability
Normal approximations and the law of averages
Errors in measurement and estimation
Sampling
Hypothesis testing: significance, confidence, and p-values
The chi-squared test.
For detailed information about Math 103 this year, please consult the list of Fall Courses and Spring Courses linked to the Mathematics and Statistics Home Page.