Spring 2017 - STAT 300W D200

Statistics Communication (3)

Class Number: 4139

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Peter Muirhead
  • Prerequisites:

    Admission to the major or honours programs in statistics or actuarial science at SFU. Prior completion of a lower division W requirement and STAT 350 or 9 units of upper division STAT/ACMA courses and permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Guided experiences in written and oral communication of statistical ideas and results with both scientific and lay audiences. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:


Course is restricted to Actuarial Science Major/Honor Students

Outline:

This course exposes students to types of writing related to the field of statistics. These may include technical reports for both statistical and lay audiences, consulting reports, and critiques (e.g. of the use of statistics in the media).

Writing requires an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, students are encouraged to take this course in their fourth year. Prior completion of STAT 350 is highly recommended.

The course will give students the opportunity to receive feedback on their writing from the instructor, possibly a TA, and their classmates. Each student will complete several reports during the semester. The first draft of some reports will be critiqued and returned. For these reports, students are expected to respond to the critiques and submit a final version. One or more report will include an in-class, oral presentation. Report marks will be based both on writing technique and statistical content. In addition, students will be marked on their contribution to in-class discussions led by the instructor.

It is assumed that you are familiar with the following topics:

  • Elementary probability theory, including properties of the normal, Poisson, binomial, etc., distributions
  • Confidence intervals, p-values, hypothesis testing
  • Linear regression theory
  • Maximum likelihood estimation
  • Other standard data analysis tools (diagnostic plots, t-tests, ANOVA methods, etc.)

Grading

  • In-class participation 10%
  • Assignments and oral presentation(s) 60%
  • Final Project 30%

NOTES:

All grading is subject to change.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with Disabilites:
Students requiring accommodations as a result of disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities 778-782-3112 or csdo@sfu.ca


Tutor Requests:
Students looking for a Tutor should visit http://www.stat.sfu.ca/teaching/need-a-tutor-.html. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken related to tutors.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS