Summer 2023 - STAT 300W D100

Statistics Communication (3)

Class Number: 2378

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Admission to the major or honours programs in statistics; STAT 350 with a minimum grade of C- or permission of the instructor; prior completion of a lower division W course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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

COURSE DETAILS:

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). Students will also be required to give presentations.

Writing requires an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, students are encouraged to take this course in their fourth year.

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 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

  • Lecture participation and exercises 15%
  • Homework assignments 15%
  • Papers and Presentations 70%

NOTES:

Above grading is subject to change.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

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


Tutor Requests:
Students looking for a tutor should visit https://www.sfu.ca/stat-actsci/all-students/other-resources/tutoring.html. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken related to tutors.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.