This course presents students with basic concepts in statistics and probability, and encourages statistical thinking. This course is intended to bring students to a level where they can carry out simple statistical analysis of simple data. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, the sampling distribution, and the Central Limit Theorem. The emphasis in the course is on the presentation of statistical methods and on the interpretation of the outcome. The philosophy of statistics, and not its mathematics, is at the center of this course; needed mathematical concepts are demonstrated via simulations rather than by abstract proofs.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Examine concepts of probability that are associated with statistics.
2. Present and summarize probability and statistical data in mathematics
3. Recognize and interpret different forms of variability.
4. Use a computing program (spreadsheet or scientific calculator such as TI-83+ and TI-84 calculators) and carry out computations and produce plots associated with data and probability.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Sampling and Data

Week 2: Unit 2 – Descriptive Statistics

Week 3: Unit 3 – Probability

Week 4: Unit 4 – Discrete Random Variables

Week 5: Unit 5 – Geometric, Hypergeometric and Poisson Distrubution

Week 6: Unit 6 – Continuous Random Variables

Week 7: Unit 7 – The Normal Distribution

Week 8: Unit 8 – The Central Limit Theorem

Week 9: Unit 9 – Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Sampling and Data

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Descriptive Statistics

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Probability

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Discrete Random Variables

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Geometric, Hypergeometric and Poisson Distribution

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Continuous Random Variables

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: The Normal Distribution

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Geometric, Hypergeometric and Poisson Distribution

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Learning Journal Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Review and Final Examination

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor