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Econ-291 - Statistical Methods in Business and Economics - Rebecca Acosta

Course:Statistical Methods in Business and Economics
Professor:Rebecca Acosta
Email:rebecca.acosta@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Acosta bio pic

Hi, I'm Dr. Acosta.  I have a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA.  Along with teaching, I do economic consulting in litigation and utility regulation.  I previously worked in the economics analysis branch of the U.S. Census Bureau.  I will be incorporating real-life applications from current events and my personal work experiences to the principles you will learn in this class.  Please, don't be afraid to ask any question--I'm here to help you learn.

Course Description

In this class, you will learn to collect and analyze data.  Statistics and data are everywhere, but how does one properly interpret it?  By semester's end, you will be well on your way to doing just that.  We will work in real-world examples of statistics and statistical analysis. 

What to Expect in this Course

The class will meet via ZOOM for three hours of lecture a week.  Two midterms and a final exam will be done via MyLab Statistics per the syllabus.  The course in organized into 2-4 week modules by topic, with an overview page that will spell out what is to be covered and assignments or exams to finish during that module.  Each module will typically contain:

  • reading assignments from the textbook,
  • live lectures each week, Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30-1:50pm, via Zoom through the Canvas course.  You can also use the meeting ID and password to login from Zoom some other way.  These will mostly be based on the text, but may also include working through sample problems, discussion of how the topic/model/calculation/test being covered in the current module is used in real life applications.
  • homework assignments to be completed in the MyLab Statistics platform,
  • discussion assignments to be done in Canvas,

In addition, there will be two midterms and a final, all to be completed on the myLab Statistics platform.  There will also be practice tests available on the myLab Statistics platform. 

There will also be a short analysis paper where you will find some data and do your own statistical analysis, using tools learned in this class to answer a question or test a hypothesis.

Technology Requirements:

You will need regular access to a reliable computer with stable, high-speed internet connection. This can be either a personal computer, a computer in the COC library or in the TLC, or at a public library computer.  You will need to be able to access Zoom through the Canvas course for live attendance at lectures and office hours.

You will need Excel or other spreadsheet program for this class, as well as a word processing program.  You will need a .pdf file reader.  Being able to convert documents to .pdf would be useful also. 

Types of Assessments

(1) Homework assignments done via MyLab Statistics (2) Discussion assignments applying statistical concepts to real life applications. (3) Two midterms and a final exam will be done via MyLab Statistics. (4) Short analysis paper where you will find some data and do your own statistical analysis using tools learned in this class to answer a question or test a hypothesis.

Textbook Information

David M. Levine, Timothy C. Krehbiel, Mark L. Berenson, Business Statistics: A First Course, Prentice Hall, 2016, 7th Ed. MyLab Statistics.

You can purchase the paper text and MyLab as a package through the campus bookstore, or you can purchase just access to MyLab (with e-book version of text) directly from Pearson through the class Canvas MyLab page. 

A week before class starts, I will send all registered students specific information on how to enroll in my course on the MyLab platform via the Pearson website, including the specific MyLab course ID number to use.

Other Relevant Course Information

If there is a waitlist, students will be added from the waitlist in the order they appear on the list.  Non-waitlisted students will be added only if there is extra space after all waitlist students have been offered adds and before the COC-determined deadline to add classes.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 07/26/2021 Sub#: 423