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Math 140 - Introduction to Statistics - Matt Teachout

Course:Introduction to Statistics
Professor:Matt Teachout
Email:matt.teachout@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Welcome to Math 140 Introduction to Statistics.  My name is Matt Teachout.  My last name is pronounced "2-Show".  Math 140 is a basic introduction to the principles and theory behind statistics and analyzing data.  Understanding how decisions are made with data is an important skill in the modern world.  There are many jobs available in this field including data analyst, data scientist, and statistician.  

Course Description

Math 140 examines statistical methods including collecting data, bias, experimental design, categorical and quantitative data analysis, regression, probability, sampling and theoretical distributions, population estimations, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, categorical and quantitative association tests and how to use computer-based statistical software.

What to Expect in this Course

Important Class Information

  • Important Class Information

  • NO Zoom Class Meetings: There will NOT be any required Zoom meetings.  This class is ASYNCHRONOUS.  This means you watch lecture videos provided in Canvas and work at your own pace.  You can meet with your instructor if you need tutoring.  
     
  • Tutoring:  If you need tutoring or help, feel free to attend Mr. Teachout’s face-to-face office hours or you can email Mr. Teachout to set up one-on-one zoom tutoring.  The COC Tutoring Center (TLC) also offers free tutoring for all COC students.  Just go to canyons.edu/TLC.  You will need your student ID.  If you go to TLC, it is important to let the TLC know that you need Math 140 Statistics tutoring. 
     
  • Teachout’s Sickness/Mask Policy: We do not want to spread Covid-19, Flu, or colds.  If you are feeling poorly (see symptoms list below), or have been exposed to Covid-19, please do NOT come to campus.  You can meet with me in my zoom office hours.  If you come to campus for
    in-person tutoring or office hours, please wear a mask to protect your instructor, yourself and others that may be in the room.
     
  • COC Covid-19 Policy:  COC must abide by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.  Covid-19 information may change throughout the semester as the number of Covid-19 cases rise or fall.  Click on the following link for the most up to date information.   https://www.canyons.edu/administration/pio/notices/index.php
     
  • Monitor for Sickness Symptoms

  • Do not enter campus if you have experienced any of the symptoms below in the past 14 days. Contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team: (661) 993-7670 or email at covid@streetconsultinggroup.com

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Chills
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headaches
       
  • Textbook is free: We will be using the free textbook “Introduction to Statistics for Community College Students (1st edition) by Matt Teachout.  The textbook sections and video lectures may be found in the “Modules” menu of Canvas.  The textbook problems may be found in the “Assignments” menu in Canvas. Links to the sections, problems and videos may also be found at Mr. Teachout’s Website:  matt-teachout.org.  A pdf of the complete textbook may be found at archive.org.  See the link below.  https://archive.org/details/intro_to_stats_for_community_college_students_by_Matt_Teachout_complete_book
     
  • Class materials: RECOMMENDED:  A small 4 function calculator, 3x5 cards for vocabulary, paper for assignments, pencil (or blue or black pen) for initial answers, red pen for X’s indicating wrong answers, green pen for checks indicating correct answers.  
     
  • Free Statistics Computer Software: We will be primarily use the free statistics analysis program StatKey. StatKey can be accessed at lock5stat.com.  StatKey does not need to downloaded and works great on both MAC and PC computers.  You will be taught how to use the program during the semester.  Homework problems may include pictures of other statistics software programs like Statcato for your to analyze.  For these kinds of problems, you will only need to analyze the graph or statistics provided.  You do NOT need to download Statcato or "R".  If a computer calculation is needed, you will be calculating with StatKey.
     
  • Typical Week: Each week you will watch lecture videos and take notes whenever your schedule permits.  You can re-watch the lecture videos as many times as you want.  You may also read the textbook if further explanation is needed.  You will then try a few problems from the textbook, correct your answers with the answer key provided, and then submitting your answers and corrections to Canvas.  Occasionally you will also have a class discussion with your classmates in Canvas.  
     
  • Time Commitment: Most people do fine in 140 classes as long as they set aside enough time to watch the videos and work on the problems and exams.  Remember a 16-week Math 140 class was originally designed to meet 5 hours per week, not counting homework time. An 8-week class meets 10 hours a week not counting homework time. A 5-week class usually meets around 15 hours a week not counting homework time.  Note:  Everyone works at their own pace.  Some students may require more time than others.  If you do not have an appropriate number of hours set aside each week to work on the material, it is best not to take the class. 
     
  • Assignments: Assignments are usually either a discussion with your classmates or problems from the textbook.  Textbook assignments and class discussions are each worth 10 points for a total of 25% - 40% of your grade depending on the class.   Assignments should be submitted in the “Assignments” menu in Canvas at any time before or on the due date.  I do accept late make-up work, but it is important not to fall too far behind.  
     
  • Discussions:  When discussing ideas with your classmates, be kind and respectful.  Do not use obscene language.  Do not use ChatGPT or copy online articles.  Your initial post should give your thoughts about the topic or at least what our textbook says about the topic.  ChatGPT or online statistics articles will never give an appropriate answer and will be considered cheating.  You will receive full credit as long as you have an initial post, and respond to at least two of your classmates.  Discussion assignments may be found in either the "Discussions" or "Assignments" section of Canvas.  Discussions will be typed into the Canvas field.  Besides your initial post, you will need to respond to at least two of your classmates.  Responses must be kind, helpful, encouraging and respectful. Discussions are worth 10 points each. 
     
  • Textbook Problems:  You will be watching lecture videos and taking notes.  Then trying problems from the textbook and correct your answers. 
     
  • Exams:  There are usually two or three chapter exams and a cumulative final exam.
     
  • Projects: The number of projects varies depending on the class. If there are more projects, there will be less exams.   
     
  • Computer Needs: You will need a reliable computer with reliable, consistent Internet access.  You will also need an up-to-date internet browser, Chrome or Firefox are preferred for Canvas.  You will need a word processing program (Microsoft Word) and spreadsheet program (Microsoft Excel). Both are freely available in your MyCanyons account.
     
  • Email Needs: You will need a valid MyCanyons email account that you will regularly check.
     
  • Canvas: You will need a basic knowledge of Canvas.  You should know how to submit assignments and navigate the menus in Canvas in order to access class materials, assignments, and discussion posts.
     
  • Prerequisite Computer Skills Needed: You should know how to type data into Excel spreadsheets and copy and paste from one Excel or Word document to another.  You should know how to save documents and convert to a pdf file and take pictures of your homework.  You should also know how to attach pdf's and pictures into Canvas and email messages.

Types of Assessments

Assignments: Assignments are usually either a discussion with your classmates or problems from the textbook.  

Exams:  There are usually two or three chapter exams and a cumulative final exam.

Projects: The number of projects varies depending on the class. If there are more projects, there will be less exams. 

Textbook Information

The textbook is free! We will be using the free textbook “Introduction to Statistics for Community College Students (1st edition) by Matt Teachout.  The textbook does NOT need to be printed.  The free textbook sections, problems, and lecture videos will be included in your canvas class. The textbook sections, problems and lecture videos can also be found under the "Statistics" menu at Mr. Teachout’s website:  matt-teachout.org.  You do NOT need to purchase anything at the COC bookstore.

Other Relevant Course Information

More detailed information will be provided on the syllabus.

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: 12/14/2023 Sub#: 563