Introduction to Statistics and Data Science (202-0-20)
Instructors
Arvind Krishna
Meeting Info
Harris Hall 107: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to the discipline of statistics as a science of understanding and analyzing data. Students will learn the importance of data collection and sampling, methods to analyze data, and how to use data to make inferences and conclusions about real world phenomena. Students will be introduced to the free statistical programming software, RStudio Cloud, to apply both descriptive and inferential statistics to real data sets.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: High School Algebra
May not receive credit for both STAT 202-0 and STAT 210-0
When selecting an introductory statistics course to fulfill a major/minor requirement, students should consult the Undergraduate Catalog and/or the department to confirm the course they want to register for will fulfill the requirement.
Learning Objectives
1. Use statistical software to wrangle data (i.e., manage and process data).
2. Use statistical software to perform exploratory data analyses. That is, explore data numerically and visually to gain understanding through data and generate hypotheses and inferences to later test.
3. Recognize the importance of data collection, identify limitations in data collection methods, and determine how they affect the scope of inference.
4. Have a conceptual understanding of the unified nature of statistical inference.
5. Apply estimation and testing methods to analyze single variables or the relationship between two variables in order to understand natural phenomena and make data-based decisions.
6. Model numerical response variables using a single or multiple explanatory variable(s).
7. Interpret results correctly, effectively, and in context without relying on statistical jargon.
8. Critique data-based claims and evaluate data-based decisions.
9. Understand population parameters and sample statistics, such as mean and variance, and the concept of expected value.
10. Understand the basics of statistical theory.
Teaching Method
The classes will be more discussion / lecture oriented. However, students will have the opportunity to ask questions on the material presented in class, as well as on homework. Students will be expected to adequately prepare for each class, so they are able to understand the lecture and work through the daily activities and discuss the work with instructors and fellow classmates. Each class will typically end with a discussion of the concepts and ideas for that day's material. There will be some days that will be more discussion/lecture oriented
Evaluation Method
Students will be evaluated through (1) reading quizzes; (2) activities/assignments; (3) a midterm exam; (4) a final exam, and (5) in-class quizzes
Class Materials (Required)
(1) Free online textbook, Introduction to Statistics and Data Science (https://nustat.github.io/intro-stat-ds/)
(2) Free statistical software R Studio Cloud (https://rstudio.cloud)
Class Notes
Note that there will be an in-class quiz at the beginning of every lecture. Make sure you are able to be in the class, and start the quiz as soon as the class begins.
Class Attributes
Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Dis
Formal Studies Distro Area