DS280

Introduction to Statistics

This course aims to give students exposure to the wide range of uses of statistics in society.  We explore three broad categories of topics: probability (the "chance" of something happening), descriptive statistics (using statistics to summarize a set of data), and inferential statistics (generalizing from a set of data to a broader conclusion).

Daily Review Assignments

The purpose of daily review assignments is to provide timely review and feedback on the basic course concepts and computational mechanics covered each day in class.  This structured regular review facilitates mastery of course material.  Review assignments are due at the beginning of the following class.  They are checked simply for reasonable effort, not accuracy. Completing them is worth a small portion of the course grade (roughly equivalent to two quizzes). Daily review assignments are distributed in class.  They are also available from the links below. (Many of the review assignment webpages have links to more detailed solutions, in case you run into difficulty while working on them.)

Homework

These assignments are longer and more involved than daily review assignments.  Their purpose is to take the basic concepts and calculations of the course (which are reinforced by the daily review) and to apply them to "real world" situations, so you may be able to use the material in the course in your professional and personal life.  Due dates for these assignments are given in the course schedule.  Homework will not normally be accepted late.