Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Introduction to Stats

 Title Abbreviation:   INTRODUCTION TO STATS

 Department:    MATH&

 Course #:    146

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    270501

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

This course presents a connected introduction to probability and statistics using statistical inference as its theme. The course covers descriptive statistics, probability distributions including the binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, and linear regression and correlation with an emphasis on statistical inference. A graphing calculator may be required.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: MATH 098 with a grade of C or higher or equivalent math placement score.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences, Quantitative  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU OMIS 221
OTHER Meets GUR at 3 BIS
U of W STAT 311
WSU 215
WWU TX To meet GUR, student must take MATH 102

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Make and understand graphs for describing data.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of and describe the measures of central tendency.
  3. Calculate the mean, mode, median, and standard deviation for a set of data.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of probability in the study of statistics.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding and use the basic laws of probability.
  6. Use formulas predicting mathematical expectation.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of and use the binomial probability distribution.
  8. Find areas of the normal probability distribution and apply to problem solving.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of and use the Central Limit Theorem.
  10. Estimate parameters of a population.
  11. Choose sample size and establish confidence intervals.
  12. Use statistical tests to hypothesis.
  13. Apply alternative mathematical techniques, from a historical perspective, where appropriate.
  14. Understand how mathematics is used in other fields and occupations.
  15. Understand the use of mathematics cross-culturally.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.4 Evaluate decisions by analyzing outcomes and the impact of actions.
2.5 Identify similarities and differences in the ways in which data is collected and analyzed in different disciplines.
2.6 Recognize how the value and biases in different disciplines can affect the ways in which data is analyzed.
2.8 Describe how one’s own preconceptions, biases and values affect one’s response to new and ambiguous situations.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

  1. Numerical and graphical methods of describing sets of data
  2. Measures of variability and central tendency
  3. Role of probability in statistics
  4. Laws of probability and probability distributions
  5. Mathematical expectations
  6. Binomial and normal probability distributions
  7. Interval estimation of population parameters
  8. Sample size
  9. Hypothesis testing
  10. Student t distribution
  11. Linear regression and correlation.