Index

An introductory computer-based statistics course that includes instruction in SYSTAT. Topics covered include populations and samples, variables, probability distributions, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and hypothesis testing. Included are selected parametric and non-parametric tests for examining differences in means, variances, and frequencies as well as correlation, regression, and tests of independence. Emphasis is given to practical matters such as how to choose appropriate analyses and how to interpret results, both statistically and biologically. Philosophical and practical considerations of the scientific process are interwoven throughout the course.
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Course Objectives
1. To understand how science and statistics interact

2. To develop proficiency in using basic statistical procedures

3. To develop proficiency in using basic statistical software

4. To improve ability to read and understand primary literature

Text and Software

1. Hampton, R.E. and J.E. Havel. 2005. Introductory Biological Statistics. Waveland Press.

2. SYSTAT professional software is provided for students on computers in S147 and S161.

3. MYSTAT (student version of SYSTAT) is available as a free download at www.systat.com/mystatproducts.aspx OR www.harding.edu/plummer/biostats/software/mystat12enu32sfx.exe

4. You will need a calculator with statistical functions and are responsible for knowing how to use it in statistical mode.

Evaluation (1000 total points)

Grades are posted on the course website
Exam 1 Ch 1-6	200 pts.	Exam 1 consists of two parts: part 1 (scantron/fill in blank/short answer, ~50%) and part 2 (SYSTAT/calculator practical, ~50%). Questions from material not found in the website lecture notes may be included; these questions will be taken from applicable chapters (1-6) in the textbook.
Exam 2 Ch 7-9, 15 (part)	200 pts.	Exam 2 consists of part 1 (scantron/fill in blank/short answer; ~60%) and part 2 (SYSTAT/calculator practical; ~40%). Questions from material not found in the website lecture notes may be included; these questions will be taken from applicable chapters (7-9, 15 part) in the textbook.
Exam 3 Ch 9-14	200 pts.	Exam 3 consists of a practical application of all the difference and relationship statistical tests covered during the semester. You will have four hours to do eight problems. Problems will be taken directly or modified from the practice and example problems
Final Exam Ch 1-15	200 pts.	The final exam is a comprehensive scantron exam taken during the regularly scheduled final exam period. Questions from material not found in the website lecture notes may be included; these questions will be taken from applicable chapters (1-15) in the textbook.
Homework assignments	200 pts.	*Late homework assignments will not be accepted.* Click here for further explanation of this policy. The homework turn-in bin is located in S161.
Extra point quizzes	~20 pts.	Extra point quizzes will periodically be offered. *Keep up in class and take advantage of quizzes*!

Your Classroom Responsibilities

1. Computer resources that may be viewed during class include the Biol. 254 course website (and links therein), SYSTAT, and your M-drive. All other uses (e.g., social notworking sites such as facebook and twitter, email, blogs, sports news, pictures of your girl/boyfriend, etc.) are off limits during lecture time; violations will affect your grade.

2. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated; violations will result in sanctions up to and including dismissal from the class with a failing grade.

3. There will be no cell phones seen or heard in the classroom; violations will affect your grade. The visual appearance or use of an unapproved electronic device during an exam will be interpreted as cheating and will result in a zero for that exam.

4. You are on your honor to do your own homework assignments. Obtaining assistance on homework assignments from anyone other than your instructor or teaching assistant is a form of academic dishonesty. This does not mean that you cannot help each other understand the principles involved in the homework assignment.

5. You should plan to spend 1-2 hours outside of class each week working with SYSTAT.

6. Disclaimer: The primary purpose of the online class notes is to guide me in my lectures; they are not complete sources of information for students. Students should read the textbook and listen closely to the lectures for additional information. I highly recommend taking your own lecture notes directly on hardcopies of the online notes.

My Classroom Responsibilities (Contact me)
Because, as your teacher, I have a substantial responsibility to you and to the Lord (James 3:1), I promise my best effort to you in Biol. 254. I pray that my lectures will be clear, my expectations reasonable, and my exams vigorous, thorough, challenging, and fair. I also pray that your grade will reflect both your ability and your preparation. Finally, I hope that you will learn something substantive in my class regardless of what you think about the subject matter. For further insight into my teaching philosophy, click here - Good luck!

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