Course Syllabus
Math 315 - Applied Probability and Statistics
Spring 2006

The Course: This course is intended as a calculus-based introduction to Probability and Statistics from an applied point of view. This class is also an upper-division mathematics course so we will look at probability and statistics from a mathematical point of view i.e starting with axioms and proving some theorems about them. Math 250 (Calc 3) is a prerequisite for this class and the material in all the calculus courses will be used and so should be reviewed.

Reading: Reading your textbook is essential to success in this class. Reading assignments will be included with homework assignments and must be completed before the lecture on that topic. Read slowly with a pencil and paper in hand. Try to fill in missing steps as you read. Always try to work out examples before you read text solutions. You will be expected to be ready to discuss the material you read in class, and this will be part of the participation portion of your grade.

Participation: Each student is expected to be a productive member of the class. This means you should expect to attend each class period and be prepared to discuss the material. Excessive absence or unpreparedness will result in deduction of points in this area. Participation will be worth 50 points of your final grade.

Homework: You will be assigned weekly homework assignments. You are allowed and indeed encouraged to work on your homework with other people, however what you turn in should be your own understanding of how to do the problems and should not just be a copy of someone else's work. There will be three types of assigned homework. In addition to the reading homework above there will be homework that is to be completed and turned in to me for grading and homework that is to be done but not turned in. The second type of homework is as important as the first for your understanding of the material, also problems from the second group are likely to be included on quizzes and exams. The homework that you turn in will be expected to be neat, clear and complete and written in complete sentences. Make sure to show all your steps and it should be clear how to get from one step to the next. You should get in the habit of working out your solutions on scratch paper and then writing a clear concise solution that is turned in. There also may be occasional quizzes which will count towards your homework grade. The homework for the course will be worth 150 points of your total grade.

Exams: There will be 2 hour-long exams during the course. The date of each exam as well as the material it will cover will be announced on the website and in class at least a week ahead of time. Make-up exams will not be given. If you have a legitimate excuse you may use your final exam score to make up for missing exam scores. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
There will be a comprehensive 2 hour final given on Tuesday, May 23 at 8 am. The final is worth 150 points.

Disability: For accommodations due to a disability please contact me within the first 2 weeks.

Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are in violation of USD's academic integrity policy and are taken very seriously. Make sure you are aware of this policy.

Getting Help: If you are falling behind in this class please see me immediately. This class moves quickly and you will find yourself helplessly lost if you fall too far behind. If you cannot come to my office hours, you can make an appointment with me as well.

Have a Good Semester!