STAT 1201: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Students are introduced to the concepts and methods of statistics, including variability, randomness, and probability. A statistical software program is used to facilitate the analysis of data sets and the understanding of statistical concepts, and to carry out simulation of experiments. Many jobs or professions require that objective decisions be made based on statistical data; students are taught how to collect, analyze, and interpret data correctly. Students are also shown how to clearly and accurately present data to others.
Learning outcomes
- Distinguish between quantitative and categorical data and know which graphical and tabular techniques to apply to each.
- Produce and interpret graphical displays for simple data sets.
- Calculate and interpret measures for the centre and spread of a data set.
- Identify how and when to use the Normal model.
- Identify when correlation and regression analyses are appropriate.
- Calculate and interpret correlation coefficient and regression line equations.
- Discuss issues associated with collecting and interpreting data from sample surveys and polls.
- Identify the role of randomization in sample surveys.
- Distinguish between an experiment and an observational study.
- Discuss the basic principles of experimental design.
- Calculate probabilities using Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, and the Addition and Multiplication rules.
- Describe the concepts of mutually exclusive events, conditional probability, dependent and independent events.
- Discuss the concept of a sampling distribution.
- Describe what is meant by the central limit theorem and understand its relevance to statistical inference.
- Calculate and interpret confidence intervals for estimating population proportions and means.
- Formulate null and alternative hypotheses.
- Conduct hypothesis tests for population proportions and means.
- Explain the meaning of P-values in hypothesis testing.
- Identify when and how to use the t-distribution.
- Determine appropriate sample sizes for estimating an unknown population proportion or mean.
- Conduct a Chi-Square test of independence.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Exploring and Understanding Data
- Unit 2: Exploring Relationships between Variables
- Unit 3: Gathering Data
- Unit 4: Randomness and Probability
- Unit 5: Interference for Relationships
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- De Veaux, R. D., Velleman, P. F., & Bock, D. E. (2022). MyLab Statistics with Pearson
eText for Intro Stats (6th ed.). Pearson
Type: E-Textbook: ISBN 9780136806981
Additional requirements
Students are required to have a TI-83®, TI-83 Plus®, TI-84®, or TI-84 Plus® calculator for this course. These calculators are readily available at electronic stores for approximately $120, or students may be able to purchase a used calculator since secondary school and college students use them extensively. Students will need the calculator for your assignments and final exam.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successful complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1 | 12% |
| Assignment 2 | 9% |
| Assignment 3 | 9% |
| Assignment 4 | 9% |
| Assignment 5 | 12% |
| Assignment 6 | 9% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
