2021 Spring Course Syllabus - Mathematics 1044.004
Course: Mathematics 1044.004.
Course Title: Introduction to Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences.
How this course will be taught: Virtual.
Time: 11:40 AM - 1:20 PM.
Place: Zoom.
Instructor: Zachary Bailey.
Instructor Office: My House.
Instructor Email: zbailey@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215 204 7481.
Course Web Page: ttps://sites.google.com/view/zjb/teaching/spring-2021/math-1044
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Wed 10:00 - 11:00 AM, or by appointment.
Prerequisites: MATH 1041 (C), MATH 1038 (C), MATH 1941 (C), MATH 1951 (C), MATH 2043 to 3080 (C-), MA06 Y.
Textbook: 1. Modeling the Dynamics of Life: Calculus and Probability for Life Scientists", 3rd edition, 2013, Frederick Adler. ISBN 9780840064189 2. A First Course in Probability, 8th edition, 2009, Sheldon Ross. ISBN 9780136033134.
Technology specifications for this course: A working computer with a reliable internet connection, a Webcam, and audio capability. Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net. Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions. A scanning app such as AdobeScan or CamScanner is required as is access to Zoom and Canvas (the Canvas app is also recommended).
Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a request outlining their needs using the Student Emergency Aid Fund form. The University will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Mifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access.
Course Goals: A one-semester course at the freshman level, introducing some of the basic concepts and techniques of probability and statistics, as applied to empirical modeling and data analysis in the Life and Environmental Sciences.
Topics Covered: Basic Combinatorics (Ross, 1.1 - 1.4) Integral Calculus (Stewart from Math 1041, 5.2 - 5.5, 7.1) Three Core Biology Examples (Adler, 6.1 - 6.2). Probability Axioms (Ross, 2.1 - 2.5. Adler, 6.3) Conditioning and Independence (Ross, Ch 3. Adler, 6.4) Random Variables (Ross, 4.1 - 4.5, 4.9, 5.1 - 5.3, 5.7, 7.1 - 7.6. Adler, 6.6 - 6.9, 7.1 - 7.3) Common Probability Distributions (Ross, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8.1, 5.4, 5.5, 6.3. Adler, 7.4 - 7.8) Limit Theorems (Ross, 8.1 - 8.4) Inferential Statistics (Course Notes, Ch 5).
Course Grading: Module Quizzes: 5%. Homework: 15%. Lecture Quizzes: 15%. Midterm 1: 20%. Midterm 2: 20%. Final Exam: 25%.
Exam Dates: Midterm 1: Thursday, Feb 25 in class; Midterm 2: Thursday, April 1 in class; Final Exam: Tuesday, may 4, from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
Remote proctoring statement: Zoom, Proctorio or a similar proctoring tool may be used to proctor exams and quizzes in this course. These tools verify your identity and record online actions and surroundings. It is your responsibility to have the necessary government or school issued ID, a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection, the Google Chrome and Proctorio extension, a webcam/built-in camera and microphone, and system requirements for using Proctorio, Zoom, or a similar proctoring tool. Before the exam begins, the proctor may require a scan of the room in which you are taking the exam.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is required and recorded, but not graded. Keep in mind, students who skip more than 3 classes are significantly more likely to score a D or fail.
The University's attendance policy (opens in new tab/window) has been standardized to accommodate students who are ill or are required to self-quarantine for a period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To achieve course learning goals, students must attend in-person classes, and/or participate in classes or portions of classes that are taught remotely, to the extent that they are able. Though increased flexibility will be granted, in all cases, course assessments such as assignments, tests and exams must be completed for learning goals to be reached.
In order to facilitate contact tracing, instructors are required to ensure that attendance is recorded for each in-person meeting using an online attendance system designated by the university. Students who are exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, headache, chills, sore throat, congestion, or new loss of taste or smell, or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms, or who are engaging in self-quarantine at the direction of the Philadelphia Health Department, Student Health Services, or any healthcare professional, should not attend in-person classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider for COVID-related absences. For more information, see the Student Health Services COVID-19 site (opens in new tab/window).
It is also important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect in all communication, class activities, and meetings. All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement (opens in a new tab/window), will add richness to this learning experience.
Please consider that sarcasm, humor and slang can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Profanity should be avoided as should the use of all capital letters when composing responses in discussion threads, which can be construed as "shouting" online. Remember to be careful with your own and others' privacy. In general, have your behavior mirror how you would like to be treated by others.
Online Classroom Etiquette: It is expected that each student attends every class on time for the full duration of each class and behaves, in the same professional manner, as if you are in a regular classroom. This refers in particular to your location and attire. It is not appropriate to eat a large meal, drink alcohol, smoke, or get up often during an online class.
Statement on recording and distribution of recordings of class sessions: Any recordings permitted in this class can only be used for the student's personal educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may be a violation of educational privacy law known as FERPA as well as certain copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or university of this course are the property of Temple University.
Lecture Format: There is a module for each unit of material containing slides and a short module quiz. These are to be completed by the due date, no make-ups will be given. Lecture time will be less of a standard "lecture" and more of a "problem session", used to answer your questions and go over concepts from the module slides/notes. Please bring lots of questions to the lecture as I would like to prioritize your questions first.
Recitation Format: Recitation time will be another problem session, designed for you to ask more questions and get answers.
Homework: Graded homework will consist of 2-5 problems from the week's material. The graded homework will be assigned after Thursdays lecture and due the following Monday evening. There will also be ungraded homework in the form of suggested problems. STUDENTS SHOULD COMPLETE ALL OF THE UNGRADED HOMEWORK.
Lecture Quizzes: There will be a 25 minute quiz in lecture at the {\bf beginning} of the {\bf Thursday} lecture. At the end of the semester, the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped. There are {\bf no} make-up quizzes.
TA: Rob Oakley.
TA email: tuk84587@temple.edu.
TA Office Hour: Tuesday, 4:00 - 5:00 PM or by appointment.
Recitation Time/Place: Friday, 1:00 - 1:50 PM on Zoom.
Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in 100 Ritter Annex (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window).
Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.
During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).
The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).