M 316 Elementary Statistical Methods - First Day Handout

Sep 27, 2026

First Day Handout for M 316 Elementary Statistical Methods (MWF 2–3 pm, Fall 2012) outlines course aims and expectations for learning basic statistical techniques. It covers descriptive statistics, probability, statistical modeling (normal and binomial), and inferential methods including estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation, with applied assignments and limited computer reliance. The handout specifies Quantitative Reasoning requirements, prerequisites, credit restrictions, and allowable course substitutions, plus required materials such as StatsPortal (6th ed.), iClicker, and a non-graphing calculator, along with technology and attendance expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Course Overview

Course Description and Topics

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Requirement

Prerequisites and Degree Relevance

Allowed Credit Restrictions

Required Text and Materials

StatsPortal and Electronic Tools

iClicker

Calculator Requirements

Technology and Software Use

Attendance and Participation

FIRST DAY HANDOUT M 316 ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL METHODS Unique \# 55845, MWF 2 pm to 3 pm, Fall 2012 Classroom: UTC 3.112 Instructor: Kanthimathi [Sathasivan Ph.D.](Sathasivan Ph.D. E-mail: kanthi21@utexas.edu)[ E-mail:](Sathasivan Ph.D. E-mail: kanthi21@utexas.edu)[ kanthi21@utexas.edu](Sathasivan Ph.D. E-mail: kanthi21@utexas.edu) Teaching Assistant: Emma Caris Longoria E-mail: [caris.longoria@gmail.com](caris.longoria@gmail.com) Course Website: [https://courses.utexas.edu/](https://courses.utexas.edu/) (Blackboard) Course Description: The course is designed to provide the student with a clear understanding of basic statistical techniques. Topics include: Descriptive statistics-measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion. Probability-basic rules of probability, joint and marginal probabilities. Statistical modeling - normal and binomial distributions, sampling distributions. Inferential statistics - estimating means and proportions, hypothesis tests, regression and correlation. The assignments in the course are usually applied problems. Computer work is also assigned, however no prior computer course or computer use is required. QR Flag: This course carries the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) flag. QR courses are designed to equip you with skills that are necessary for understanding the types of quantitative arguments you will regularly encounter in your adult and professional life. Therefore, a substantial portion of your grade comes from your use of quantitative skills to analyze real-world problems. Prerequisite and degree relevance: A minimal score of 30% on the ALEKS placement exam is required by the fifth class day; score not required for M 316 course with credit of calculus or precalculus. Students taking the course should have good basic algebra skills. M 316 is an elementary introduction to statistical methods for data analysis; knowledge of calculus is not assumed. Students with a background in calculus are advised to take M 362K plus either M 358K or M 378K instead. This course may not be counted toward the major requirement for the Bachelor of Arts with a major in mathematics or toward the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Only one of the following may be counted: Mathematics 316, Statistics and Scientific Computation 303, 304, 305, 306. REQUIRED TEXT AND OTHER MATERIALS 1. Text: StatsPortal – The Basic Practice of Statistics, 6th edition by David S. Moore. You can buy StatsPortal at the companion website [http://courses.bfwpub.com/bps6e.php. for](http://courses.bfwpub.com/bps6e.php. for)[ ](http://courses.bfwpub.com/bps6e.php. for)$83.99. StatsPortal comes with access to an electronic version of the entire textbook (ebook), with links to applets, tutorials, and additional material (can be printed, but only one page at a time), links to answers on each of the odd-numbered problems, the electronic version of the Study Guide / Solutions Manual, access to the Crunch-It statistical software, various other supplements. StatsPortal is required for this class. Printed version (hard copy) of the text book is not required. If you want a printed version, you can buy it as loose-leaf + StatsPortal access card at the University Coop. It may cost you more than $83.99. 2. iClicker or iClicker2 is required for this class. Purchase at the bookstore and register youriClicker on Blackboard class website. Bring it to every class period. 3. Calculator: You will need a basic, non-graphing, 2-variable statistical calculator (recommended TI-30X IIS or TI-30X IIB) . Be sure you know how to use your calculator by practicing outside class. Always bring your calculator to class as you will need it for work we doin class. When using your calculator, avoid repeated rounding off as this will cause your final result to be incorrect; you should round only at the last step. Using the memory can be helpful and improve accuracy and efficiency. You will be allowed to use this calculator during midtermsand the final

FAQs

What topics are included in M 316 Elementary Statistical Methods?

The course covers descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion), probability rules and joint/marginal probabilities, statistical modeling for normal and binomial distributions, sampling distributions, and inferential statistics including estimation, hypothesis tests, regression, and correlation.

What are the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) expectations for grading?

A substantial portion of the grade is based on using quantitative skills to analyze real-world problems, consistent with the QR flag requirement for the course.

What required materials and tools must students bring or use?

Students need StatsPortal (6th edition) and iClicker (or iClicker2), and they must have a basic non-graphing two-variable statistical calculator (e.g., TI-30X IIS or TI-30X IIB). The handout also notes technology use for interpreting software output on exams.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan