1 Introduction

This is a 100% online, asynchronous course.

The materials will be delivered in a distance learning format (online) through the course website (https://pengdsci.github.io/MAT121W5/). You are expected to check this page frequently during this 5-week summer semester for updates and new course materials.

D2L is used only for weekly exams and the final exam. All weekly topic lists, lecture notes, online practice exercises, and interactive statistics learning apps are available exclusively on the course website, not on D2L.

The course materials are structured in a modular format, with each module focusing on a specific topic or theme. Each module includes a dedicated web page containing a topic list, links to lecture notes (which feature embedded short videos), online practice exercises, and ISLA apps for self-assessment to gauge your understanding. At the end of each week, you will take a weekly exam through D2L covering all topics from that week’s three modules.

2 What Are You Expected to Do Every Week?

You will complete one module each week, which are structured in the right navigation panel on the course webpage (https://pengdsci.github.io/MAT121/). For each module, follow the suggested workflow below:

  • Review the module-specific page to see the list of topics and learning resources.

  • Study the module notes: For each module note, you are expected to

    • study the content to understand the concepts and procedures.
    • watch the embedded short videos in the note to reinforce your understanding.
    • work through the examples (i.e., not simply read the worked out examples ) and check the provided answers.
    • attempt any trial exercises in the lecture notes (if available) and use the appropriate ISLA apps to verify your work.
    • practice additional online exercises linked on the module’s webpage.

  • After completing each module, go to D2L to take the weekly 1uiz, which covers topics from the module.

  • There are four miterm exams and a final exam. Each midterm exam covers previous three modules. You can find detailed information about each midterm exam by clicking the link on the right navigation panel of the course web page.

  • After finish all three modules, go to D2L to complete the weekly exam the covers all topics from the three modules. There are four weekly exams and a final exam. Each exam has standalone web page detailed information about the exams.

  • To find the weekly exam on D2L,

    • Log in to D2L using your WCU login credentials.
    • Click the course icon (shown below) to access the course page.
    • From the Assessments drop-down menu, select Quizzes.
    • Click the link for the appropriate weekly quiz.

3 Some Advice

This is a short and intensive summer course. To enhance your online learning experience and achieve your goals, I offer the following advice:

  • Start early on weekly materials - never wait until the last minute. Procrastination will ruin your progress.

  • Practice (Don’t Just Read) Examples and Online Multiple-Choice Problems:

    Tip: Treat multiple-choice problems as “show-your-work” problems. Solve them step by step, then select the correct answer based on your reasoning. For the online practice exercises, only click the “answer” button after completing your work. Use these online resources wisely and responsibly.

  • Using an Appropriate ISLA (Interactive Statistical Learning App):

    Use ISLA to verify your work and ensure accurate statistical reasoning. If your answers differ from the app’s, carefully review your work to identify mistakes. This method helps debug your thinking and strengthens your understanding.

  • Seeking Help When Needed:

    If you struggle with certain concepts or examples, note them down and reach out to me or the excellent tutors at MLC. Remember: You can succeed regardless of your prior math experience. Challenges are part of learning - don’t hesitate to ask for help from me, tutors, or peers. Never give up!

4 Some Additional Information on Weekly Quizzes and Exams

  • Make-up Exams/Quizzes
    • No Make-up Weekly Quizzes – You have two and a half days to complete the weekly quizzes.
    • No Make-up Exams will be offered unless you provide a university-approved, documented excuse and notify me in advance of the scheduled exam.
  • Additional Information About Weekly Quizzes and Midterm Exams:
    • Each weekly quiz consists of 10–15 multiple-choice questions.
    • Each midterm exam consists of 25–35 multiple-choice questions.
    • Every student will receive a different version of the weekly exam, all of equal difficulty.
    • You are allowed 2 attempts per weekly exam, and only your highest score will be recorded.
    • If you re-attempt the exam, you must restart the entire exam (not just the questions answered incorrectly in the previous attempt).
    • The answer key for the master problem set (the basis for quizzes/exams) will be posted on the course webpage every Monday. Use it to prepare for your final cumulative exam.
    • If your answers differ from the suggested answer key and you cannot identify the issue, seek help immediately. However, if your answer is very close to one of the given choices, select the closest option, as minor differences may result from rounding errors.
  • Additional Information about the Proctored Final Exam
    • The final exam is cumulative, covering all topics discussed during the semester.
    • Unlike the weekly midterm exams, where you could choose your start time, the final exam is scheduled during the final exam week. There is only one available time slot: Tuesday, 12/09/2025 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.


5 Policies, Resources, and Expectations

Course policies and expectations for exams are outlined in the syllabus which is posted on the course web page (link is on the top navigation panel).

I provide comprehensive lecture notes and have developed 17 interactive statistics learning apps specifically for this course. Therefore, you do not need to purchase any additional materials or devices. All you need is a commitment to studying the weekly materials and practicing problems through the online exercises.

5.1 Textbook (Not Required)

Other sections of this course may require the textbook Elementary Statistics by Navidi and Monk (3rd edition). However, this class does not require any textbook. I will provide all necessary material through my lecture notes, which follow the same notational system.

If you would like to keep a copy of the textbook for reference, you are welcome to do so. If you do not need it, you must opt out of the required eBook. Once you receive the email notification, be sure to take action—otherwise, you will be automatically charged for the electronic textbook.

5.2 Interactive Statistics Learning Apps (ISLA)

I have dedicated significant effort to creating a variety of graphics in the lecture notes and eBook to help you visualize the material wherever possible. Additionally, I’ve developed interactive apps ISLA that complement the topics covered in the notes. These apps are organized as standalone sections under the Use of Technology heading to further deepen your understanding of the content.

5.3 Calculators and Technologies

Graphing calculators are not required for this class, as we only use them occasionally for simple calculations. Instead, you should have a basic scientific calculator capable of performing the four basic operations (+, -, ×, ÷) and square roots (\(\sqrt{x}\)).

You can also use the ISLA apps as a statistical calculator—both to verify your manual calculations and to check results in the lecture examples (which is how I use them in class).


6 Components of Course Grade

As outlined in the syllabus, your final course grade will be determined by:

  • Approximately 8 weekly assignments (listed as weekly quizzes on D2L) (25%)

  • Three midterm exams (45% total, each worth 15%)

  • A final exam (20%)

  • Attendance (10%)

Answer keys for each midterm exam will be posted on the course webpage shortly after the exam’s due date.

If necessary, I may adjust midterm and final exam scores based on the class’s overall performance.