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/STA200/). 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 and lecture notes 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. 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 three modules each week, which are structured in the right navigation panel on the course webpage (https://pengdsci.github.io/STA200/). For each module,

  • 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 (if available) 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.

  • Practice all R commands (code) provided in the module note.

  • After completing all modules, go to D2L to take the weekly exam, which covers topics from all modules. There are four weekly exams and a final exam.

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

  • 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. Treat multiple-choice problems as “show-your-work” problems. Solve them step by step, then select the correct answer based on your reasoning.

  • Seeking Help When Needed: If you struggle with certain concepts or examples, write them down and reach out to me as early as possible. Remember: You can succeed regardless of your prior math experience. Challenges are part of learning - don’t hesitate to ask for help from me or your peers. Never give up!

4 Some Additional Information on Exams

No Make-up Weekly Exams – You have two and a half days to complete the exams. I will post the solutions on the corresponding exam-specific web pages.

  • Additional Information About Weekly Midterm Exams:
    • Each weekly exam contains about 30 multiple-choice questions. There are no show-your-work problems.
    • Every student will receive a different version of the weekly exam, all with the same level of difficulty.
    • You are allowed three attempts per weekly exam, and your highest score will be recorded.
    • If you reattempt the exam, you must restart the entire exam (not just the questions answered incorrectly on previous attempts).
    • The answer key for the master problem set, which the quiz is based on, will be posted on the course webpage every Monday. You can use it to practice and prepare for your final cumulative exam.
    • If your answers differ from the suggested answer key and you cannot identify the issue, please reach out for help as soon as possible. However, if your answer is very close to one of the given choices, please select the closest option, as any slight difference may be due to rounding errors.
    • Your weekly exams are timed (see the exam-specific web pages for more details), although you can choose a convenient time to start with. You may use any available resources while working on the assignments.
  • Additional Information about the Final Exam
    • The final exam is cumulative, covering all topics discussed during the 5-week semester.
    • Unlike the weekly midterm exams, where you could choose your start time, the final exam is scheduled for August 3 (Sunday) from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This is the only available slot - all students must take the exam at the same time.


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 with commented R code. All you need is a commitment to studying the weekly materials and practicing R code used in the lecture notes.

5.1 Textbook (Not Required)

No textbook is required for this class.

5.2 Calculators and Technologies

Graphing calculators are not required for this class, you can use R as a super graphing calculator


6 Components of Course Grade

As outlined in the syllabus, your final course grade will be determined by four weekly midterm exams and the final exam, each worth 20%.

There will be no make-up exams. If you miss a midterm for a legitimate reason, I will use your raw score on the final exam to replace one and only one of the missed midterm grades.

The answer key for each midterm will be posted on the course webpage shortly after the exam due date.

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