Please read this page carefully. You will be responsible for all the information given here, and for any modifications to it that may be announced in class. Any such modifications will be made on the course webpage.
Text: The textbook for this course is An Introduction to Mathematical Statistics and its Applications, (4th edition), by Richard J. Larsen and Morris L. Marx.
Instructor: Kimball Martin
| Office: | 924 Physical Sciences Center |
| Phone: | 325-3537 |
| Email: | kmartin@math.ou.edu |
| Office hours: | Mon 10:30-12:00, 14:30-15:00; or by appointment |
| Course webpage: | http://www.math.ou.edu/~kmartin/linalg/ |
| Grader: | Kesong Cheng |
Class Participation: Class participation (e.g., asking questions) is highly encouraged. It is not only helpful for you and other students, but it also helps me understand what you are thinking and makes class more enjoyable. If you feel uncomfortable asking questions in class, you are especially encourage to come to office hours. Attendance is not taken, except for the first two classes. However, there may be material in the course not found in the text.
Office Hours:You are encouraged to come to office hours to ask questions and discuss the course. This is also a good way for me to receive feedback on the course. You are also welcome to make impromptu visits outside of office hours, though I may be busy or away. If it is a premeditated affair, you can make an appointment with me.
Homework:
Homework is, in my opinion, the most important part of the course. Homework is where you really learn the material. You should expect written homework every week, usually due each Wednesday at the start of class, and you should
plan to spend roughly 6 hours each week on work out of class. Each homework
assignment will be posted on the course website, typically by the end of the
day the Wednesday before it is due.
Each homework assignment will contain up to 4 sections:
1) Reading assignment.
2) Conceptual questions: These are to see if you understand what is going on, and I encourage you to think about them, and ask if you don’t know the answer. While they are not to be turned in, they (or similar questions) may appear
on the exams.
3) Written assignment: This is what you are expected to turn in on paper and
is graded.
4) Bonus questions: These will typically be more challenging questions (though not necessarily) you can submit with the written assignment for bonus points (see “Grades” for what this means). (One mostly correct solution to a bonus question = one bonus point)
The homework policies are the following. Turning in an assignment means that, to the best of your knowledge and ability, you honestly abided by the following. Unless stated otherwise for a specific problem, you may not use calculators, computers (including the web), other texts or the solutions manuals to find the answers; however you are allowed to use them to check your answers. Collaboration is allowed, and even encouraged, though you should earnestly try to solve each problem on your own before learning from someone else. However, you are to write up (not copy) your solutions by yourself, in your own words. Late homework is not accepted.
Examinations: There will be two in-class exams and a final during the final examination period. The in-class examinations will be on September 28 (Exam 1) and November 11 (Exam 2). The final exam is Friday December 15 from 8:00-10:00 am. Topics covered on the exam will be posted on the course website. You may not use notes, texts, calculators, computers or other references during the exams. Make-up exams are not given except in extenuating circumstances.
Grades:
It is always better to focus on learning the material and understanding the homework than to worry about grades. If you do this, and put forth a sincere effort in the class, your grade should not be an issue. This course is meant to be challenging and educational, but not stressful. If you ever find yourself worried about your grade or how you are doing in the course, please come see me. Please don’t wait until the end of the term to do this.
The grades will be computed as follows. A raw score is computed for you, which is
30% Homework
10% Exam 1
20% Exam 2
40% Final
Preliminary letter grades will be assigned to raw numeric scores.
The scores for letter grades will be determined at the end of the semester
depending upon the distribution of the numerical grades. For instance,
an A might be 90-100 or 86-100. However, the lower cut off for an A will never
be above 90% (similarly, and 80% will be at least a B, and 70% will be at least a C). (I.e., I will likely "curve up" a little bit, but never "curve down.")
Then I may adjust your final letter grade individually for such things as
bonus points,
attendance/participation, consistently good homeworks, or improvement throughout
the term. To get an idea of where you stand, shadow grades will be given
after the first and second midterm.
Withdrawal Policy: Until Sep 2, you may drop the course without any record on your transcript. From Sep 6 to Oct 28 (Sep 30 for graduate students), you may withdraw and receive a “W” grade, regardless of your performance to date. From Oct 31 (Oct 3 for graduate students) to Dec 9, you must receive permission from both the Dean and me if you wish to drop the course. You may receive a “W” if you then have a passing grade in the course.
Grade of Incomplete: The grade of “I” is a special-purpose grade given when a specific task needs to be completed to finish the coursework. This is typically a term paper or other special assignment, so rarely makes sense in a mathematics course. An “I” cannot be given to avoid receiving a low grade.
Academic Misconduct: If cases of academic misconduct arise, they will be dealt with according to (rather strict) University policies. Remember that you responsible for knowing and adhering to the University guidelines for academic integrity:
as well as the student code:
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that may interfere with the demonstration of your abilities, please contact me as soon as possible to arrange accomodations necessary to ensure your full participation in the course. You should also contact the Office of Disability Services, Goddard Health Center, Suite 166 (325-3852 or TDD 325 4173).
Final Remark: Bear in mind that the course polices are put in place for solely your benefit. Please to not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions about these policies.