SP25 MATH 103 3346

Welcome to Math 103: Statistics 

image.png

"Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship."

"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."

maxresdefault (1).jpg    

Welcome to Spring 2025 

Math 103 transfer to CSU and UC for quantitative reasoning general education credit. 

About the Class

About the Instructor

  • Contact Information
    • Email: Sfirouzian@miracosta.edu
    • Phone: 760-757-2121, Extension 6485
    • Office: CLC 141,
      • MiraCosta Community Learning Center: 1831 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058
    • The best way to reach me is via email. I will do my best to respond within 48 hours.
  • Happy Hours (formerly known as Office Hours)

About the Course Content

Course Description Math103This course introduces the use of probability techniques, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate decision-making. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-square, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis, including the interpretation of the relevance of statistical findings. Students use appropriate statistical techniques to analyze and interpret applications based on data from a broad range of disciplines. The course includes just-in-time support for these topics.

In Math 103 you learn to read and understand statistical information in the world around us, and you will learn to make decisions based on data. When you successfully complete Math 110, you will be able to do the following:
  • Statistical Literacy: Read and critique simple statistics-based studies in order to make an informed judgment about whether the statistical presentation or argument is valid.
  • Data Production: Analyze the design of a study to determine if the conclusions drawn from the study are valid or if the study is biased
  • Data Exploration and Representation: Investigate patterns in data to answer questions and compare data sets to look for a relationship between variables.
  • Modeling and Inference: Test a hypothesis about a population or make an estimate using the methods of statistical inference.
  • The Role of Probability in Inference: Explain how variability and probability are connected to statistical inference.

Course Materials

FREE AI Assistant: 

  • What is NECTIR AI?
    • NECTIR AI is your personal virtual learning assistant, here to support your educational journey. It offers detailed explanations, examples, and insights into course materials to help you succeed.
  • How to Access NECTIR AI
  • How to Use NECTIR AI: Leverage NECTIR AI to:
    • Ask questions and clarify doubts.
    • Dive deeper into course topics.
    • Receive tailored support for your learning needs.
  • A Note on Responsibility
    • While NECTIR AI is a powerful tool, critical thinking is key. Always review its suggestions and verify information to ensure accuracy.
  • Here is the NECTIR AI Student Onboarding:

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes & Core Competencies

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

describe what students should be able to do upon successful completion of Math 103. These are assessed using exams, projects, and other assignments. 

MCC Core Competencies are broad general education outcomes that demonstrate real-world skills. Each CSLO is mapped to at least one core competency – this means you gain experience with these skills in Math 103.
For a given set of problems the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by developing a problem-solving strategy, performing appropriate analysis and computation, and critically assessing the meaning of the conclusion or outcome.
  • Intellectual and Practical Skills
    • Quantitative Literacy 
    • Problem Solving
    • Critical Thinking

About Attendance

In this class, we function as a team –teaching and learning together in small groups that are reorganized from one Module to the next. As a result, we will negatively impact our group-mates' grades if we fail to participate fully in each group discussion on time.

If you have a lot going on outside the school, please talk to me so we can support you in doing well in this course. Less than full participation in this course is extremely disruptive to the online learning model. If

  1. you fail to make any progress for four or more consecutive days(including weekends), or
  2. you do not fully participate in three or more group discussions, or
  3. you fail to attempt three or more Unit Checkpoints,

I will call you first to see how you are doing and if there is anything we can do to help. 

If you participate and work hard in this course, I assure you, you will do great at the end. However, if you quit participating in this class, PLEASE TALK TO ME, you should not assume that I would drop you. Should you choose to drop, ultimately, it is your responsibility to withdraw officially. PLEASE talk to me. The canvas course is designed so you can easily complete modules after modules in order. By participating in the online activities and completing all the required works, you will do great in this course. 

Grading

A vast majority of students in my online statistics course have endorsed the following grading breakdown:

Final Grade Calculation:

  1. Pre-Assessment Surveys: 2.5%
  2. Canvas Quizzes, Discussion Boards, and Labs: 30%
  3. Module & Unit Checkpoints: 30%
  4. Unit Projects: 35% 
  5. Post-Assessment Surveys: 2.5%
  6. Total: 100%

Numerical course grades are rounded to the nearest whole percentage and translated into the following letter grades:

Letter Grade Percentage Range
A 89.5-100%
B 79.5-89.49%
C 69.5-79.49%
D 64.5-69.49%
F 0-64.49%

Grade Components

  1. Completion of Pre-Assessment and Post-Assessment LAAM and CAOS Surveys: Participating in the Learning Attitude About Mathematics (LAAM) survey allows you to express your beliefs regarding learning statistics. Full credit is awarded for answering all questions to the best of your abilities, and this information will aid us in designing more effective math courses. As for The Comprehensive Assessment of Outcomes for Statistics (CAOS) survey, please strive to perform your best in completing this assessment. Full credit is granted for answering all questions, irrespective of their accuracy. We are especially keen on understanding the solutions you would choose.
  2. Canvas Quizzes, Discussion Boards, and Labs: In Canvas, it's important to engage with the course material sequentially. Each page must be completed in order to encourage comprehensive understanding before moving on to graded activities.
    • Reading with Examples: Ensures that students fully engage with the content in the intended order, setting a solid foundation for quizzes and assignments.

    • Did I Get This Quizzes: Frequent, low-stakes quizzes embedded within Canvas modules provide opportunities to assess and reinforce learning. Each quiz can be taken up to three times, with the highest score being counted. This allows students to learn from feedback and improve their understanding.

    • Discussion Boards: Each module includes 0-3 discussion boards where students are randomly assigned to small groups for 1-2 weeks. To earn full credit, students must post their initial responses on time and provide high-quality written feedback to at least two peers before the discussion deadline. Discussions are designed to enhance comprehension and encourage peer-to-peer interaction. 

      • Grading for discussion items is specific:

        • Initial Posts: Students earn 6 points for a good-faith effort in addressing the discussion prompt based on module readings.
        • Peer Feedback: An additional 4 points are awarded for high-quality feedback provided to at least two different students. Feedback must be constructive and relevant to the discussion content. Only the first two feedback providers for each student are credited.
        • Note on Participation: Responses like " ", "*", "Hello", or non-substantive comments will not be credited and receive a grade of zero.
    • Written Lab Assignments: Labs require students to apply what they've learned in practical scenarios, typically completed during designated lab hours. Like quizzes and discussions, labs emphasize the importance of integrity, as submissions are checked for originality. Honest mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, but "blank" or plagiarized answers will receive zero points and could lead to severe academic consequences, as outlined on the MiraCosta Academic Plagiarism Website.

    • Students are encouraged to participate in happy hours, which offer additional support and a chance to delve deeper into course topics, ensuring a thorough understanding and successful course completion.

3. Module & Unit Checkpoints

Checkpoint quizzes are strategically placed at the end of each module and unit in the Canvas platform to assess and reinforce the knowledge acquired. These quizzes are designed as take-home assessments that you can complete online, allowing you the flexibility to engage with the material effectively. To ensure that all students have the opportunity to address any technical issues, each checkpoint allows for three attempts, with only the highest score being counted. Feedback is provided to help improve understanding and performance.

Expect to encounter approximately 20 to 30 Module Checkpoints throughout the course, with a variable number depending on the unit complexity. To support your success and accommodate any unforeseen difficulties, the lowest score from this category will be dropped. This approach encourages continuous improvement and allows for adjustment to the learning curve.

Submissions for these checkpoints are carefully reviewed against previous student submissions and online materials to ensure originality. While honest mistakes are part of the learning process and will not result in point deductions—encouraging robust academic discussions—"blank" or plagiarized answers will receive zero points. As detailed on the MiraCosta Academic Plagiarism Website, the college maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty. Engaging in plagiarism or other forms of cheating can result in receiving an F for the course and potential suspension from the college.

4.Unit Projects

Each unit project is designed to reflect real-world situations, providing a practical application of the concepts learned in this course. To aid your understanding and execution of these projects, I am creating a series of instructional videos. These will offer step-by-step guidance and further insights to help you navigate through each task.

I encourage you to work independently on these projects to fully engage with the material. If you encounter challenges or make errors, you are welcome to resubmit your work without penalty. This approach ensures that learning is prioritized over perfection. We can also discuss any aspects of the projects during happy hours or schedule time to work through them together in our Zoom meetings.

Please ensure that all submissions are your original work. Submissions are routinely checked against previous student work and online sources to ensure integrity. Making honest mistakes will not cost you points and will serve as a learning opportunity; however, providing "blank" responses or copying from external sources like Course Hero or Chegg will result in a score of zero. According to the MiraCosta Academic Plagiarism Website, the college has a zero-tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty. Engaging in such activities can have serious consequences, including receiving an 'F' in the course and potential suspension from the college.

MiraCosta Grading Symbols

https://catalog.miracosta.edu/academicpolicies/grades 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Scanning and Submitting Works on Canvas

We need to submit our homework, quizzes, and exams via Canvas. The following instruction will show you how to use iPhones or Android to scan and submit works on Canvas

image.png

image.png

     

Videos
Photo to PDF - Android Photo to PDF - APPLE
https://youtu.be/HsSl2VcU6F0  https://youtu.be/16qGirDiTkE 
https://youtu.be/tkm4qswhEFc  https://youtu.be/lpjFqpVlnPM 

------------------------------------------------------------

PRIVACY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND CLASS MATERIALS

As a faculty member, I own the copyright to my academic works (lecture notes, videos, quizzes, exams, and other course materials). Please use the course materials in a manner that is fair and honest. Do not share course materials with anyone who is not enrolled in this class. Do not post course materials to any website other than our Canvas course site. 

All students have privacy rights. Please do not share classmates' contributions with anyone not enrolled in our course. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Important Dates for Spring 2025

Date(s) Description
November 4 SURF enrollment for spring begins
January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (college closed)
January 21 First day of spring semester classes
February 14 & 17 Lincoln's & Washington's Birthday observed (college closed)
February 24 Deadline to file a petition for degree/certificate for spring
Deadline to file a petition for Credit by Exam
March 17-22 Spring break
March 20 & 21 College closed
May 20-23 Final examinations
May 23 End of spring semester
May 23 Commencement
May 26 Memorial Day (college closed)

Free Student Services and Resources

The Learning Centers

The Learning Centers (formerly known as math learning center, STEM learning center, or writing center) is open to all math students at MiraCosta College and provides free tutoring (both drop-in and scheduled appointments) in Mathematics. For all hours, appointment availability, and other information, please check out the MLC website: www.miracosta.edu/tlc 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Disability Accommodations

If we have a disability, IEP, 504 Plan or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, We are encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS). The SAS office can be reached at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu. The SAS office will help us determine what accommodations are available for you. If you’re requesting my assistance utilizing any authorized accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.

----------------------------------------------------------

Accessibility Statement

I have made every attempt to ensure this course is accessible for all students. If you encounter any accessibility-related difficulties with required or optional course materials, please contact me as soon as possible so that we can investigate the matter further and provide equally effective alternatives, if needed.

----------------------------------------------------------

Basic Needs

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, mental health, or other personal and academic challenges; our Campus Assessment, Resources, and Education (CARE) program is here to support you with finding resources on- and off- campus to meet those
basic needs. Please visit www.miracosta.edu/CARE or contact care@miracosta.edu for further support, resources, or information. For additional available resources, please review the CARE Resource Guide for Basic Needs linked on their website. 

To learn more about the services offered, please visit www.miracosta.edu/student-services/care and check out the CARE Resource Guide for Basic Needs. As your professor, I want to know how to support you in the best way possible. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about CARE and I can connect you with our amazing CARE team via the CARE Referral.

----------------------------------------------------------

LGBTQIA+ Resources

MiraCosta College is committed to providing a strong, supportive and inclusive environment where difference is valued, respected, encouraged, and honored. To this end, MiraCosta provides various services and resources to support LGBTQIA+ students and employees, including educational trainings, scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students and their active allies, the SPHERE Program, and the Out@MiraCosta online directory. Visit the MiraCosta College LGBTQIA+ Equity web page https://www.miracosta.edu/student-services/studentequity/lgbtqia/index.html  to learn more about LGBTQIA+ equity efforts, to view contact information for LGBTQIA+ student services specialists, or to speak with someone about an incident of bias.

----------------------------------------------------------

Veteran Services

The Veterans Education Office, located in Building 3300, provides
assistance to veterans and dependents wishing to use their educational benefits at MiraCosta College.

The Veterans Information Center, located in Building T-100, provides a place for students to find resources on VA educational benefits, MiraCosta Student Services, and community organizations that are dedicated to assisting veterans. The center also provides a place for students to relax, study, and meet with friends. The Veteran Peer Advisors are also available. Resources are available on a variety of issues, including employment, counseling, housing, and healthcare.
Oceanside Campus Veteran Services
3300 Building: P 760.757.2121 x6285
T100 Building: P 760.757.2121 x6981 

----------------------------------------------------------

Counseling Services

The Counseling Center offers individualized academic, career, and
personal counseling to assist both prospective and current students in developing their educational programs, coordinating their career and academic goals, and understanding graduation, major, certificate, and transfer requirements. Students can use online resources here Counseling Services

----------------------------------------------------------

Health Services

As a student in these challenging times, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. Please know that MiraCosta College Health Services offers personal counseling sessions. For a session, call 760-795-6675 or visit the Health Services website. There is no additional fee for these sessions for credit students, and the content of the sessions is confidential. 

----------------------------------------------------------

Mental Health Counseling Resources

As a student, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. If you or someone you know is having difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing, or transportation, or experiencing other personal and academic challenges, MiraCosta's CARE Team is here to provide support and/ or help you get connected to appropriate resources.

You may fill out a CARE referral form to request assistance, or schedule free mental health counseling sessions at Health Services or by calling 760-795-6675. For after hours crisis management, you may call 1-888-724-7240. As a faculty member, I also may refer students about whom I am concerned to the CARE Team. This is part of who we are as a caring, proactive community where we all look out for one another.

----------------------------------------------------------

Academic and Career Pathways

Academic and Career Pathways (ACPs) are collections of majors with related courses that fit within a career area. ACPs help guide you toward fulfilling careers through academic programs and integrated experiences
and support services. You can narrow down your choice of major and begin developing an educational plan that leads to degree or certificate completion or transfer. You will also join a community of diverse individuals
working toward similar academic and career goals. For more information, please visit the ACP webpage https://www.miracosta.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/index.html  

image.png

https://catalog.miracosta.edu/pathways

----------------------------------------------------------

Internet Access and Harassment

This class is conducted in a computer classroom, where computers are connected to the Internet at all times, and have the ability to connect to a variety of peripheral devices. MiraCosta College supports academic freedom, and consequently, there are no filters or other controls placed upon access to electronic content, either on the Internet or otherwise. While every effort is made to keep students on task while in this class, it is impossible to monitor every computer at all times. If you should find yourself subjected to offensive content, either sexual or otherwise, you should inform me of this situation at the first opportunity.

Cheating Policy and Classroom Behavior

Please talk to me, please ask me and I give you the solutions, you don't need outside sources. A student found in violation may receive a failing grade on that assignment, and will have this infraction reported to the college. MiraCosta do not tolerate academic dishonestly in any form.  MiraCosta College requires reporting of ALL instances of academic dishonestly as Academic Integrity Violations. These include:

  • Looking at another person’s exam during a testing situation.
  • Bringing in and using notes or supplemental materials on quizzes and exams when none are allowed.
  • Allowing another student to copy your work and submit it. 

MiraCosta CARE

MiraCosta College embraces a holistic and seamless approach to student learning and success. It is our goal to support our students as they face personal and academic barriers, which may hinder their ability to achieve their educational goals. As you know, we have a diverse student body that benefits from various support services. Through our programs and services, we will demonstrate that we are committed to their success by creating a culture of care and support. Our culture of care and support will consist of: 

  • Ensuring that all students feel like they matter and belong at MiraCosta College;
  • Identifying students who are struggling personally or academically at the earliest point possible;
  • Connecting students to on and off-campus resources supports their short and long-term needs.

If you have a concern about an individual's well-being and would like the CARE Team to connect, please complete and submit a CARE Referral Form

----------------------------------------------------------

FREE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Student Support Guide:   

https://miracosta.edu/student-services/  

 

image.png



 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due