Statistical Inference I
is an entry level course in basic probability and mathematical statistics. “Entry level” means that it can be taken as a
first course in statistical inference. It
does not assume that one has taken statistics or probability before.
The course is oriented towards applications of statistics in
the natural and social sciences and it is mathematical. A primary goal is to develop an understanding
of the mathematical foundation of statistics.
In fact, it is the emphasis on mathematical ideas that distinguishes
this course from other entry level statistics courses at Brown. At the same time, the course strives to keep
a focus on applications of statistics.
And the only prerequisite is one year of college-level calculus.
Statistical
Inference I is the starting point of paths that lead to other courses
at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate level such as: information
theory, operations research,
Catalog Description: APMA 1650 begins an integrated first course in
mathematical statistics. The first half of APMA 1650 covers probability and the
last half is statistics, integrated with its probabilistic foundation. Specific
topics include probability spaces, discrete and continuous random variables,
methods for parameter estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: One year of calculus (i.e.,
MATH 0100 or MATH 0170 or MATH 0180 or MATH 0190 or MATH 0200 or MATH 0350).
Text: Mathematical Statistics with Applications (Seventh Edition), Wackerly, Mendenhall
& Scheaffer,
(This summer I emailed the following message to students
registered for the course:
This is an expensive book. The list price is $176.95 and since it is a
very recent, there are not very many used copies in existence.
However, there are very few
changes from the Sixth to the Seventh Edition.
And there are lots of used copies of the Sixth Edition available. (Amazon lists many copies for around $20.)
So my plan is to teach the course
in such a way that students can use either the Sixth or Seventh Edition. This takes some work with regard to designing
and posting problem assignments, but it will make it possible for students to
spend their money on [things other than] statistics books.)
Detailed
Outline: Click here for a Detailed
Outline of the course.