Geography 3023 Fall 2009
Statistics for Earth Sciences
Lectures: MWF 11:00am – 11:50pm, EDUC 231
Lab: F 9-10:50pm, Guggenheim 6 (KESDA)
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Instructor: Frank Witmer Guggenheim 201h frank.witmer@colorado.edu OH: W 9:30-10:30am and noon-1pm (or by appt.) |
Teaching Assistant: Bryan Jones Guggenheim 310 bryan.jones@colorado.edu OH: W 4-5pm in KESDA (or by appt.) |
Web Page: http://www.colorado.edu/geography/class_homepages/geog_3023_f09
Overview: This course focuses on introductory statistical methods relevant to geographers and the earth sciences. The lecture portion of the course focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of the statistics while the lab portion provides the opportunity for students to apply the lecture concepts and techniques. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand introductory statistical concepts including descriptive and inferential methods and be comfortable using computer software to perform statistical analyses.
Prerequisites: High school algebra.
Lectures: The lecture portion of the class will present the statistical concepts that form the foundation for lab assignments. Lectures are intended to be an interactive experience, so please do not hesitate to ask a question or make a comment. The more you engage the material, the better you will learn it. You do not need to bring a calculator to every lecture, but be sure you have access to one (non-cellphone) for the exams.
You may not use computers or cell phones during lecture.
Required Texts:
Burt, J., G. Barber and D. Rigby (2008). Elementary Statistics for Geographers, 3rd Ed. Guilford Press, NY.
Readings must be completed prior to the lecture on the day they are assigned (generally Monday of each week, though this may shift). Unless you already have some statistics experience, the concepts in this class will be challenging to you. I highly recommend you read assigned chapters 2 times; once before the assigned lecture and again afterward. To encourage your reading, there are 4 chapter reading assignments required throughout the semester. See the course website for additional instructions.
Student Evaluation: Grades are assigned on the basis of:
3 exams: 60%
4 reading assignments: 5%
Lab assignments: 35%
Labs: The lab portion of the course meets Friday morning in the KESDA computer lab in the basement of Guggenheim. Labs will use Microsoft Excel and PASW (formerly SPSS) software. Lab assignments are due at the beginning of the lab session when the new lab is started. Late lab (& reading) assignments up to 1 week late will be downgraded 20%, 100% thereafter. Labs submitted during or after the new lab are subject to the 20% late penalty. Students must complete all lab assignments to receive a passing grade, even if they are submitted too late to receive any points. No incompletes will be given for the course. You will need a portable thumb drive to manage your files throughout the semester. You may also use CU’s webfiles system at https://webfiles.colorado.edu/.
No assignments may be submitted via email.
Honor Code and Plagiarism:
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/
Disability Accommodations:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and
http://ww.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices
Religious Observances:
Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Please notify me during the first 2 weeks of class if you require such accommodation. See full details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Learning Environment:
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. See policies at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html
and at http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Discrimination & Harassment:
The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh
