Instruction team
Name Email Office hours
Fan Bu (Instructor) fan.bu1@duke.edu Wed & Fri 7-8pm, or by appointment
Rick Presman (TA) rick.presman@duke.edu Mon 3-5pm, Tue & Thu 8:15-9:15pm
Ben Wallace (TA) ben.wallace@duke.edu Mon 7-9pm
Megan Liu (TA) megan.liu@duke.edu Tue & Thu 2-3pm
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NOTE: office hours are held on Zoom (link on Sakai)
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to
Demonstrate understanding of common sampling strategies and experiment design methods, identify potential limitations in data collection methods and other sources of statistical bias, and determine how they affect the scope of inference.
Possess beginner-level experience with statistical software (e.g., R) to summarize data numerically and visually, and to conduct data analysis.
Conduct statistical inference and hypothesis testing on proportions and comparing sample means.
Apply estimation and testing methods to analyze single variables or the relationship between two variables, in order to investigate natural phenomena and make data-based decisions.
Model numerical response variables using a single explanatory variable or multiple explanatory variables in order to study relationships between variables.
Communicate modeling results correctly, effectively, in context and in a manner that is understandable to non-technical audiences.
Critique data-based claims and evaluate data-based decisions.
Carry out research projects using data collection and statistical analysis methods covered in class.
Class materials & Resources
Textbook: OpenIntro Statistics, 4th Ed. Available for free download here.
Handouts: Lecture slides, labs files, and application exercises will be uploaded to the Resources folder on Sakai (click here).
R & RStudio: You may install R and RStudio locally if you like, but Duke provides an easily accessible, ready-to-go RStudio container here.
Grading policy
Your final grade will consist of the following components:
5% Participation on discussion forum
15% Labs (working in groups)
15% Problem sets (individual)
20% Mid-term exam (online test on Sakai)
20% Final exam (online test on Sakai)
25% Data analysis project (working in groups)
Lowest grades of labs and problem sets will be dropped.
Grades may be curved at the end of the semester. Cumulative numerical averages of 90 - 100 are guaranteed at least an A-, 80 - 89 at least a B-, and 70 - 79 at least a C-, however the exact ranges for letter grades will be determined after the final exam. The more evidence there is that the class has mastered the material, the more generous the curve will be.
Late work, make-ups and regrading
Late submission policy on lab reports and problem sets:
Late for < 24 hrs: lose 50% points
Late for > 24 hrs: lose all credit
late submission policy for the project report:
30% off for each day late
Mid-term and final exams shouldn't be missed if you can make it. (Timeframe is flexible, so you should have enough time to finish the tests.)
If you have to miss the mid-term due to personal emergencies or health reasons, the final exam grade will take up 40% of your full grade; in this case, you have to submit a form of incapacitation and we will follow the policy of the Trinity college (refer to this page for guidance)
Absence from the final exam will be handled according to Trinity College's policy (see here)
Regrade requests must be made on Gradescope within 3 days of grade return
Inquiries
Questions about course content (lectures, labs, problem sets, application exercises, project and exams) should be posted on the discussion forum, Ed Discussion.
Questions on personal issues or individual requests shall be sent to the instruction team via email.
Diversity & Inclusiveness
The Duke University Community Commitment states: “Because diversity is essential to fulfilling the university’s mission, Duke is committed to building an inclusive and diverse university community. Every student, faculty, and staff member —whatever their race, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage or nationality; religious or political beliefs; sexual orientation or gender identity; or socioeconomic, veteran or ability status—has the right to inclusion, respect, agency and voice in the Duke community. Further, all members of the University community have a responsibility to uphold these values and actively foster full participation in university life.”
It is our goal for our learning environment to facilitate learning and intellectual development for everyone. To help accomplish this:
If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official Duke records, please let me know.
We are constantly learning more about diverse perspectives and identities. If something occurred in class that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it.
Disabilities & Learning Accommodations
We welcome all students and are glad to make accommodations when necessary. Students who require special accommodations in class or during exams shall contact the instructor to express their needs and the instruction team will work with the students to address any difficulties or challenges. They should also follow the procedures outlined by the Disability Management Program (https://access.duke.edu/students). Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Student Disability Access Office at (919) 668-1267 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations can be made.
Academic Integrity
Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and nonacademic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.
Remember the Duke Community Standard that you have agreed to abide by:
To uphold the Duke Community Standard:
I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
I will act if the Standard is compromised.
Cheating or plagiarism on assignments, lying about an illness or absence and other forms of academic dishonesty are a breach of trust with classmates and faculty, violate the Duke Community Standard, and will not be tolerated. Such incidences will result in a 0 grade. Additionally, there may be penalties to your final class grade along with being reported to the Undergraduate Conduct Board (undergraduates) or relevant Director of Graduate Studies (graduate students).
The Duke Compact
We uphold the Duke Compact. In this challenging time, we are individually and collectively responsible for the health and safety of our fellow students, faculty, staff, families and neighbors.
You are expected to comply with requirements from Duke University, and state and local authorities. Please refer to this page for the Duke Compact and details of these requirements.