Download Math 320 Redesign Proposal - Department of Mathematics

The Department has approved a curriculum change centered on Math 320. Course
offerings for spring 2007 and summer 2007 are unaffected. The proposal goes into effect
in fall 2007.
1) There will be no more Math 320. Instead,
a) A new course, Math 2200 will be created with the same name, course
description, and prerequisites as the old Math 320.
Math 2200 Elementary Probability and Statistics An elementary introduction
to probability and statistics. Discrete and continuous random variables, mean
and variance, hypothesis testing and confidence limits, nonparametric
methods, Student’s t, analysis of variance, regression and contingency tables.
Graphing calculator with statistical distribution functions (such as the TI-83)
is required. Prerequisite: Math 131. Credit 3 units.
b) and, a new course will be created, L24 Math 3200. A rough draft of the
description reads:
Math 3200 Elementary and Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis An
introduction to probability and statistics. Discrete and continuous random
variables, mean and variance, hypothesis testing and confidence limits,
Bayesian inference, nonparametric methods, Student´s t, contingency tables,
multifactor analysis of variance, fixed effects, random effects, and mixed
models, multiple regression, maximum likelihood, and logistic regression.
Graphing calculator with Z, t, chi-square and F distribution functions (such
as the TI-83) is required. Calculus and the SAS software package are both
used in an essential way. Prerequisite: Math 233 or permission of the
instructor.
Textbook for Fall 2007: Statistics and Data Analysis from Elementary to
Intermediate, Tamhane and Dunlop
It’s possible that there will be minor changes in the title or course description
(possibly changing a few of the topics mentioned into “possible topics, as time
permits”).
Many of the topics for the new 3200 are the same as those in the new 2200, but
there are additional topics as well. And Math 3200 will be taught at a higher level
than the current 320. (Prereq: 233 or permission)
4) As a “200-level” course, Math 2200 will no longer count as an upper level course
in a mathematics major/minor. Math 320 will be replaced by Math 3200 in the
major/minor requirements. (Of course, students who already have the old 320, or its
equivalent, can count it.)
5) Students who want to officially “retake” Math 320 will be allowed to do so by
taking Math 2200: this has been approved by the College Office since 2200 really is
the old 320 with just a new number. Of course, we would also allow students to
“retake” 320 by taking the new, harder 3200 (if they have the Math 233 prerequisite).
6) We currently offer 3 sections of Math 320 in the fall semester, and two in the
spring. One of the fall semester sections is already highlighted as a “special” section
that introduces SAS and has stronger prerequisites.
Beginning with fall 2007, we will offer 2 sections of Math 2200 and 1 section of
Math 3200 in the fall. We hope to offer the same “2 and 1” combo in spring 2008
but that’s not yet guaranteed: if we can’t, then in spring 2008 there would be one
section each of 2200 and 3200.
After the initial “pilot” year 2007-2008, we’ll perhaps re-evaluate the number of
sections needed for each course each semester.
7) We intend that Math 3200 be taught by a statistician. (This is sometimes
true/sometimes not of the current 320.)
8) The WU Summer School offerings, after summer 2007, will probably have only
Math 2200 (replacing the current offering of Math 320 in Summer School).
It will probably be more difficult than it is now to find an equivalent for the new
3200 at another university—especially in the summer.
We hope that the new 3200 will be more challenging and interesting, as a 300-level math
course, to student majors and minors and also to students from other departments who are
mathematically strong and have a serious interest in the subject. We expect that Math
2200 will continue to serve, at the same level, the majority of the students who currently
take Math 320.
There are probably some details to work out that we haven’t thought of yet, and there are
probably questions I can’t answer yet. But if you have any questions that need an answer
soon, please send me a message.
Thanks.
Professor Ron Freiwald
Director of UG Studies
Department of Mathematics
November 29, 2006