DSC/CSC/STT 262: Computational Introduction to Statistics (CRN: 89927)

Fall 2018
4.0 Credits
TR 2:00-3:15pm
Wegmans Hall 1400

Instructor: Joseph T. Ciminelli, Ph.D.

Statistics Program
Hylan 708
University of Rochester
joseph.ciminelli@rochester.edu
585-276-3973
Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:30-1:30pm, Wednesdays 10am-12pm, Thursdays 9-10:30am
By appointment
Prerequisites: MTH 150 or MTH 150A and MTH 142 or MTH 161 or MTH 171
Teaching Assistant: Xuejian Ye (xye6@ur.rochester.edu), Kelly He (yhe29@u.rochester.edu),
Gazi Naven (gnaven@u.rochester.edu), Shuaidong Pan (span11@u.rochester.edu)
Course Description
This course will cover foundational concepts in probability and statistical inference, with an emphasis on
topics of interest to computer scientists. Following an introduction to data summarization and
relationships between variables, focus will be placed on elementary probability theory, applications of
combinatorics, and properties of random variables. The theory of statistical estimation and hypothesis
testing will be introduced, and applied to one and two sample inference for population means,
proportions, variances and correlations. Nonparametric procedures will be discussed. Topics also include
statistical modeling (ANOVA, simple and multiple regression), computational methods, and Markov
chains. Students will be introduced to the R statistical computing environment.
Course Aims and Objectives
This course aims to provide students with basic statistical competencies, focusing on theory, application,
and computational methods for analyzing data. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Appropriately summarize and display data
• Describe relationships between multiple variables
• Apply probability axioms to random variables
• Determine and apply the appropriate statistical test for a hypothesis
• Build and interpret regression models
• Analyze data using R, both through built-in and custom functions
• Compile results into cohesive reports.
Course Policies and Expectations
It is expected that students come to class with an open mind for learning statistics. Statistics should be
learned in an environment that mirrors how it will be used in application: in a collaborative manner. Thus,
I will promote discussion of what we are learning in class. Students are highly encouraged to participate
in class by asking questions, noting confusions, and providing examples from their other courses. While
this class is setup to have traditional lectures, it is expected that those lectures are forums for discussion
between students and the instructor. For this reason, attendance is important. While I understand other
obligations may arise that preclude you from making a class, please make every effort to attend class.

Computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices are permitted in class, only if these electronic devices
are being used for class-related work. Please silence all electronic devices. If you have to take a phone
call, please step outside the classroom. Students are highly encouraged to bring a laptop with them to
class to follow along with R coding.

Materials and Access

There is no required text for this course. Course notes and assignments will be placed on Blackboard.
Two reference textbooks that are recommended:
1) Probability and Statistics for Computer Science. D. Forsyth. ISBN: 9783319644097
2) An Introduction to R. William N. Venables, David M. Smith. 
Available at
https://cran.r­project.org/doc/manuals/r­release/R­intro.pdf

A calculator is required. You may use any type of calculator (basic, scientific, or graphing) as long as it
has basic functions, including the square root function and the mathematical constant, e.
R and RStudio will be required for this course. Both are available online for free. Visit the course
webpage on Blackboard for download links. We will be using RMarkdown for homework assignments.

Assignments and Grading Procedures

You will be responsible for homework assignments (approximately 6-8 assignments total), two non-
cumulative exams, a final exam, and in-class participation.
Homework will generally be assigned on a biweekly basis and will be due at the beginning of class on the
specified due date. All due dates will be clearly written on each assignment. Late work will not be
accepted unless arrangements are made well in advance or in extenuating circumstances with valid
documentation. Statistics is a collaborative field, and you are encouraged to discuss with other students,
but you are responsible for your own assignment. The work you submit must be your own. If you discuss
the assignment with other students, please indicate who on your submitted assignment, and make sure that
the completed assignment you turn in is in fact your work and unique to you.
There will be no make-up exams unless in extenuating circumstances with valid documentation. Please
refer to the course schedule below for dates of exams. Plan accordingly for end of semester travel.
Periodically, there will be in-class quizzes that will count toward your participation grade. If you do not
attend class, you will not be able to take the quizzes. I will allow students to miss two in-class quizzes
without being penalized.
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
Homework: 30%
Exam 1: 20%
Exam 2: 20%
Final Exam: 25%
Participation: 5%
Based on your final grade, letter grades will be determined as follows:
A: 93-100, A-: 90-92, B+: 87-89, B: 83-86, B-: 80-82, C+: 77-79, C: 73-76, C-: 70-72, D: 65-69, E: 0-64

Academic Integrity
All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the
University of Rocehster’s Academic Honesty Policy. More information is available at
http://www.rochester.edu/college/honesty


Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a documented disability must
contact the Disability Resource Coordinator for the school in which they are enrolled:
http://www.rochester.edu/eoc/DisabilityCoordinators.html

Course Schedule
Below is a tentative course schedule. This is subject to change based on specific class interests and needs.
Date Topics to be Covered
8/30 Introduction to R
9/4 Descriptive statistics
9/6 Descriptive statistics
9/11 Relationships between variables
9/13 Relationships between variables
9/18 Probability
9/20 Probability
9/25 Probability
9/27 Random variables
10/2 Random variables
10/4 Random variables
10/9 Exam 1
10/11 Inference for one sample
10/16 Fall Break
10/18 Inference for one sample
10/23 Inference for two samples
10/25 Inference for two samples
10/30 Inference for proportions
11/1 Inference for variances
11/6 Chi-square tests
11/8 Nonparametric inference
11/13 Nonparametric inference
11/15 Exam 2
11/20 Thanksgiving Break (No Class)
11/22 Thanksgiving Break (No Class)
11/27 ANOVA
11/29 Regression
12/4 Regression
12/6 Stochastic processes
12/11 Stochastic processes
12/19 Final exam at 12:30pm, room TBD


Calculating Your Final Grade:

Enter all grades as a percent out of 100

Homework: 30%

HW1: _____
HW2: _____
HW3: _____
HW4: _____
HW5: _____
HW6: _____
HW7: _____
HW8: _____

a
Average homework grade: ______ * 0.30 =


Exams 1: 20%

b
Exam 1 grade: ______ * 0.20 =




Exam 2: 20%
c
Exam 2 grade: ______*0.20 =



Final Exam: 25%
d
Final Exam grade: ______*0.25 =




Participation: 5% e

Participation grade: ______ * 0.05 = Final Grade


Total Grade:
Sum boxes a-e to get final grade.

a b c d e
+ + + + =

Determine your letter grade:


A: 93-100, A-: 90-92, B+: 87-89, B: 83-86, B-: 80-82, C+: 77-79, C: 73-76, C-: 70-72, D: 65-69, E: 0-64