Welcome to the official homepage for
Stats 110A, Lect. 1
Prof. Robert Gould





The purpose of this course is  to learn the basics of analyzing data.

This course is the first in a two-part sequence that teaches the basics of Statistics.  During the first quarter, we examine some fundamental  concepts: variation, valid comparisons, inference.  We will emphasize techniques to discover patterns in data and to communicate patterns in data.  Inescapably, we will find that some mathematical (probabilistic) models can assist us, although they are not always necessary.

Basic Course Info

Text: Statistics and Data Analysis: from Elementary to Intermediate, Ajit C. Tamhane and Dorothy Dunlop, unpublished manuscript, Prentice Hall.  Also called Prentice Hall Pilot Material for UCLA Stat 154A & B.

Software: Arc and Xlispstat (Arc contains Xlispstat, so you only need Arc and you get Xlispstat as an added bonus.)
    Getting Started (also Lab 1, Due Friday, April 9)
   Download Software for Mac.
    Download software for PC.

Outline
Sections Covered in the Book so far, with a brief look into the future
Tests
Where to go for help.

Day-to-day Stuff

Announcements
Homework
Labs (Software and Computer Information)
Datasets

Grading and Other Important Stuff

Grading

There are two schemes available.  You don't have to choose, I'll choose the one that gives you the highest score:
1) Homework (10%), Quizzes (25%), Midterm (25%), Final (40%)
2) Homework (10%), Quizzes(20%), Midterm  (20%)  Final (50%)
Your grade will be determined relative to the other students in the class, which means I can't tell you ahead of time what it is.  Once a final score is calculated, the median score will be worth a grade of a B.

Things to Keep In Mind

1) Check the homepage for info:  www.stat.ucla.edu  and follow the links from there to our class.
2)  I want to meet and talk to each of you. It's easier for me to determine the pace and content of the class if I receive feedback from you.  Don't hesitate to visit during office hours or make an appointment.  I might be pressed for time on any given day, but I will make time for you as often as I can.
3) Don't fall behind!! Easier said then done, but the nature of this course is that the content is very cumulative.  If you don't understand what we're doing this week, you will have an even harder time the next week.  Ask questions NOW!  The week before the midterm it will be too late.