This class is intended as an introduction to the concepts of Statistics, by developing an understanding of Descriptive Statistics. Inferential Statistics will be discussed at an introductory level along the way. The class assumes that the student has no prior background in the study of Statistics. With that in mind, the class will present the basic ideas of what Statistic is, how the practice of Statistics relates to the real world, and especially why an understanding of Statistics is critical to the natural and social sciences.
The goals of the class will be to 1) introduce the student to the language and concepts of Statistics, 2) help the student to become comfortable with the ideas of presenting data in charts, graphs and tables, 3) demonstrate the importance of sampling and surveys and in understanding the data generated and 4) involve the student in understanding how Statistics is used to explain natural phenomena, promote public policy, and tell us things about the world that we can never know without it.