Official Course Syllabus
What is a syllabus? A written or online syllabus must be distributed to students in each course within the drop/add period for that course (the first ten calendar days of a semester or its equivalent). In addition to course content and expectations, the syllabus must include the course examination policy, basis for grades, and academic integrity policy for the course. Changes to the syllabus shall also be given to the students in writing.
General description of this course:
This course is designed
to ease students' transition from high school to college,
to help students to become integrated into collegiate academic life,
specifically in the department of statistics, and
to facilitate student awareness of the numerous opportunities
available at University Park. Specifically, this course will
include elements such as the following:
A discussion of time management: We will discuss how to
adjust to academic life at Penn State University. As part of this
discussion, you will be asked to establish a weekly plan that accounts
for classes, meals, 20-30 hours of studying/reading, exercise and
extracurricular activities, and (importantly) enough sleep.
An introduction to learning resources at University Park:
We will discuss the libraries and electronic resources available on
campus. You will visit the library, either individually or with the
class, and you will be asked to complete an assignment that requires
the use of the learning resources on campus.
A survey of career development opportunities at Penn State:
We will have a visit from a representative of the College of Science office
of career and international education who will discuss the co-op
and study abroad programs as well as career development opportunities
more generally at Penn State.
This is not an exhaustive list!
Textbook: None, but each student should download the free R statistical software found at http://www.r-project.org/.
Schedule: W 9:05-9:55 in 014 Life Sciences. Please note that that class may not always meet in 014 Life Sciences. If the class will meet elsewhere, this will be posted on the web site and announced in class well in advance.
Website: www.stat.psu.edu/~dhunter/016
Instructor:
David Hunter
<dhunter@stat.psu.edu>,
310 Thomas Building, 863-0979
Office hours: By appointment (send email) or walk-in (if I'm in)
Weekly Assignments: Each week, there will be an assignment given in class and posted on the course web page at www.stat.psu.edu/~dhunter/016/assignments. Each assignment will be worth 9 points and it will be due the following week in class. Late assignments will be worth at most 5 points.
Attendance: Attendance in this class is mandatory. (Remember, it's an easy class and it only meets once a week!) If you must miss a class, please contact the instructor BEFOREHAND and give the reason. You will receive 2 points each week for attending class or for a pre-excused absence. Students who miss class are still responsible for turning in assignments on time, which means before 9:05 on Wednesday morning.
Race Relations Project: The Race Relations Project (RRP) is a peer-facilitated diversity program that employs trained undergraduate students from Penn State to lead small group discussions on topics of race relations relevant to you and the other students participating. Participation in the RRP program is worth 3 points toward your grade. One week before the start date, you will receive an email explaining how to register for the RRP program. RRP programs occur outside of the regular meeting time for PSU 016. For more information on the RRP, visit this website: www.racerelationsproject.org
Grades: There are 15 Wednesdays during the semester (every Wednesday from August 26 through December 9, excluding November 25). There will not be an assignment given on November 19 or December 9, which means 13 weekly assignments. The total points possible are therefore (13 times 9) plus (15 times 2) plus 3, or 150.
Final letter grades will be determined as follows:
| B+: 88-89% | C+: 78-79% | ||
| A : 94-100% | B : 84-87% | C : 70-77% | D : 60-69% |
| A-: 90-93% | B-: 80-83% |
Academic Integrity Statement: All Penn State and Eberly College of Science policies regarding academic integrity apply to this course. See http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/index.html for details. We will discuss academic integrity during at least one class this semester.
Reminders, for this or any class: