Probability and Statistical Methods for Engineering – ENGR 210

Course Description

Introduction to applied probability and the principles and methodologies of statistical inference. Topics include methods of data analysis, point and interval estimation; test of hypotheses, correlation, regression and an introduction to analysis of variance methods.

Rationale

The engineering degree programs are designed to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to positively influence engineering-related industries in the current and evolving economy. The programs prepare graduates for the thoughtful integration of work and life and to view the engineering profession as a lifelong commitment to serving others. Within a few years of graduating, engineering graduates will be able to advance in an engineering career or graduate studies, be recognized as a creative thinkers exhibiting an aptitude for continuous learning, and display professional ethics and behavior consistent with foundational Christian principles. To that end, the objective of this course is to study applied probability, along with descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include applied probability, statistical inference including point and interval estimation, tests of hypotheses, correlation, regression and analysis of variance methods.

Course Assignment

Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, there will be 2 discussions to apply concepts learned in class, and learn from and encourage other students in the course. 

Discussion: Statistics in the Media

The initial thread should be a minimum of 150 words and include at least 1 citation. The student should also reply to one classmate, and respond to a classmates' comment on the student's post. Each of these two replies should be a minimum of 50 words.

Peer-Review Discussion: Regression Analysis

Homework Assignments (8)

There will be approximately 200 homework problems: some from the textbook, and most from the online homework problems on WebAssign accessed through Canvas to complete for the textbook sections covered. The purpose of the homework is to reinforce material covered and expand the student's knowledge of problem solving with problems that are too complicated to put on exams or quizzes. The student must not get behind! 

Group Assignments (3)

There will be two graded team projects and a team paper during the semester that will reinforce the class learning and provide the student with challenging ways to apply probability and statistical principle. Team members must be proactive – those not contributing will earn a zero.

Descriptive Statistics Group Assignment

In this project, the team will conduct an observational study of the cereal aisle at a local grocery
store and demonstrate knowledge of descriptive statistics techniques, including data
analysis and “professional” report generation. The students will collect 8 data quantities from at least 30 different varieties of cereal boxes.

Christian Perspective of Mathematics Group Paper Assignment

This paper will include integration of biblical worldview to the maximum extent possible. This project requires the students to interact, probe, think, discuss, and prepare a short (4 - 6 pages; 1000-1500 words) paper dealing with a Christian perspective of mathematics. At least 5 scripture verses or passages should be referenced. At least 3 scholarly references should also be used.

Roundabout Group Assignment

Review Quizzes (8)

There will be 8 periodic quizzes for the sections of the assigned text covered and based on the homework problems. The purpose of the quizzes is to reinforce the learning process, validate the student’s comprehension of the material in a timed environment, and prepare the student for future tests on this material (e.g., Fundamentals of Engineering Exam). Quizzes are not meant to help the student prepare for cumulative quizzes.

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 3-5 multiple-choice or essay questions, and have a 5-29 minutes time limit. For each quiz, the student is required to upload their written work to the Written Work Submission Assignment that corresponds to that quiz.

Cumulative Quizzes (3)

There will be 2 quizzes, as well as a final quiz (new material). The purpose of these quizzes is to reinforce the learning process and validate the student’s comprehension and retention of the material covered. Solutions, rather than answers, are expected for all problems. An answer is the final answer to the question asked in the problem. By contrast, a solution is more; it also includes the argument/reasoning/work that leads to the answer.

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 16-25 multiple-choice, true/false, or essay questions, and have a 1 hour and 30 minutes time limit. For each quiz, the student is required to upload their written work to the Written Work Submission Assignment that corresponds to that quiz.