The eBook is the required text. You must purchase the activation code for StatsPortal since you submit your homework electronically via StatsPortal. You may buy the code from either the BYU Bookstore or from the W.H. Freeman website (it's cheaper on the website). If you want to buy the physical book, too, you may. Please note that if you buy a NEW copy of the book, it includes StatsPortal access. If you buy a used copy you will be required to purchase a separate code.

2. What do I do with the activation code I bought?

You must follow these instructions EXACTLY to register your copy of the eBook.

Go to http://portals.bfwpub.com/bps4e
Click on the link "REGISTER AN ACTIVATION CODE."
Follow the on-screen instructions to find "Stat 221 Fall 2007 Online"
Enter the activation code that you purchased from the Bookstore, your email address, choose a password and you're ready to go!

3. Is this a math class?

While there are mathematical equations in Statistics 221, this is primarily a course about the scientific method and communication. For tests, you will be provided with every equation needed on the test. The equations are simple and you will not need a graphing calculator.

4. Do I need a special calculator for this class?

You will need a scientific calculator. It should include a square-root function key. For tests you will be issued a testing center calculator. You do NOT need a graphing calculator.

5. Do I need anything else for this class?

In order to complete the quizzes in the lectures, you must purchase an iClicker.

6. Are there any required lectures for me to attend?

You have 3 lectures a week which while not required, are very beneficial for students. At the end of each of these lectures there is a 3-point extra credit quiz. The only way to get credit for these is by attending the lecture.

7. What should I do if I miss a lecture?

If you miss a lecture but want to know what was covered, you can watch the StatTutor lessons which are available in StatsPortal under "Resources" These lessons use the same slides as the professors do and are narrated to explain the concepts. Just watch the lesson which corresponds to the class you missed and you should be fine. There is no way, however, for you to get the extra credit points associated with the quizzes in lecture. Those points are only available to people who attend.

8. When and where is the homework due?

Homework is submitted online and is due every Friday by 11:55PM. Late homework is not accepted except for University-approved reasons. What this means is that if you forget to turn in your homework or if you wait until 11:54 and your internet is slow, you will not receive credit for your homework. This is an extremely large class and so we cannot make exceptions. If you know you will be unable to submit the homework for whatever reason, you may e-mail the Course Coordinator, Jeff Lake, at 221coordinator@statmail.byu.edu to request permission.

9. Are there extra credit opportunities?

Yes! Attending the lectures and completing the all the quizzes can earn you up to 2% extra credit for your overall grade. There are also two extra-credit assignments you may complete for a maximum of 20 points toward your homework score. These are short papers which require you to find examples of statistics being used in the real world and apply it to what you are learning in this class.

10. How do I check my grades?

Your homework grades are found in StatsPortal. On the "Home" page of StatsPortal there is a link called "Gradebook" - this will show you all your graded homework scores. Please note that your score will not actually show up until every part of your homework has been graded. There is a spreadsheet on Blackboard (under "Course Materials") you may use to compute your overall grade.

11. Where is StatsPortal?

The website for StatsPortal is http://portals.bfwpub.com/bps4e

12. What is CrunchIt and how do I use it?

CrunchIt is an online statistics application which is provided for you to use with your homework. It is an integrated part of StatsPortal. Please see the CrunchIt section in Blackboard for a more detailed explanation on how to use CrunchIt.

13. Why aren't the homework problems all at the end of the chapter?

The homework problems are located immediately after the portion of the chapter they cover. This makes it very easy to complete the homework while you're doing the assigned reading from the book. It also lets you know where to look to get help on answering a particular problem you're struggling with.

14. How much of my grade is the homework worth?

As stated in the syllabus, homework is worth 15% of your overall grade.

15. What is the purpose of the weekly labs?

The weekly labs are designed to give you help with homework and basic principles in a smaller environment. Additionally, it is only in lab that you will be able to see the written portion of your exam. You will have an assigned TA who will be available to answer questions you may have.

16. Are the weekly labs required?

No, the labs are provided for your benefit but you are not required to attend. We have found that students who do attend their labs typically do better in the class.

17. Can I do assignments with a group?

You are encouraged to study in a group and even complete the homework in a group. However, you work must be your own. You should not simply copy down what someone else is writing. Plagiarism is not tolerated by the department or the University. Students caught simply copying answers from other students will receive no credit.

18. How many tests are there?

There are four tests, including the final. All tests are in the Testing Center. They are offered over the course of a week with the last two days being late days with increasing late fees.

19. What is the format of the tests?

There are two parts to every test except the final. All four tests have a multiple choice section. The first three tests all have a written portion. The written portion usually involves one or two situations and a series of questions which require you to express your understanding of the material learning in a free response format.

20. How long do the tests take and where are they?

Tests usually take 1.5-2 hours. The final is typically 2-3 hours. These will of course vary depending on what kind of test taker you are.

21. What do the tests cover? Are they cumulative?

What do the tests cover? Are they cumulative?

Test #1 covers chapters 1-4, 8-9
Test #2 covers chapters 1-15
Test #3 covers chapters 1-22
Final Exam covers chapters 1-25

Please note that if we skip a chapter in the book, you will not be held accountable for that information.

The final exam is the only truly comprehensive exam. Tests #2 and #3 are comprehensive in the sense that most concepts are built on earlier concepts. If you don't understand the material for Test #1, you will have difficulty understanding the material for Test #2. There are occasional review questions that appear in Tests #2 and #3 which are taken from earlier test material.

22. How much of my grade are the tests worth?

As stated in the syllabus, all four tests are worth 85% of your overall grade. Tests #1, #2 and #3 are each worth about 18.3% of your overall grade while the Final Exam is worth 30% of your overall grade.

23. Who do I contact about TAs or course concerns?

You will want to contact the Course Manager, Lynne Nielsen at lynne.nielsen@byu.edu. You may stop by her office at 204 TMCB 3-4 MWF 10-11 TTh

24. Who do I contact about exam and homework conflicts?

You will want to contact the Course Coordinator, Jeff Lake at 221coordinator@statmail.byu.edu. You may stop by his office at 202 TMCB 2-4 MW 8-9, 3-4 T; 12-2 Th

25. Who do I contact about other problems?

You will want to contact the Course Assistants at stat221ca@stats.byu.edu or stop by their office at 201 TMCB M-F 9-7

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