Hope College - Fall 2025
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | SCICTR 3031/3033 |
| Meeting Times | 1:00-1:50 (MWF) |
| Credit Hours | 3 |
| Instructor | Brian Yurk |
| yurk@hope.edu | |
| Office | VWF 215 |
| Office Hours | M 3:00-3:50, W 10:00-10:50, R 1:00-1:50, or by appointment |
The course introduces statistical inference (including confidence interval estimation) for one and two variables using simulation-based methods and then shows how traditional theory-based methods like t-tests, chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance can also be used. Basic descriptive statistical techniques are reviewed throughout the course and other descriptive techniques such as simple linear regression are introduced. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on conceptual understanding, the entire statistical investigation process, and active learning using group activities and projects, as well as reading and critiquing published research. Cannot receive credit for both Math 115 and MATH 219.
We will be using the text Introduction to Modern Statistics (2e) by Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel and Johanna Hardin. The text and materials are available at https://www.openintro.org/book/ims/. There are free web and pdf versions of the text available at the website, and you can order a print version if you would like to.
Most statistical analyses, whether based on simulation or mathematical models, are performed using statistical software. Jamovi is an open-source Statistics program that you can install for free on your own computer (Mac or Windows). We will use Jamovi to do Statistical calculations along with a Jamovi module that has been built specifically for our MATH 115 course.
Students will be expected to have access to a scientific or graphing calculator for tests and quizzes. Phones, laptops, and other devices that can communicate are not allowed on tests and quizzes.
You should check the schedule before each class to see which section we will be discussing and read that chapter from the textbook before coming to class. We will discuss the section using slides that are available through a link on our Moodle page. There will also be Jamovi labs for each of the major units in the class. Although we will spend time working on the labs in class, you will not always be able to finish them during the class period. In these cases you will be expected to complete the work outside of class. Class time will also be spent on completing tests and quizzes and working in groups on projects.
This course is designed to address the following Anchor Plan SLOs:
Grades will be determined as follows:
| Assignment Type | Weight |
|---|---|
| Online homework (My Open Math/Moodle) | 20% |
| Jamovi labs, other assignments | 15% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| In-semester tests (2) | 25% |
| Final project | 15% |
| Final exam | 15% |
Your final letter grade will be determined using the following scale:
| Grade | Range | Grade | Range | Grade | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93-100% | B- | 80-82% | D+ | 67-69% |
| A- | 90-92% | C+ | 77-79% | D | 63-66% |
| B+ | 87-89% | C | 73-76% | D- | 60-62% |
| B | 83-86% | C- | 70-72% | F | 0-59% |
Attendance is very important to your success in this class and is considered mandatory. If you must miss a class (illness, scheduled college event, family matters, etc.) you should inform your instructor ahead of time if at all possible.
The final exam for this class is on Wednesday, December 10 from 3:00-5:00pm.
Special Note: Do not arrange travel without confirming the dates of your final exams/projects, as dictated by the Office of the Provost.
The course schedule is posted separately on our Moodle page.
If you have questions about access or are a student needing accommodations for a disability, please contact me. I will ask that you connect with Disability and Accessibility Resources if you haven’t already.
As it seeks to fulfill its mission, the Hope College community assumes each of its members will operate with integrity and honesty, with a sense of personal responsibility, and with mutual trust and concern toward others in all facets of the life of the college. In order to apply this principle to academic life in a fair and consistent manner, the following policies have been adopted to clarify the expectations regarding conduct, and to establish a set of procedures for dealing with situations which violate these expectations.
-Preamble, Code for Academic Integrity at Hope College
More information about Academic Integrity can be found at: https://hope.edu/offices/student-development/policies-resources/student-handbook.html#academic-integrity
Hope College encourages students to regularly attend class and allows faculty to develop their own classroom attendance policies. Attendance and participation in class are vital components of a residential college experience. View the entire Excessive Absence Policy.
The Hope Health Center does not provide medical excuses for missed classes, exams, or assignments, as medical conditions are confidential and often not verifiable. This is in alignment with the Academic Medical Excuse Policy and consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association. Thus, instructors cannot request documentation from the Hope Health Center.
Special Note: Only arrange holiday travel after confirming the dates of your final exams/projects, as the Office of the Provost dictates.
Hope College is committed to the appropriate resolution of complaints as efficiently and effectively as possible. Providing a mechanism to hear complaints allows us to improve our services. Students are encouraged to speak directly to other Hope community members to resolve conflict and/or seek an informal resolution of the dispute directly with the other community member(s) whenever possible. Please use this Complaint form when such a resolution is impossible.
Students should dial 911 (the United States’ primary emergency response system) from any phone if they or someone else experiences a medical or mental health emergency. Students can also contact Hope College’s Campus Safety Office (616-395-7770) in any kind of emergency situation, and Campus Safety will contact the necessary emergency response service. You can learn more about specific emergency instructions on their webpage. Students can sign up for emergency text message alerts at plus.hope.edu.
Campus Safety sends emergency notification texts, including notices of weather-related closures, via the HOPE ALERT system. A decision to close campus offices and cancel classes is typically announced before 6:30 AM. More information regarding inclement weather notifications can be found on Campus Safety’s webpage.
The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers all students various free services (e.g., tutoring, testing strategies, time management resources). The ASC is located in Van Zoeren Hall–immediately adjacent to the Van Wylen Library second-floor entrance. To contact the ASC send an email to asc@hope.edu or call 616-395-7830.
It is my intention that every student has the opportunity to grow and flourish in this class. A crucial part of this is that each and every student deserves to feel safe and that she or he belongs in the class. Each of us has a role in working toward creating an inclusive environment, even if doing so requires us to speak out and causes us discomfort sometimes.
The diversity that students bring to this course is viewed as an asset, and this course will function in a manner that respects and values that diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, and culture. Please let me know if anything said or done by the instructor or other students in the class leads to hurt or offense. Such actions, even when unintentional, are deserving of attention.
Racist and discriminatory policies and ideas present obstacles to student flourishing and do not reflect the values of this course. It is my intention that this course and its policies promote equal representation and equitable outcomes among groups. Please let me know if you have ideas for improving this course or its policies in ways that make it more effective for you or for other students or groups. I value your perspective, and I take it seriously.
Unless otherwise specified, the use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini) is allowed on assignments in this class. However, generative AI may not be used on tests, quizzes, or the final exam.
When using generative AI on assignments:
Student Responsibility: You are fully responsible for all content you submit, regardless of whether generative AI was used in its creation. This includes ensuring accuracy, appropriateness, and adherence to assignment requirements. AI tools can make errors, provide outdated information, or generate content that doesn’t meet the specific needs of an assignment.
Example: If you use AI to help analyze a dataset and the AI provides an incorrect statistical interpretation, you are responsible for that error—even if you clearly acknowledged using AI. It is your responsibility to verify AI-generated content and ensure it meets the standards expected in this course.
Learning and Critical Thinking Concerns: Over-reliance on AI can shortcut the learning process and undermine the development of critical thinking skills. For example, if you consistently use AI to complete homework problems without working through the statistical reasoning yourself, you may struggle on quizzes and tests where AI is not permitted. Homework is designed to help you practice and internalize concepts—using AI as a substitute for this practice can leave you unprepared for assessments and real-world applications where you must think independently.
When in doubt about AI use on a specific assignment, ask your instructor for clarification.
Students may experience stressors that can impact both their academic experience and their personal well-being. These may include academic pressures, relationship challenges, alcohol or other drugs, financial concerns, identity development, body image, etc.
If you are experiencing similar concerns, we encourage you to seek support. Hope College Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a free and confidential resource. Call 616-395-7945, or visit the top floor of the Bultman Student Center to find the right support for you.
If the source of your stressors is academic, please contact me or academic advising to find solutions together.
This syllabus is subject to change. If changes occur, students will be notified in class or through an email or Moodle announcement.