Policies
When in doubt about anything at all, ask questions!!!
Prerequisites
Students are expected to know all topics covered in the MIDS summer course review and boot camp. These include basic probability (including conditional probability, expectations and common probability distributions), and statistical inference (including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression with one predictor, and exploratory data analysis). Students are also expected to be familiar with R/Rstudio. Due to space constraints, the course is open only to students in the MIDS program.
Class
Class time is designed to be as interactive as possible. My role as instructor is to introduce you new tools and techniques, but it is up to you to take them and make use of them. The statistical techniques we will cover are best learned by practical data analysis, so you will be working on various datasets as much as possible, through a variety of tasks and activities throughout each class. Ask as many questions as possible during and outside classes; there are no stupid questions.
Graded Work
Graded work for the course will consist of methods and data analysis assignments, team projects, and a final project.
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Methods and Data Analysis Assignments | 30% |
| Final Project | 30% |
| Team Project 1 | 15% |
| Team Project 2 | 15% |
| Lab Assignments | 10% |
There are no make-ups for assignments or the projects except for medical or familial emergencies or for reasons approved by the instructor before the due date. See the instructor in advance of relevant due dates to discuss possible alternatives.
Grades may be curved at the end of the semester. Cumulative averages of 90% -- 100% are guaranteed at least an A-, 80% -- 89% at least a B-, and 70% -- 79% at least a C-, however the exact ranges for letter grades will be determined at the end of the course.
Descriptions of graded work
Methods and Data Analysis Assignments
Methods and data analysis assignments are posted on the course website. Students turn in these assignments on due dates that will be specified on an assignment to assignment basis. Students are permitted to work with others on the assignments, but each person must write up and turn in her or his own answers. The assignments include questions on the computational and the mathematical aspects of the methods that underpin the statistical models we learn during the semester, and questions that ask students to apply the modeling skills discussed during the semester. The assignments must be typed up using R Markdown, LaTeX or another word processor, and submitted on Gradescope under Assignments. Note that you will not be able to make online submissions after the due date, so be sure to submit before or by the Gradescope-specified deadline.
Lab Assignments
The objective of the lab assignments is to give you more hands-on experience with data analysis using R. The labs times also gives you an additional platform to ask for help for your team and individual projects. Lab attendance is not mandatory on days when team presentations will not hold, however, each lab assignment should be submitted in timely fashion on the due date. You are REQUIRED to use R Markdown to type up your lab reports.
Team Projects
For the team projects, students work in teams to analyze data selected by the instructor. Students write a report with their data analysis findings. Students will have the opportunity to present their results in class. Detailed instructions will be made available later.
Final Project
For the final project, students analyze a data-based research question of their choosing, subject to the instructor's approval. The data should comprise several variables amenable to statistical analyses via modeling. Students can bring in their own research data sets, or they can ask the instructor for assistance with identifying appropriate data. Students present their results in a class at the end of the semester. Detailed instructions will be made available later.
Late Submission Policy
- You will lose 50% of the total points on each homework if you submit within the first 24 hours after it is due, and 100% of the total points if you submit later than that.
- You will lose 40% of the total points on each lab if you submit within the first 24 hours after it is due, and 100% of the total points if you submit later than that.
Academic integrity:
Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and nonacademic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.
Remember the Duke Community Standard that you have agreed to abide by:
To uphold the Duke Community Standard:
- I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
- I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
- I will act if the Standard is compromised.
Cheating on exams or plagiarism on homework assignments, lying about an illness or absence and other forms of academic dishonesty are a breach of trust with classmates and faculty, violate the Duke Community Standard, and will not be tolerated. Such incidences will result in a 0 grade for all parties involved. Additionally, there may be penalties to your final class grade along with being reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
Please review the Academic Dishonesty policies here.
Diversity & Inclusiveness:
In line with the MIDS culture, this course is designed so that students from all backgrounds and perspectives all feel welcome both in and out of class. Please feel free to talk to me (in person or via email) if you do not feel well-served by any aspect of this class, or if some aspect of class is not welcoming or accessible to you.
My goal is for you to succeed in this course, therefore, please let me know immediately if you feel you are struggling with any part of the course more than you know how to manage. Doing so will not affect your grades, but it will allow me to provide the resources to help you succeed in the course.
Disability Statement
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in the class are encouraged to contact the Student Disabilities Access Office at 919-668-1267 or disabilities@aas.duke.edu as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Other Information
It can be a lot more pleasant oftentimes to get in-person answers and help. Make use of the teaching team's office hours, we're here to help! Do not hesitate to come to my office during office hours or by appointment to discuss a homework problem or any aspect of the course. Questions related to course assignments and honesty policy should be directed to me. When the teaching team has announcements for you we will send an email to your Duke email address. Please make sure to check your email daily.
Professionalism
Please refrain from texting or using your computer for anything other than coursework during class.