In the life and health sciences, decision-making using data is pervasive. Essential to this purpose is the proper design of the experiments that acquire the relevant data. Also essential is the proper interpretation of the data, once gathered. Statistical science centers on these challenging goals. For example, one may try to determine the true rate of occurrence for a certain kind of mutation, compare the effectiveness of two or more medical procedures, fit a line to explain the relationship between two variables, or test whether two variables are related or independent. Statistical science involves basic concepts about how to make inferences from data. It also involves practical tools for implementing the concepts. Although its tools include some mathematical or computational steps, statistical science is not a branch of mathematics. It is very different and very special - a conceptual discipline centering on data as a source of information that we can use profitably. This course emphasizes critical statistical thinking, especially for applications in the life sciences.
One of the following 2 courses: (a) MATH 1325 (Applied Calculus), or (b) MATH 2312 (Precalculus).