Instructor: Jianfeng Zhang, DRB 354, (213)7409805
jianfenz@usc.edu http://math.usc.edu/~jianfenz
Teaching Assistant: Xuhu Wan (xwan@usc.edu)
Time and location: Lecture: MWF 12:00pm – 12:50pm, KAP 141.
Discussion: TTh 1:00pm-1:50pm, Kap 141
Text: Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, 2nd edition, by John Rice, 1995
Office hours: Instructor: M: 1:00-2:00 (DRB354); W: 11:00-12:00 (DRB354); F: 11:00-12:00 (Math Center)
TA: Th: 10:00am-1:00pm (Math Center)
Prerequisite: Math 407
Important Dates:
- MidExam 1: 2/13, Friday
- MidExam 2: 3/12, Friday
- FinalExam: 5/7, Friday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Course Content:
I plan to cover most of Chapters 6-11, plus possibly some material from the later chapters. Topics will include: properties of the normal distribution (including a review of the Central Limit Theorem); random sampling and estimation of population parameters; confidence intervals; method of moments; maximum likelihood estimates; Cramer-Rao lower bound; testing hypotheses; likelihood ratio tests and goodness of fit; probability plots; discriptive methods for summarizing data; comparing two samples, parametric and non-parametric methods.
Grading and Examination Policies
40% of the grade will be based on two midterm exams (20% each), 40% will be based on the final exam, 20% will be based on homework assignments.
The (one hour) midterm exams will be given in regular class time. The 2nd midterm exam will cover the material after the 1st exam. The final exam will be comprehensive, with an emphasis on the material covered since the second Midterm. All exams are close book . The exam problems will be in the same style as your homework problems. Calculators are allowed.
Homework problems will be assigned in lectures, and will be collected in Discussion once a week. The homework is aimed to help you prepare for exams. You are encouraged to discuss the problems with your classmates, and ask me or TA for help. But everybody should write your solutions independently.
Feedback and Questions
It is very useful to get feedback and questions, both inside and outside class. You are very welcome to visit me during my office hours. You can also make appointments to see me at other time.