MATH 1342 Materials
Required materials: (Read down the page for purchase options.)
- Web software for textbook, called StatsPortal, which includes an electronic version of the text that you can use while you are signed into that system. It includes many additional materials in addition to the text. It also includes some of the required homework in the course. The "StatsPortal" course for this class will not be available until after Dec. 15, so you can't purchase it online from the publisher until then.
- Minitab statistical software, which runs on Windows operating system. (See below for more information.) Rent for $30 from http://www.minitab.com/ - following the link to "Academic." (Or - get a one-time 30-day free access to the full software.)
Optional materials: Paper copy of the text.
The text is The Basic Practice of Statistics, 6th ed., by David S. Moore (with CD). (The CD is not really relevant. All the resources on the CD are also available in StatsPortal and MANY more resources are in StatsPortal.)
As with most books, there are multiple ways to purchase it.
- In a package from the ACC bookstore ISBN 9781464111259: a folder with the access code for StatsPortal (NOT a CD) and a looseleaf version of the text. About $110. (Recommended, so that you will have something to work from when you do not have Internet access available.)
Since it's looseleaf, you can keep it in a regular notebook at home and then carry just the chapters you are currently studying with you in a smaller notebook if you go somewhere else to study.)
- Just StatsPortal. From the publisher at http://courses.bfwpub.com/bps6e.php it's about $85.
- Used books can be purchased, but they don't come with StatsPortal, so you'll need to purchase StatsPortal in addition.
- From other bookstores, you can purchase a hard-bound copy of the book, but that is more expensive and typically does not come with an access folder for StatsPortal, so you'll need to purchase it. NOT RECOMMENDED.
(One student pointed out that, last summer, Amazon was selling the exact package that we are recommending, which does say that it has the access folder and it has the correct ISBN number. So that's good.)
- Rent or purchase an e-book. This DOES NOT INCLUDE StatsPortal, so you'll still need to purchase it.
Required Technology:
1. Scientific calculator (graphing calculators will not be allowed on exams) The Testing Centers will usually lend you a scientific calculator to use on tests, but most students are more comfortable using one the same one they practiced with doing homework. If you don't already have one, and need to buy a new one, I suggest you get one with a two-line display rather than a one-line display. That usually only costs about $1 more, and allows you to see what you entered as well as the answer, which is quite convenient.
2. MINITAB 16 (Or Minitab 15 or 14. Ask me about a very few differences.) We will use this software to do data analysis. You will use it every week and it is a required part of this course. Rent it for 6 months for about $30. You will install it on your computer and will not need to be online to use it. You can use a free trial for 30 days - only once on your computer.
Important note for Mac users.
Unfortunately, the Minitab software only works on Windows at this time. If you have a Mac and are not running Windows or Parallels
you will need to use a friend's computer for this part of your weekly HW
or
come to any campus computer lab (Learning Lab or IRT lab) where Minitab is already installed. (Bring a flash drive to save your work.) Campus computer labs are open 7 days a week at most locations, usually until 9 pm on weekdays.