Course Syllabus — Winter Session 2025

STAT 350 is offered in the Winter Session as a single intensive asynchronous online section running December 22, 2025 – January 9, 2026. There are no scheduled class meetings: you work through the lecture videos, readings, and assignments on your own, paced by daily deadlines. The session covers the same thirteen chapters as the 16-week course and uses the same webbook and video resources, but compresses them into eleven days and delivers both exams online through Respondus LockDown Browser.

Your Official Syllabus

The official syllabus for your section is available through Brightspace and governs in case of any discrepancy.

This Is a Full Semester in Eleven Days

Treat the Winter Session like a full-time internship: plan on at least eight focused hours every instructional day. There are no makeup quizzes or exams and no late homework. Quizzes lock at midnight Eastern and are not reopened. If you fall behind at any point, you will probably need to drop the course.

Winter Session at a Glance

Component	Winter Session	16-Week Online Section
Length	11 course days	16 weeks
Quizzes	10% (daily)	8% (weekly)
Homework (incl. computer assignments)	34%	24%
Midterm exams	24% (one)	20% each (two)
Final exam	32%	28%
Exam delivery	Online, proctored by Respondus LockDown Browser	In person, on campus
Late work	Not accepted	48 hours at a 20% penalty
Course evaluation bonus	+1%	+1%

Section & Schedule

Section	Instructor
001 DIS	Timothy Reese

Course schedule: Winter Session Schedule

For the eleven-day roadmap, the daily time budget, and the getting-started checklist, see the Winter Session home page.

Instructor & Course Team

Dr. Timothy Reese (instructor and course coordinator) — reese18@purdue.edu — Office: MATH 210 — Phone: 765-494-4129

Teaching assistants: Kyle Conrad (conrad48@purdue.edu) and Hyebin Han (han805@purdue.edu)

Email is the primary channel in the Winter Session. Use the subject line “STAT 350: <topic>”. Weekday replies usually come in the late afternoon; weekend replies may take longer than 24 hours.
Office hours are held online via WebEx by appointment. Email both TAs to request a time and one of them will schedule a meeting with you.
Peer discussion board. Use the Brightspace “Q & A for Peers” board to ask classmates about concepts, homework, or quizzes, to share tips, and to work through hard topics together. It is not monitored regularly, so rely on one another first — and answer a classmate’s question when you can, since teaching others is the fastest way to solidify your own understanding. Keep posts courteous and on topic, and select “Create New Thread” when starting a new post.

Course Description & Prerequisites

(Credit Hours: 3.00) A data-oriented introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of applied statistics. Exploratory analysis of data. Sample design and experimental design. Probability distributions and simulation. Sampling distributions. The reasoning of statistical inference. Confidence intervals and tests for one and two samples. Inference for regression and correlation. Essential use is made of statistical software throughout.

Prerequisites: Calculus 2. You must demonstrate proficiency in basic derivative and integral calculus in both homework and exams. More advanced topics may be introduced, but assessment will not exceed a Calculus 2 level of difficulty.

Learning Resources

Resource	Purpose	Cost
Webbook	Chapter-by-chapter notes, data sets, slides, searchable formulas, and R code — the primary course text	Free
Video Learning Platform	All 84 recorded lectures (about 29 hours) in syllabus order, split into micro-segments with an interactive timeline for quick topic jumps	Free
Edfinity	Required. Homework and computer assignments. Register only through the first assignment link in Brightspace. Refund available if you drop within the first two weeks	$40
R and RStudio	Statistical software used throughout. Local install recommended, or use Scholar in the browser (accounts are preconfigured, BoilerKey sign-in)	Free
Respondus LockDown Browser	Required for both proctored exams. Download from the link in Brightspace	Free
Brightspace	Announcements, due dates, daily quizzes, exams, discussion boards, the syllabus assignment, and grades. Edfinity grades may take up to 24 hours to sync; verify their accuracy and report errors promptly	Free
Introductory Statistics: A Problem-Solving Approach (Kokoska)	Optional. Extra derivations, worked examples, and practice problems not in the webbook. The publisher’s companion site offers free data sets, printable tables, and vocabulary flashcards	Optional purchase

Hardware. You need an internet-connected device with a keyboard for R, and a webcam and microphone for the online exams. Tablets and Chromebooks cannot be used for exams.

AI tools available. Edfinity includes Ask Anna, an AI-enhanced resource that supports your learning, and a course-specific AI Course Assistant (beta) trained on the STAT 350 materials — click the Ask AI Assistant button in the bottom-right corner of any page of this webbook. Be cautious of AI inaccuracies and hallucinations with any tool, and verify suggestions against the webbook or another trusted source. See the AI Usage Policy below.

Grading

Category	Percentage
Daily quizzes	10%
Homework (including computer assignments)	34%
Midterm Exam (day 6)	24%
Final Exam (day 11)	32%
Total	100%
Course Evaluation (bonus)	+1%

Daily quizzes (10%)

Timed 20-minute quizzes in Brightspace, one per instructional day, covering material from recent chapters — not only the current day’s. Each quiz is worth 10 points and mixes true/false questions (1 point each) with multiple-choice questions (2 points each), and mirrors the more theoretical questions you will see on the proctored exams. One attempt only; quizzes lock at midnight Eastern. The two lowest quiz scores are dropped, and there are no make-up quizzes.

Homework and computer assignments (34%)

Delivered through Edfinity, due the day after the corresponding reading, before midnight. Due dates are marked on both Brightspace and Edfinity. Homework problems are automatically graded: you get 10 attempts on free-response problems and 3 on multiple choice — use them to learn, not to guess. Computer assignments use a provided data set and require R code, graphs, and written interpretation. The lowest homework score and the lowest computer assignment score are dropped. No late submissions are accepted, because of the accelerated pace of the session. The syllabus assignment is on Brightspace rather than Edfinity.

Exams (56%)

One midterm (24%) and a comprehensive final (32%) — see the next section for dates, windows, and requirements.

Course evaluation (+1% bonus)

The anonymous online evaluation is open Tuesday, January 6 through Friday, January 9, 2026; you will receive an email from Instructional Data Processing at your Purdue address with a direct link. If at least 80% of enrolled students complete it by January 9, every student receives 1% extra credit added to their final course percentage. Results are released only after final grades are submitted.

Exams

Both exams are delivered online in Brightspace and proctored with Respondus LockDown Browser with webcam monitoring.

Exam	Window	Time Limit
Midterm Exam	24 hours on day 6 — Wednesday, December 31	80 minutes once you begin
Final Exam	24 hours on day 11 — Friday, January 9	140 minutes once you begin

Each exam is one attempt only — you cannot pause, exit, and restart. The exam submits automatically when time expires.
Exams are closed book but open note: your own handwritten or printed notes are allowed. Condense them into crib sheets. Tablets and iPads may not be used during the exam — not as your notes and not as a device — and neither may phones, smartwatches, or other electronics.
No formulas will be provided. If a statistical table is needed, its URL will be allowed by the LockDown Browser, but printing a physical copy is strongly recommended.
A calculator is strongly recommended, though the LockDown Browser includes a scientific calculator.
The final exam is comprehensive, weighted roughly 70% toward material after the midterm and 30% toward earlier material.
Requirements: a desktop or laptop running Windows or macOS (tablets are not supported), a 2 Mbps or better internet connection, a government-issued photo ID for identity verification before the exam starts, a working microphone, and a camera positioned to show both your face and your writing area — most built-in laptop webcams are not wide enough, so an external camera may be required. Keep your face and desk in view, with good lighting and no obstructions, for the entire exam.
Do a test run. Use the practice quiz in Brightspace beforehand, on the same device and network you will use for the exam, and watch the setup video linked on the Winter Session home page.

See Course Examinations for exam-by-exam procedures and preparation materials.

No Make-Up Exams

Because of the condensed nature of the Winter Session, there is no opportunity for make-up exams or make-up quizzes. Equipment failures, technical problems, and poor planning are not grounds for a makeup, so verify your setup well before December 31.

Grading Scale

Grades are not curved except in unusual circumstances. Approximate letter-grade cutoffs:

Range	Grade
90 and above	A–/A/A+
[80, 90)	B–/B/B+
[70, 80)	C–/C/C+
[60, 70)	D–/D/D+
Below 60	F

Cutoffs are approximate and may shift slightly based on overall performance, but any adjustment will be small and will never raise a threshold.

A grade of Incomplete (I) is given only in unusual circumstances. It requires a written request submitted before the date of the final exam, describing the circumstances and proposing a timeline for completing the work, and approval by the instructor. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval; if granted, you must sign an Incomplete Contract. Requests made after the course ends will not be considered.

The instructor reserves the right to change the grading scheme should unusual circumstances demand it.

How to Succeed in This Course

Each instructional day follows the same four steps:

Absorb (≈4 hours). Complete the assigned reading in the webbook and watch the segmented lecture videos. Use the search bar and timeline in the video viewer to target topics you find challenging.
Apply (≈4 hours). Work the Edfinity homework and computer assignments on scratch paper first, then submit. Record the steps that slow you down and revisit those notes before the exams.
Assess (≈20 minutes). Take the timed daily quiz in Brightspace.
Review (≈1 hour). Check posted solutions, revisit video segments on hard topics, and post or answer questions on the peer board.

A few habits that make the difference:

Check Brightspace announcements and your Purdue email every morning — due dates and course changes are posted there.
Keep tidy notes as you go. The exams are open-note, and notes written the night before are not as useful as notes written while you learned the material.
Start early. The course opens before December 22, so begin working ahead.
Lean on the peer discussion board. In a session this compressed, your classmates are your fastest source of help; instructor replies typically come in the late afternoon on weekdays, and weekend replies may take longer than 24 hours.

Academic Integrity & AI Policy

You are expected to uphold the Purdue Honor Pledge: “As a boilermaker pursuing academic excellence, I pledge to be honest and true in all that I do. Accountable together — we are Purdue.”

Cheating on an exam results in an F in the course — this includes communicating exam details to students who have not yet taken it and using non-approved materials during the exam. Cheating on quizzes, homework, and computer assignments results in a zero for that assignment. Incidents are handled by the course coordinator and referred to OSRR for review at the university level. Uploading or sharing STAT 350 course materials to any website, copying previously posted keys (including keys found on the internet), and using services like Chegg, Course Hero, or Quizlet to obtain answers are all cheating. Suspected breaches can be reported to integrity@purdue.edu or 765-494-8778 (anonymous submissions accepted).

Because the exams are webcam-proctored, the monitoring system flags behaviors such as frequently looking away from the screen, talking or moving your lips, leaving the camera view, another person appearing in the room, unusual background noise, and use of unauthorized materials. All recordings are reviewed.

Good collaboration — we encourage working together the right way:

Begin each assignment on your own before discussing the hard parts with others.
Discuss ideas and approaches for conceptual clarity, and compare answers, but finish each assignment yourself so your submission reflects your own understanding.
Use the peer board to ask conceptual questions, share strategies, and point to relevant sections of the webbook. Describe your approach and ask for guidance rather than answers.
If you need help, ask a TA — but still do the actual problem yourself.

Academic misconduct — the following are cheating, and both the student who copies and the student who allows copying are penalized:

Dividing the assignment among a group and swapping finished answers.
Posting answers, worked solutions, full code, screenshots of problems, or assessment content on the Brightspace discussion board or any public forum.
Soliciting or providing step-by-step solutions on external sites or group chats, paid or free.
Attending a group work session without having first attempted the problems yourself.
Letting others copy your work, freeloading on group efforts, or submitting work produced by someone else or by AI as your own.
Having a tutor, TA, or tutoring service (Chegg, Course Hero, etc.) work your problems, including referring to electronically posted materials.
Uploading any STAT 350 materials to external sites or sharing them beyond the course.

AI Usage Policy

AI tools (such as Anthropic’s Claude, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, or other large language models) may be used to check your reasoning, get hints, understand concepts, debug R code, explore alternative approaches to problems you have already solved, or generate practice problems — after you have attempted the work yourself. They may not be used to generate complete solutions, to submit AI-generated code or text as your own work, to complete assignments without your own substantial effort, or during exams. The course-specific tools Ask Anna (within Edfinity) and the AI Course Assistant fall under the same permitted and prohibited uses; in particular, neither is permitted during exams. You are responsible for being able to explain any work you submit; homework is practice for exams where AI is not available. Violations of this policy are treated as academic misconduct and reported to OSRR.

Learning Remotely

This is a fully online course, and we want the learning environment to be a safe one. All opinions and experiences must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment on, question, or critique an idea, but you may not attack an individual. Sarcasm and humor are easily misread online, so a few guidelines for discussion boards:

Watch how much space you take up in a discussion and leave room for other students.
Do not use offensive language, vernacular, or slang that could be misinterpreted, and do not type in all capitals — it reads as shouting.
Keep an open mind and be willing to express a minority opinion.
Think and edit before you send, and take in feedback from others.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Purdue strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@purdue.edu or 765-494-1247 as soon as possible.

If the DRC has determined reasonable accommodations you would like to use in this course, you must release your Course Accommodation Letter to your instructor.

Accommodated testing. Because both exams are delivered online in Brightspace, there is nothing to schedule with Purdue Testing Services or the DRC testing office. Testing accommodations such as extended time are applied directly to your Brightspace exams once your Course Accommodation Letter is released. The Winter Session runs on a compressed calendar, so release your letter as early as possible — ideally before the session begins.

Mental Health & Wellness

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or slightly overwhelmed, try Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) — free, confidential, self-guided resources from Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), available any time by creating an account on the TAO Connect website or downloading the app. For support and information about options, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 765-494-1747 (M–F, 8 AM–5 PM).
If you’re struggling to balance academics, social life, and stress, sign up for free one-on-one virtual or in-person sessions with a Purdue Wellness Coach at RecWell. Sign-up is free through BoilerConnect.
If you or someone you know needs mental health services, contact CAPS at 765-494-6995 — during and after hours, on weekends and holidays — or visit the CAPS office on the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.

Basic Needs

Any student who faces challenges securing food or housing, and who believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students for support. No appointment is needed; Student Support Services is available 8 AM–5 PM Monday through Friday.

University Statements

Nondiscrimination. Purdue is committed to a community that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person and fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect. Purdue prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. The full Nondiscrimination Policy Statement is in Brightspace under University Policies.
Emergency preparedness. In a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to change; relevant changes will be posted on Brightspace or can be obtained by contacting your instructor at reese18@purdue.edu. Read your @purdue.edu email frequently. Additional emergency-preparedness information is in the syllabus module on Brightspace.

The full text of all university-wide policies is included in your official syllabus and in Brightspace under University Policies and Statements.