Q1: “So, if I understand correctly, the only assignments that contribute to our grade in this class are one midterm exam, three projects, and a final exam, right?”

A1: Yes, that’s correct.

Q2: “Is there a recommended schedule for completing chapters or topics by specific dates?”

A2: The necessary information can be found in the descriptions provided for exams or projects on D2L. In case of any confusion, feel free to reach out to the instructor for clarification.

Q3: “Are there any video lectures available for this course, or is it entirely self-paced?”

A3: Video lectures are not part of the course. You should focus on upcoming assignments and study the corresponding topics in the lecture notes. If you find a concept unclear in the notes, you can ask the instructor or explore online resources like ChatGPT, though it’s wise to exercise caution when using them.

Q4: “Will the course include video lectures? If not, has all the learning material been provided already?”

A4: Video lectures are not part of the course. However, the lecture notes are almost 98% complete and serve as the primary learning material.

Q5: “Can we start working on Project 1 immediately? Also, are we allowed to work ahead in the course?”

A5: Certainly, you can begin working on Project 1 whenever you’re ready. As for working ahead, that’s absolutely allowed.

Q6: “Could you provide more information about the structure of the midterm and final exams? Will they include multiple-choice questions or follow a different format?”

A6: A sample midterm exam is available in the Announcements section on D2L. Similarly, a sample final exam will also be provided, and it will cover all the course material.

Q7: “Will we be using a textbook for this course?”

A7: No, a textbook is not re## Quired. The lecture notes provided by the instructor will be sufficient for your learning.

Q8: “When signing up for an account on Posit, it gives me options for a free version and a student version. Should I choose the student version, or is the free version sufficient?”

A8: Opting for the free version is generally recommended, as it usually meets the requirements and is well-received by most.

Q9 “I’m looking for additional ways to practice the concepts covered in the course. Is there anything we can do beyond reading the lecture notes?”

A9: A highly effective method to reinforce the concepts learned in this course is by engaging with ChatGPT. For instance, if you’re interested in practicing descriptive statistics (which involves summarizing data both numerically and graphically), you can ask ChatGPT to generate five comprehensive examples related to this topic. A Query like “I’m currently enrolled in an introductory statistics course for natural sciences. Could you please explain the concept of descriptive statistics and provide five detailed examples with relevant data?” You can also leverage ChatGPT to generate R code for histograms and box plots for each of these examples. Moreover, you can inquire about the step-by-step process of calculating the standard deviation using an illustrative example. This interactive process not only enhances your learning but also makes it an enjoyable experience!

In addition, I will have a set of problems I have compiled for this course. I will share these problems with the class.

Q10 “I’m concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the format of exams and projects. A single poor assignment might negatively impact the overall semester grade.”

A10: I’ll ensure that you receive sample exam Questions before each examination. Additionally, for projects, a comprehensive template has been provided towards the end of the first project description. Remember that utilizing office hours is another effective strategy to address your concerns. This way, you can clarify any doubts you may have and alleviate any worries about assignments potentially affecting your semester grade.

Q11: “Where can I access the course materials?”

A11: You can find all the learning materials you need under the “Announcement” section in D2L. Additionally, for exams, you’ll find them under “Assessments -> Quizzes,” and for projects, they’ll be located in “Assessments -> Assignments.”

Q12: How will the exams be taken? Will it be a take-home style exam in which you will post the exam on a given day and we’ll have by the end of the day to complete and submit our exam? Or will the exam require technology (say LockDown Browser for example) and can only be taken in one sitting?

A12: Both exams will be administered through D2L. You will have a total of 75 minutes to complete the problems on the midterm exam. You are granted the flexibility to select a suitable time between 8:00 am and 11:59 pm on the designated day (10/12/2023) when the exam is scheduled. There will be only one sitting for each exam. I don’t use LockDown browser.