Statistics class

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I'm interested in opinions about statistics, for those of you who have taken it. The program I'm hoping to get into requires it, but they do not have any pre reqs to that course. I'm just curious how difficult it is, and if I can handle it with only two years of algebra in high school. (And it's going to be 15 years since I graduated - scary!!!) Thanks for any advice you can give!!

BioRN --

Take the A&P first if you possibly can. My RN program has it as a pre-req, and the reason is that they build from it. Our program assumes knowledge and does not go over the physiology much, they just build on it. If you already have had it, I think it would make the cores much easier because things would be more familiar.

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BioRN --

Take the A&P first if you possibly can. My RN program has it as a pre-req, and the reason is that they build from it. Our program assumes knowledge and does not go over the physiology much, they just build on it. If you already have had it, I think it would make the cores much easier because things would be more familiar.

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I gotta redo mine next semester. Last took it 7 years ago! I don't know how I'll feel about it this time -- but it was one of those "you either get it or you don't" courses. Pure memorization. I'm in awe of people who have retained the knowledge and can apply it.

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I gotta redo mine next semester. Last took it 7 years ago! I don't know how I'll feel about it this time -- but it was one of those "you either get it or you don't" courses. Pure memorization. I'm in awe of people who have retained the knowledge and can apply it.

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Kyle's Mom,

I have taken 2 courses in Statistics and numerous courses in Math, including Calculus and beyond. In short, I LOVE MATH.

Statistics can be more difficult than you expect, especially during the second half of the semester when you study hypothesis testing. Given your minimal background, I suggest that you take few if any other courses at the same time that you take this one. There is not much Algebra in the course, but you will have to learn how to think in many ways.

Currently in its 8th edition, the most popular textbook is by Mario F. Triola. Chances are that you will have to buy this one. It is widely used throughout the United States. I used the 4th edition in Florida years ago. My former Calculus instructor is one of the reviewers of the current and past editions. The 8th edition is required for classes at Collin County Community College here in the Plano area, so it is likely to be the same text in your nearby city.

You might also have to buy and learn how to use the TI-83 calculator. Research that possibility in advance. The Triola book is based on this calculator. If the TI-83 is required, then buy it and one small book from Amazon now and begin learning it. The manual provided with the calculator teaches you the mechanics but nothing really much in the way of Statistics. This is why I recommend an additional book.

The quantity of formulas you will be required to memorize depends on your instructor. Some instructors require their students to demonstrate understanding of the underlying calculations on the exams. Then there are others who are more practically minded, and require their students to only know how to fully operate the calculator. You might not be able to determine which category your instructor is in until a couple weeks into the semester, so be prepared for the worst scenario of having to perform handwritten calculations with some calculator assistance.

Do not waste your money on additional textbook study guides unless you are the type of person who prefers them. A better idea would be to seek tutoring if you encounter a lot of difficulty. Remember what I said about the second half of the semester. Statistics can become suddenly overwhelming at that time. In the first several weeks you learn the basics of calculations. Then you have to apply your knowledge of them.

Mario F. Triola http://www.awl.com/hepg/triolastats/abouttriola.html

8th Edition companion websites http://www.awlonline.com/triola/

TI-83 store http://epsstore.ti.com/webs/catlist.asp?deptid=207&catid=782

TI-83 companion book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201704692/104-0450887-5728729

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Kyle's Mom,

I have taken 2 courses in Statistics and numerous courses in Math, including Calculus and beyond. In short, I LOVE MATH.

Statistics can be more difficult than you expect, especially during the second half of the semester when you study hypothesis testing. Given your minimal background, I suggest that you take few if any other courses at the same time that you take this one. There is not much Algebra in the course, but you will have to learn how to think in many ways.

Currently in its 8th edition, the most popular textbook is by Mario F. Triola. Chances are that you will have to buy this one. It is widely used throughout the United States. I used the 4th edition in Florida years ago. My former Calculus instructor is one of the reviewers of the current and past editions. The 8th edition is required for classes at Collin County Community College here in the Plano area, so it is likely to be the same text in your nearby city.

You might also have to buy and learn how to use the TI-83 calculator. Research that possibility in advance. The Triola book is based on this calculator. If the TI-83 is required, then buy it and one small book from Amazon now and begin learning it. The manual provided with the calculator teaches you the mechanics but nothing really much in the way of Statistics. This is why I recommend an additional book.

The quantity of formulas you will be required to memorize depends on your instructor. Some instructors require their students to demonstrate understanding of the underlying calculations on the exams. Then there are others who are more practically minded, and require their students to only know how to fully operate the calculator. You might not be able to determine which category your instructor is in until a couple weeks into the semester, so be prepared for the worst scenario of having to perform handwritten calculations with some calculator assistance.

Do not waste your money on additional textbook study guides unless you are the type of person who prefers them. A better idea would be to seek tutoring if you encounter a lot of difficulty. Remember what I said about the second half of the semester. Statistics can become suddenly overwhelming at that time. In the first several weeks you learn the basics of calculations. Then you have to apply your knowledge of them.

Mario F. Triola http://www.awl.com/hepg/triolastats/abouttriola.html

8th Edition companion websites http://www.awlonline.com/triola/

TI-83 store http://epsstore.ti.com/webs/catlist.asp?deptid=207&catid=782

TI-83 companion book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201704692/104-0450887-5728729

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Thank you so much for your knowledgable answer regarding statistics! I bookmarked the information and the resources listed.

To the person that asked about doing A&P before or concurrent to the Nursing Program, I would 100% recommend doing the A&P BEFORE! It's a lot of information and the classes are pretty fast paced. The Nursing Program will also build on the knowledge that they'll assume you've covered in A&P. Make things a little easier on yourself by taking it before hand. I've found the A&P course to be hard enough....... Good luck in whatever you decide is right for you!

Cheryl Moore

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Thank you so much for your knowledgable answer regarding statistics! I bookmarked the information and the resources listed.

To the person that asked about doing A&P before or concurrent to the Nursing Program, I would 100% recommend doing the A&P BEFORE! It's a lot of information and the classes are pretty fast paced. The Nursing Program will also build on the knowledge that they'll assume you've covered in A&P. Make things a little easier on yourself by taking it before hand. I've found the A&P course to be hard enough....... Good luck in whatever you decide is right for you!

Cheryl Moore

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MK, Thank you and everyone for your advice!

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MK, Thank you and everyone for your advice!

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Generally speaking, I am very good at math. I am taking Stats this semester, and I am not happy with it AT ALL. I had a lot of problems with the probabilities section, so my overall grade (at this point) is an 86.6%. I am used to having ALL A's. Anyway, it got better on the last test, but our professor has polled the class to see if we would like to finish the last 2 chapters, or write a large group report instead. What do you think the class chose? a report means NO MORE TESTS.

If I was you, I would take it in the summer where you can go everyday and be there for several hours. I think one of the problems with this class is we only meet T,TH. GOOD LUCK!

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I don't think that stats is that hard of a class. Mom had to take it last semester b\c her RN-BSN program requires it. I taught most of it to her because she didn't understand it the way the teacher did things. I had 9 weeks of stats last year in my advanced math course. I find it to be easy.

Brett

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