ISTA 116: Statistical Foundations for the Information Age


Data is everywhere in the modern world. Each of us has access to data on virtually any topic imaginable via the internet, and public and private institutions are making use of data in decision-making more than ever before. This trend will only accelerate. However, access to data is not the same thing as access to information. The purpose of this course is to develop some of the foundational skills needed to consume data and create information. The main theme in the course is understanding the variability inherent in data, and the inherent uncertainty associated with conclusions drawn from data.

Time and Place

Lectures:
Monday/Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:45pm in Saguaro Hall, Room 202

Labs:
Tues 12:00 - 1:50 in ECE 229 (with Kate)
Tues 2:00 - 3:50 in ECE 229 (with Sarah)
Tues 4:00 - 5:50 in ECE 229 (with Sarah)

Instructor

Mihai Surdeanu
msurdeanu AT email DOT arizona DOT edu
Office: Gould-Simpson 811
Office Hours: Wed 1 - 2 and by appointment

Lab Instructors

Yekaterina (Kate) Kharitonova
ykk AT email DOT arizona DOT edu
Office: Gould-Simpson 927C
Office Hours: Tue 9:30 - 10:30 and by appointment

Sarah Menchaca
menchacasarah AT email DOT arizona DOT edu
Office: Gould-Simpson 821 (the SL office)
Office Hours: Thu 4 - 5 and Fri 9:30 - 10:30

Important Dates

Midterm: March 12th
Term paper: May 4th
Student presentations: May 5th, 7th
Final: between May 12th and May 15th
For homework and web assignment due dates see the syllabus.