Statistics 0001

Statistics 0001 (Introduction to Statistics and Data Science) is one of the Wharton online for-credit courses offered within the Pre-baccalaureate Program.

Overview

Course Description

STAT 0001: Introduction to Statistics and Data Science

In this course, we will learn introductory statistics using R with a focus on the application of statistical thinking to business problems. We will learn basic statistical concepts such as mean, variance, quantiles and hypothesis testing, and basic R programming for data management and analysis. We will work with traditional R’s data.frame structure as well as the modern tibbles structure.

Prerequisite: Percentages, average, powers, exponential, linear equation of a line, polynomials.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Describe the role of statistics and data science within various industries. 
  • Utilize programming language R to conduct data analysis and data management. 
  • Identify and understand the applications of introductory statistics. 

About the Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program

The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program is an academically-intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in Wharton online courses. Participants will learn from Wharton instructors, earn a Wharton transcript, and accrue college credit for each course completed. With six sessions to choose from and built-in academic support, students are encouraged to explore the depth and breadth of Wharton’s business education curriculum with maximum flexibility and the guidance and resources to succeed.

Details

Course Details

This course is delivered via synchronous class sessions. To be successful, you must actively engage with ideas presented in the course, and with those posed by your classmates.  

Assessment is based upon active course participation, weekly assignments, and a culminating course project.  

Software:

We will use the free statistical computing software R (http://www.rproject.org/) frequently in class. No previous programming skills necessary. You will apply what you learned in class to solve your homework and final project problems.

References:

  • Statistics: concepts and controversies. D. S. Moore and W. I. Notz
  • Statistical thinking in business. J. A. John, D. Whitaker, and D. G. Johnson
  • Essential statistics for public managers and policy analysts. E. Berman and X. Wang
  • Business analytics for managers. W. Jank
  • R programming for data science. R. D. Peng
  • R for data science. H. Wickham and G. Grolemund

Course Content

Course Topics: 

  • Binomial distributions 
  • Descriptive analysis 
  • Parameter estimation 
  • R programming skills 

Synchronous Classes: 

Synchronous classes offer the opportunity to explore questions about the course and materials beyond the lectures through live interactions—via videoconference—with course instructors and your classmates. Live class sessions will meet twice weekly.  

Course Materials Fee

None

See full tuition details here.

Requirements

Requirements:

Attendance: 

Course attendance and participation are expected on a regular basis.  

Technical Requirements:

In order to fully participate in this course, you will need a computer that meets minimum system requirements for both Canvas LMS and Zoom Videoconferencing. Refer to the following links:

All programming originates from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Eastern Daylight Time).

Instructional Team

Instructor: Wei Wang 

Wei Wang is a researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine of University of Pennsylvania. He has been collaborating with investigators in the development and application of statistical methods to medical science and public health services. He has a bachelor degree in finance, a master and a Ph D degree in statistics. His statistical methodology research specializes in linear mixed effects models for the analysis of clustered data or longitudinal data.  At Wharton school, he teaches both theoretical and applied statistics courses to students of various backgrounds and levels. 

INCLUDED IN ALL SUMMER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Wharton Global Youth Meetup (GYM)

Wharton Global Youth Meetup (GYM) is a creative, co-curricular community open to summer students as a way to connect to one another — and Wharton — before, during, and after their programs. Featuring both live and independent programming, the GYM is designed to ensure virtual participants don’t miss out on valuable community building and networking. 

*The GYM is included in all online summer programs, except Understanding Your Money.