UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 2002–2003
 Brigham Young University
Back Statistics

   

Howard B. Christensen, Chair
230 TMCB, (801) 422-4505

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Advisement Center
N-179 ESC, (801) 422-6270

Admission to Degree Program

All degree programs in the Department of Statistics are open enrollment.

The Discipline

The statistician's job is to help determine what data are to be collected, how to collect them to avoid biases and distortions, and then how to turn those data into information that other people can understand to help solve problems and reach sound decisions. From the predictions of the political pollster to exacting analyses of pharmaceutical research, the breadth and diversity of statistical applications are injected into nearly all aspects of modern life.

Career Opportunities

The curriculum and degrees offered through the Department of Statistics are designed to equip students with decision-making skills for careers as professional statisticians in industrial organizations, government agencies, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutes. The technical tools statisticians acquire are useful in many areas, and for this reason a statistics degree is also excellent preparation for professional programs in law, business administration, and public administration.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree a student must fill three groups of requirements: (1) general education requirements; (2) university requirements; and (3) major requirements.

General Education Requirements

Students should contact their college advisement center for information about general education courses that will also fill major requirements.

Languages of Learning

Precollege Math (zero to one course)
(or Math ACT score of at least 22)
0–3.0 hours
First-Year Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Languages/Math/Music
(one to four courses)
3–20.0

Liberal Arts Core

Biological Science (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Physical Science (one to two courses)
(Recommended: PhyS 100)
3–7.0
American Heritage (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Wellness (one to three courses) 1.5–2.0
Civilization (two courses) 6.0

Arts and Sciences Electives

Arts and Letters (one course) 3.0
Natural Sciences (one course) 3–4.0
Social and Behavioral Sciences (one course) 3.0

Note 1: For a complete list of courses that will fill each GE category, see the General Education section of the current class schedule.

Note 2: Additional information about general education requirements can be found in the General Education section of the current class schedule or this catalog.

Minimum University Requirements

Religion 14.0
Residency 30.0
Hours needed to graduate 120.0

Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

Note: See the Graduation section of this catalog for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed under one of the following undergraduate degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS Actuarial Science
BS Statistics
Emphases:
Statistical Science
Biostatistics
Business Analysis
Information Systems
Quality Science
BS-MS Integrated Master's Program
Minor Statistics

Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS Statistics

For more information see the BYU 2002–2003 Graduate Catalog.



General Information

  1. It is recommended that a student complete the following courses in high school:
    • 3 units of English
    • 1 unit of physical science, either chemistry or physics.
    • 4 units of mathematics, consisting of 2.5 units of algebra, 1 unit of geometry, and 0.5 unit of trigonometry. This should qualify students to begin college mathematics with Math 112, analytic geometry and calculus.
      Because mathematics provides the foundation for all work in the physical and mathematical sciences, particular attention is paid to high school preparation in this subject.
      To decide which mathematics course should be taken first, write to the Mathematics Department, 292 TMCB, and request a mathematics placement test.

  2. Students are encouraged to complete 15 credit hours each semester. Taking fewer credits substantially increases the cost and the number of semesters to graduate.

  3. An integrated BS/MS program is available. This program allows students in all undergraduate emphases to receive their bachelor's and master's degree in five years of schooling. It is available only if students begin a major in statistics as freshmen or start early enough in the program to match the pace required to progress through it in a five-year period.



Major Requirements for All Statistics Programs

  1. No more than 3 hours of D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Complete the following preparation core courses:
    CS 142.
    Engl 316 or MCom 320.
    Math 112, 113, 214.

  3. Complete the following statistics core courses:
    Stat 212, 221, 291, 292, 322, 334*, 336, 337, 441, 442.

    *Note: Stat 334 is an elective course for the actuarial science major.

  4. Complete one of the majors or emphases listed below.



BS Actuarial Science (64 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

  2. Complete the following:
    Econ 110.
    Stat 474, 475.

  3. Complete six courses from the following:
    Acc 200, 210.
    BusM 300, 406.
    Econ 380, 381, 382, 450.
    Stat 334, 361, 412, 435, 462, 466, 469.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Statistics: Statistical Science Emphasis (64 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

  1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

  2. Complete eight courses from the following with at least four courses from the statistics list:
    Math 190, 311, 315, 316, 334, 350, 355, 371, 387, 480.
    Stat 361, 412, 435, 462, 466, 469, 474, 475, 531, 545.

Recommended Courses

The following are strongly recommended if a student plans to pursue a PhD. (See the Mathematics section of this catalog for prerequisites.)

Math 190, 315, 316.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Statistics: Biostatistics Emphasis (60–66 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

  1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

  2. Complete a minor in one of the following:
    Agronomy
    Animal Science
    Botany
    Conservation Biology
    Food Science
    Horticulture
    Microbiology
    Nutrition
    Range Science
    Zoology

  3. Complete two courses from the following:
    Hlth 478.
    Stat 361, 412, 435, 466, 469.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Statistics: Business Analysis Emphasis (62 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

  1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

  2. Complete a minor in management (approximately 17 hours).

  3. Complete two courses from the following:
    Stat 361, 412, 462, 466, 469.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Statistics: Information Systems Emphasis (64 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

  1. Complete the major requirements listed above.

  2. Complete the following:
    Acc 200.
    ISys 440, 443, 445, 546.
    Stat 361, 412.

  3. Complete one course from the following:
    ISys 412, 540, 548.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Statistics: Quality Science Emphasis (64 hours*)

Emphasis Requirements

    Complete the major requirements listed above.

  1. Complete the following:
    Mfg 340, 480.
    Stat 361, 462, 466.

  2. Complete three courses from the following:
    OrgB 320.
    MeEn 282, 363.
    Mfg 331, 355.
    Mfg-MeEn 475**, 476**.
    Math 334.

    **These courses constitute a two-semester sequence. Choosing Mfg-MeEn 475 implies that Mfg-MeEn 476 will also be chosen.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Statistics (19 hours*)

Minor Requirements

  1. Complete the following:
    CS 142.
    Stat 212, 221, 322, 336.

  2. Complete two additional courses numbered 321 or higher (excluding Stat 471, 472).

Note: Stat 510 and 511 can be taken in place of but not in addition to Stat 221 and 336 in item 1.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Statistics (Stat)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Undergraduate Courses

105. Introduction to Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: Math 97 or equivalent.

Fundamental ideas and applications of statistics. Not a GE course.

199R. Academic Internship. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department chair's and cooperative education coordinator's consent.

Work experience evaluated by supervisor and posted on student's transcript.

212. Statistical Computing 1. (2:2:2) F, W Prerequisite: CS 142.

Statistical programming using the data step in SAS; basic statistical Procs; introduction to statistical graphics using Proc Insight.

221. Principles of Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp, Su Honors and Independent Study also. Prerequisite: Math 110 or equivalent.

Stemplots, boxplots, histograms, scatterplots; central tendency, variability; confidence intervals and hypothesis testing involving one and two means and proportions; contingency tables, regression; computer package.

291, 292. Teaching Elementary Statistics in a Laboratory Setting. (0.5:0:2 ea.) 291: F, W, Sp, Su; 292: F, W, Sp Prerequisite for 291: Stat 221; for 292: Stat 291.

Supervised training and experience in teaching statistical concepts, managing lab experiences, using learning activities, and evaluating student performance.

301. Statistics and Probability for Secondary Educators. (3:3:2) F, Sp Prerequisite: Math 113.

Statistics and probability, emphasizing secondary-specific curriculum. Principles of counting, probability distributions, density functions, graphical methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, computer package.

321. Elements of Mathematical Statistics. (3:3:2) F, W, Su Independent Study also. Prerequisite: Math 113 or 119 or equivalent.

Probability, random variables, frequency distributions, estimation and tests of hypotheses from a theoretical standpoint.

322. Matrix Computations in Statistics. (2:2:0) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 110.

Basic matrix operations, inverse, quadratic forms, rank; symmetric, idempotent, orthogonal, and positive definite matrices; canonical forms, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

334. Methods of Survey Sampling. (3:3:2) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 221 or equivalent.

Sampling frames, questionnaire design; simple random, systematic, stratified, and cluster sampling methods, comparing domain means, contingency table analysis.

336. Statistical Methods 1. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 221, 212, 322, or concurrent enrollment.

Sample estimation and hypothesis testing, nonparametric analogs for t-tests, contingency tables, simple linear regression, multiple regression, subset selection procedures; residual, influence, and collinearity diagnostics.

337. Statistical Methods 2. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 336.

Completely randomized, randomized block, Latin square designs; split plots, model writing, fixed model analysis of covariance, nonparametric analogs to classical methods of analysis.

361. Quality Improvement for Industry. (3:3:1) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Math 112 or 119. Recommended: concurrent registration in Stat 336 or 337.

Quality management philosophies (Deming, etc.) Strategies for continuous improvement. Graphical and numerical methods of data analysis. Process control charts. Design and analysis of experiments for process characterization and improvement.

412. Statistical Computing 2. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Stat 212.

Introduction to S Plus, statistical graphics, SAS macros, SAS Proc IML, and simulation.

421. Probability and Distribution Theory. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Math 113 or equivalent.

Mathematical formulation of continuous and discrete random variables, including underlying probability models, distribution functions, conditional and marginal probability laws, convolutions and other functions of random variables, limiting distributions.

435. Analysis of Categorical and Other Nonparametric Data. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 336 or equivalent.

Nonparametric analogs of classical parametric methods, 2x2 log linear models, contingency tables, the Mantel-Haenszel test, stratified analysis, conditional independence, collapsibility and life tables.

441. Statistical Theory 1. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Math 214.

Axiomatic probability theory for discrete and continuous random variables; moment-generating functions; conditional probability; stochastic independence; transformations; limiting distributions; stochastic convergence; central limit theorem.

442. Statistical Theory 2. (3:3:0) F, W Prerequisite: Stat 441.

Sufficiency and completeness; point and interval estimation; hypothesis testing; Cramer-Rao inequality; some asymptotic results; Bayesian methods.

462. Quality Control and Industrial Statistics. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Stat 361; 321 or 441. Recommended: Stat 337.

Intermediate concepts in process analysis, process control, and control chart procedures; Pareto diagrams, cause-effect diagrams; acceptance sampling.

466. Introduction to Reliability. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Stat 361; 321 or 441; Math 113 or equivalent.

Mathematics, distributions, management, and maintenance of basic reliability concepts; collection and analysis of test data; fault tree analysis; applying reliability in various areas.

469. Applied Time Series and Forecasting. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 336.

Univariate time series, univariate Box-Jenkins methodology, ARIMA models, nonstationary models, model building, forecasting, seasonal analysis, case studies.

471. Actuarial Mathematics. (1:2:0) F Prerequisite: Math 214; Stat 322 or concurrent enrollment.

Applying mathematical techniques to problems in actuarial science. Prepares for the course 1 exam.

472. Actuarial Problems. (1:2:0) W, Sp Prerequisite: Stat 441, 442, or concurrent enrollment.

Applying mathematical statistics in actuarial science. Prepares for the course 1 exam.

474. Life Contingencies 1. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Math 214; Stat 441 or concurrent enrollment.

Theory of interest, annuities, amortization, life tables, life annuities. Prepares for the course 2 exam.

475. Life Contingencies 2. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 474.

Contingent annuities, joint annuities, insurance, calculating premiums and reserves. Prepares for the course 3 exam.

496R. Academic Internship: Statistics. (0.5–9:Arr:Arr ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department coordinator's consent.

On-the-job experience or internships for undergraduates. Report is required.

497R. Introduction to Statistical Research. (0.5–3:0:6 ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department chair's consent.

Review of current literature and survey of present status of significant statistical research; collaborative work between student and faculty.

499R. Honors Thesis. (0.5–6:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: departmental consent.



500-Level Graduate Courses (available to advanced undergraduates)

510. Introduction to Statistics for Graduate Students. (3:3:1) F, W, Sp Su Prerequisite: Math 97 or equivalent. Recommended: Math 110 or equivalent.

Introductory statistics course for graduate students outside Statistics Department. Topics include probability, estimation, hypothesis tests, simple linear regression, analysis of variance.

511. Statistical Methods for Research 1. (3:3:2) F, W, Sp Prerequisite: Stat 510 or equivalent.

Basic statistical methodologies and experimental design. Topics include analysis of variance, multiple regression, analysis of covariance, common experimental designs.

512. Statistical Methods for Research 2. (3:3:2) W, Su Prerequisite: Stat 511.

Advanced statistical methodologies. Topics include repeated measures models, basic multivariate techniques, logistic regression, log-linear models.

522. Theory of Linear Models. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Stat 322, 442, or equivalents.

Linear hypotheses, with application to regression and design.

525. Statistical Inference. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 322, 442, or equivalents.

Exponential families, likelihood theory, maximum likelihood estimation, likelihood ratio tests, small and large sample tests.

531. Experimental Design. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 337 or 512.

Power for basic designs, hierarchical designs, change-over designs, confounding in symmetric and asymmetric designs, incomplete block designs, bioassay, and response surface designs.

532. Quality Improvement for Engineering. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Stat 361, Math 113.

Selected topics in statistical theory, analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression, response surface design and analysis, multilevel experimental designs, blocking designs, confounding.

534. Sampling. (3:3:2) F even yr. Prerequisite: Stat 334; 441 or departmental consent.

Estimation in systematic, simple random, stratified, cluster, and PPS sampling and mixtures of these; ratio estimation, sample size determination and principles of sample allocation.

535. Applied Linear Models. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 337; Stat 441 or concurrent enrollment; or departmental consent.

Analysis of full-rank model, over-parameterized model, cell-means model, unequal subclass frequencies, and missing and fused cells. Estimability issues, diagnostics.

536. Modern Regression Methods. (3:3:0) W even yr. Prerequisite: Stat 322; 336 or 511.

Weighted least squares, measurement error models, robust regression, nonlinear regression, local regression, generalized additive models, tree-structured regression.

537. Generalized Linear Models. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Stat 522, 535.

Generalized linear models framework, binary data, polytomous data, log-linear models.

545. (Stat-ECEn 510) Stochastic Processes. (3:3:0) Sp Prerequisite: Stat 441 or equivalent.

Review of elementary probability: expectation, characteristic functions, limit theorems. Introductory random processes: definitions and properties, covariance and spectral density, time average, stationarity, ergodicity, linear system relations, mean square estimation, Markov processes.

590. Statistical Consulting. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: departmental consent.

Introduction to statistical consulting, oral presentations, presentation packages, written reports. Extensive applied experience in the Center for Collaborative Research and Statistical Consulting.

591R. Graduate Seminar in Statistics. (0:1:0 ea.) F, W

595R. Special Topics in Statistics. (1–3:Arr.:0 ea.) On dem. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

599R. Academic Internship: Statistics. (1–9:0:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: departmental consent.

On-the-job experience. Report required.

Graduate Courses

For 600- and 700-level courses, see the BYU 2002–2003 Graduate Catalog.



Statistics Faculty

Professors

Bryce, Gale Rex (1972) AA, Phoenix Coll., 1963; BS, Arizona State U., 1967; MS, Brigham Young U., 1970; PhD, U. of Kentucky, 1974.

Christensen, Howard B. (1967) BS, Brigham Young U., 1964; MS, PhD, North Carolina State U., 1966, 1975.

Collings, Bruce J. (1988) BS, MS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1973, 1975, 1977; MS, PhD, U. of North Carolina, 1980, 1981; ASA, Society of Actuaries, 1994.

Fellingham, Gilbert W. (1990) BA, Occidental Coll., 1971; MS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1976, 1977; MS, PhD, U. of Washington, 1988, 1990.

Scott, Del T. (1977) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1970, 1973; PhD, Pennsylvania State U., 1977.

Tolley, H. Dennis (1983) BS, Brigham Young U., 1970; PhD, U. of North Carolina, 1974; ASA, Society of Actuaries, 1981.

Associate Professors

Grimshaw, Scott D. (1993) BS, Southern Utah State Coll., 1983; MS, PhD, Texas A&M U., 1985, 1989.

Lawson, John S. (1986) AA, Los Angeles Valley Coll., 1967; BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1969, 1971; MS, Rutgers U., 1976; PhD, Polytechnic Inst. of New York, 1983.

Schaalje, G. Bruce (1992) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1977, 1979; MS, U. of Washington, 1981; PhD, North Carolina State U., 1988.

Associate Teaching Professor

Larsen, Wayne A. (1998) BS, Brigham Young U., 1961; PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State U., 1967.

Assistant Professors

Collings, Patti Burton (1988) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1971, 1977.

Hilton, Sterling C. (1996) BA, MA, MS, Brigham Young U., 1987, 1990; PhD, Johns Hopkins U., 1996.

Whiting, David G. (1995) BA, MS, Brigham Young U., 1988, 1990; PhD, Texas A&M U., 1995.

Wolfson, Lara J. (1999) BS, Simon Fraser U., Canada, 1991; MS, PhD, Carnegie-Mellon U., 1993, 1995.

Assistant Teaching Professors

Nielsen, P. Lynne (2000) BS, U. of Philippines, 1973; MS, Brigham Young U., 1984.

Snow, Gregory L. (2000) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1992, 1994; MS, PhD, U. of Washington, 1997, 2000.

Associate Research Professor

Eggett, Dennis L. (1997) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1981, 1983; PhD, North Carolina State U., 1987.

Adjunct Professor

Booth, Gordon D. (1981) BA, BS, Brigham Young U., 1960, 1963; MS, PhD, Iowa State U., 1967, 1973.

Emeriti

Adams, L. LaMar (1970) BS, MEd, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1961, 1965, 1972.

Beus, Gary B. (1967) BA, Brigham Young U., 1962; MS, PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., 1965, 1968.

Campbell, L. Howard (1962) BS, MBA, U. of Utah, 1955, 1957.

Carter, Melvin W. (1961) BS, Arizona State Coll., 1953; MS, PhD, North Carolina State U., 1954, 1956.

Hendrix, Leland J. (1967) BS, MA, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1960, 1966, 1967.

Hilton, H. Gill (1962) BS, Brigham Young U., 1957; MS, PhD, North Carolina State U., 1960, 1962.

Nielson, Howard C. (1957) BS, U. of Utah, 1947; MS, U. of Oregon, 1949; MBA, PhD, Stanford U., 1956, 1957.

Rencher, Alvin C. (1963) BS, MA, Brigham Young U., 1959, 1962; PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., 1968.

Richards, Dale O. (1963) BS, Utah State U., 1950; MS, PhD, Iowa State U. of Science and Technology, 1957, 1963.






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