Business Statistics Using Python
Course Information
Title Business Statistics Using Python
Semester 8 Week Session: September 6, 2023 – October 29, 2023
Instructional Modality Online
Catalog Description A compact primer in statistics as a foundation for data-driven business
analysis. A selection of concepts include probability, estimation, inference,
correlation, and regression.
Instructor Information
Instructor Name Katie Gaertner
Instructor Role Lecturer (Risk & Insurance)
Course Learning Outcomes
• Calculate descriptive statistics and generate basic visualizations using Python.
• Explain and apply principles and rules of probability.
• Utilize inferential statistics and communicate the uncertainty in statistical estimates
• Perform regression analysis, and distinguish between correlation and causation.
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Course Schedule
The following topics are tentatively planned during the following weeks. (However, this is subject to change.)
Week Dates Topics Assignment(s) Due
1 09/06 – 09/10 Course Basics (including python basics) Various Quizzes, Activity #1
2 09/11 – 09/17 Data Exploration (including descriptive stats) Various Quizzes, Activity #2
3 09/18 – 09/24 Probability Various Quizzes, Activity #3
4 09/25 – 10/01 Inferential Statistics Various Quizzes, Activity #4
5 10/02 – 10/09 Correlation & Regression (week 1) Various Quizzes, Activity #5
6 10/09 – 10/15 Correlation & Regression (week 2) Various Quizzes, Activity #6
7 10/16 – 10/22 Final Project
8 10/23 – 10/29 Final Project Final Project
Grading
Grading Scale: Grading Criteria:
Grade % Range Assignment # of Assignments % of Grade
A x ≥ 95% Quizzes 13 (various points) 17%
AB 90% ≤ x < 95% Activities 6 (each worth 7%) 42%
B 85% ≤ x < 90% Final Project 1 41%
BC 80% ≤ x < 85%
C 70% ≤ x < 80%
D 59% ≤ x < 70%
F 00% ≤ x < 59%
* The final grades will not be curved.
2
Assignments
Activities:
These are activities or quizzes in edX that will help you to learn the material. In preparation
for the activities, you will need to read and/or watch the material provided in the edX
modules.
Homework:
During the semester, you will have three homework assignments that will provide an
opportunity to apply skills learned up that point. (You learn by doing!) You will submit your
homework through edX.
Final Assignment:
There will be a final assignment at the end of the course that allows you to review and reflect
on the material covered in the class. It will be built around a business case study. The
assignment will be submitted within edX.
Required Textbook
No textbook is required for this course. Required articles or videos will be uploaded or linked to within edX.
Required Software
The primary tools used in this class will be Python and Jupyter Notebooks. These tools are available for free. You
should NOT download a tool until instructed to do so during the semester.
Late Work Policy
In order to be fair to all students, the only exception for late work would be with a doctor’s note. In those cases, the
completed work and doctor’s note must be submitted within two days of the original due date.
Privacy of Student Records & the Use of Recorded Lectures
Lecture materials and recordings for this course are protected intellectual property at the University of Wisconsin-
Madison. Students in this course may use the materials and recordings for their personal use related to participation
in this class. Students may also take notes solely for their personal use. If a lecture is not already recorded, you are
not authorized to record my lectures without my permission unless you are considered by the university to be a
qualified student with a disability requiring accommodation. [Regent Policy Document 4-1] Students may not copy
or have lecture materials and recordings outside of class, including posting on internet sites or selling to commercial
entities. Students are also prohibited from providing or selling their personal notes to anyone else or being paid for
taking notes by any person or commercial firm without the instructor’s express written permission. Unauthorized
use of these copyrighted lecture materials and recordings constitutes copyright infringement and may be addressed
under the university’s policies, UWS Chapters 14 and 17, governing student academic and non-academic
misconduct.
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edX Honor Code
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