Need help choosing stats classes at college

[Flyback]

Judging from past posts on stats classes, I am about to get the crap kicked out of me, but anyways There are two paths available, each containing two classes.

Basically I'm looking to find out which is more difficult, and the applications of both.

The Practice of Statistics I & II

Part I is an introductory course in statistical concepts and methods, emphasizing exploratory data analysis for univariate and bivariate data, sampling and experimental designs, basic probability models, estimation and tests of hypothesis in one-sample and comparative two-sample studies. A statistical computing package is used but no prior computing experience is assumed.

Part II is a continuation, emphasizing major methods of data analysis such as analysis of variance for one factor and multiple factor designs, regression models, categorical and non-parametric methods.

Probability and Statistics I & II

Part I covers probability including its role in statistical modelling. Topics include probability distributions, expectation, continuous and discrete random variables and vectors, distribution functions. Basic limiting results and the normal distribution presented with a view to their applications in statistics.

Part II gives an introduction to current statistical theory and methods. Topics include: estimation, testing, and confidence intervals; unbiasedness, sufficiency, likelihood; simple linear and generalized linear models.

 

[minendo]

What is your major and what role do you see stats playing in your career?

 

[kedlav]

First one sounds like your typical non-science majors cop-outs that are used to replace calculus so as not to bring down the GPA. It seems to touch on most basic statistical methods. The second sounds like the science and engineering focused sequence which goes in depth in the most significant modeling methods, which can be extremely useful for math, physics, CS, etc.

 

[TallBill]

Sounds like you'll actually learn more from the Probability and Statistics classes.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: minendo
What is your major and what role do you see stats playing in your career?

It will be math and physics (I'm planning timetable ahead--starting in fall while finishing up first degree now). I want to take stats for a few reasons. The primary reason is that I will need some credits outside of the major to fulfill requirements.

Ultimately I'd love to get into computer-driven science simulations and modelling (that is way far off in the future though). Additionally, I might take a couple of econ classes during the summer (which, by college requirements, requires some stats credits).

So I might need some practical and theoretical basis in it?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: Flyback

Originally posted by: minendo
What is your major and what role do you see stats playing in your career?

It will be math and physics (I'm planning timetable ahead--starting in fall while finishing up first degree now). I want to take stats for a few reasons. The primary reason is that I will need some credits outside of the major to fulfill requirements.

Ultimately I'd love to get into computer-driven science simulations and modelling (that is way far off in the future though). Additionally, I might take a couple of econ classes during the summer (which, by college requirements, requires some stats credits).

So I might need some practical and theoretical basis in it?

Take the second option. It will benefit you the most within your major.

 

[LongCoolMother]

the 2nd one will be far more practical, as far as business and most technical majors are concerned imo.

Im looking at two similar options at my school. One is general statistics, and one is geared more towards business.

A lot of dumb@$$es say the second is much harder. But in reality, both should be BS classes and extremely easy according to other, engineering types who've taken them. Judging from what is listed in course descriptions/syllabuses, its all the same exact concepts covered in HS Statistics AP-- perhaps slightly more in depth.