IE 410: Design and Analysis of Experiments

Fall Semester 2009


Course Description Quite simply this course covers design and analysis of experiments. Experimentation is fundamental to science and engineering. Two key aspects of experimentation are i) how one sets up and conducts the experiment (experimental design), and ii) how one analyzes the results obtained from the experiment (analysis). It turns out that designing and analyzing experiments in an efficient and fair way can be tricky, thus the need for this course.

The methodology is of only moderate complexity from a mathematical and statistical viewpoint. However, computers are necessary to perform much of the analysis. We will be using the Statgraphics statistical analysis package. 

Obtaining Course Software Lehigh has a site license for Statgraphics that allows students to install it on your on PC.  On campus students may download Statgraphics using the usual “Install software” facility on the web.  On campus students may also check out a copy of the Statgraphics installation disk from the circulation desk in the library.  I am working on getting access for distance students. Distance students may or may not have trouble installing Statgraphics on your work PC due to corporate firewalls, etc., but should have no problems on their home computer.

Prerequisite:
A good course in basic statistics such as: IE 121, IE 328 or a good Introductory Probability and Statistics course.

Professor:
Dr. Robert H. Storer
477 Mohler Lab
IMSE Dept.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: (610) 758-4436
Home phone: (610) 861-7323 (before 9:00 PM please, we have kids)
Fax: (610) 758-4886
E-mail rhs2@lehigh.edu
Web: http://www.lehigh.edu/~rhs2/rhs2.html

Office Hours:  To be determined
Typically I am not too hard to reach, and I do not mind you contacting me at any time, either at home (before 9:00 PM please) or in the office. I encourage you to call, e-mail, or come by whenever you see fit.

Text:
Design and Analysis of Experiments, latest edition, Douglas C. Montgomery, Wiley.

Grading Policies and Assignments:
Because this course in being offered via satellite, I plan to have 2 projects, and 2 exams (possibly take home exams). I will also point out "chapter problems" in the book which I feel will be helpful. I will not collect these problems. Each project and each exam will count for 25% of your grade. Please see the course schedule for the planned due dates for project presentations and exams.

Projects will involve designing, carrying out, analyzing, and reporting on an experiment. In the past, the projects have been the most interesting part of the course from my perspective (both the exercise, and hearing others report results). In the past, projects have been conducted in groups of two or three, and extra time outside of class was set aside to present reports. Distance students have two options with regard to project presentations: 1. Students will submit video tapes of their project presentation, and be available by telephone to answer questions at the end of the presentation, or 2. Students can email me (in advance) their power point slides and give the presentation by phone while I “flip” the slides in class.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:  If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting accommodations, please contact both your instructor and the Office of Academic Support Services, University Center 212 (610-758-4152) as early as possible in the semester.  You must have documentation from the Academic Support Services office before accommodations can be granted.