Math 180A
Introduction to Probability
Fall 2000
This course is an introduction to the basic ideas and techniques of Probability Theory. (It also serves as a prerequisite for Math 180B and for Math 181A.) The discussion begins with the basic properties of probability spaces, and some elementary combinatorics. We then discuss random variables in a discrete setting, including their means, standard deviations, and distributions. After this, you'll have a chance to exercise your calculus skills when we turn to the story of random variables with continuous distributions, in one and several dimensions. Along the way we encounter two theorems that are fundamental to the subject: the Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem.
We shall be using the text
PROBABILITYby Jim Pitman. I plan to discuss most of the material contained in chapters 1 through 5 of the text. Time permitting, we may see some of Chapter 6.
- Lectures will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 2:30 PM to 3:20 PM, in Center 105.
- Discussion sections with the TA meet on Tuesdays according to the following schedule:
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Section A01: 11:15 AM - 12:05 PM, WLH 2206
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Section A02: 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM, WLH 2207
- Your course grade will be based on your performance on the two midterm exams and the final exam. These exams will be weighted as follows:
- Midterm 1: 20%
- Midterm 2: 25%
- Final: 40%
- In addition there will be weekly homework assignments which in total will account for the remaining 15% of your grade. These assignment will be due in your Thursday discussion-section meetings.
- The midterm exams will be Friday, October 20 and Friday, November 17.
- The +/- grading system will be used for letter grades.
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updated October 5, 2000