Math 180A
Introduction to Probability
Fall 1999
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 12:20 to 1:10 PM, in Peterson 102.
- Discussion sections with the TA meet on Thursdays in Center Hall 220 according to the following schedule:
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Section A014:40-5:30 PM
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Section A025:45-6:35 PM
- 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 29 and on Monday November 22.
- The +/- grading system will be used for letter grades.
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October 1, 1999