Math 180A
Introduction to Probability
Fall 2009
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
PROBABILITY by 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 PM to 2:50 PM, in Center 214.
- Discussion sections with your TA meet on Tuesdays according to the following schedule:
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Section A01: 8 AM to 8:50 AM, APM 2301
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Section A02: 9 AM to 8:50 AM, APM 2301
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Section A03: 10 AM to 10:50 AM, APM 2301
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Section A04: 1 PM to 1:50 PM, APM B412
- 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 assignments will be due at 11:59 PM on Mondays, in the homework drop box near room APM 6307 (west of the sixth floor elevtors in APM).
- The midterm exams will be given in class on October 23 and November 20.
- The +/- grading system will be used for letter grades.
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updated August 31, 2009
