Math 309 - Probability



Fall 2011 Math 309 - Probability Grilli

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

This course considers fundamental topics in probability with applications in engineering and science. Topics are selected from: basics concepts in probability, random variables, expectation, variance, covariance, moment generating functions, common distributions such as binomial, hypergeometric, Poisson, geometric, uniform, normal, exponential, chi-square, t and F distributions, probability models, central limit theorem and functions of a random variable, bivariate, marginal, and conditional distributions. Offered in the Fall semester. Prerequisite: Math 232. One semester; three credits

TEXT

A First Course inProbability, 8th Edition by Sheldon Ross, Prentice Hall, 2010.

PREREQUISITES

Math 232 is a prerequisite for this course. Calculus, including multivariable calculus, is a necessary tool in this study of probability.

COURSE CONTENT

We will study topics in chapters 1-11 of the text. The sections that we plan to cover follow. Asterisks indicate location of anticipated tests.

Combinatorial Methods 1.1 – 1.4

Axioms of Probability 2.1 – 2.5, 2.7

Conditional Probability and Independence 3.1 – 3.5

Random Variables 4.1 – 4.8*, 4.8 – 4.10

Continuous Random Variables 5.1 - 5.7*

Jointly Distributed Random Variables 6.1 – 6.5, 6.7

Properties of Expectation 7.1 – 7.5, 7.7*

Limit Theorems 8.1 – 8.3

HOMEWORK - You are expected to read the text and complete homework assignments daily. Specified problems will be collected and graded. These problems, in general, must include verbal expression to define variables, explain concepts and procedures involved, etc. Writing is an important component of assignments. Some assignments may require the use of Maple worksheets.

Papers must be neat and legible. Be sure to include your name on all papers. List the assignment and the date submitted. If the assignment involves multiple pages either staple the sheets or fold them lengthwise.

Ordinarily homework is due at the beginning of the class period and should be turned in before the start of class. Homework that is turned in on time will be graded with a maximum of ten points. No homework will be accepted at the end of class.

Short quizzes may monitor homework progress. Quizzes cannot be made up.

TESTS - Three tests are scheduled. The anticipated dates: 9/20, 11/1, 12/1. Make-up tests will only be given in extreme circumstances. Notify me as soon as possible at my office extension and/or e-mail if an emergency occurs. At the end of the semester there will be a comprehensive final examination.

EVALUATION

Course grade: homework, quizzes 25%

3 tests 51%

final exam 24%

Grading scale: A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F below 60%

ATTENDANCE

Class attendance is expected. If an absence is unavoidable, you are responsible for the material covered in class as well as any assignments or announcements made. Please be aware of C.B.U.'s policy that states that a student who misses eight classes may be given a failing grade for the course.

Present for class means present when it begins and when it ends. Missing one of these will be counted as half and absence. An absence is any time that you are not present for a class whether that is for illness, athletic participation, or some other reason that prevents your attendance. If an absence is unavoidable you are responsible for the material covered in class and any assignments made.

If a student misses no more that 3 classes throughout the semester, he/she will have an opportunity to improve his/her lowest test grade. This may be an optional test given outside of class time.

TIME

A rule of thumb for college courses is to spend 1.5-2 hours studying outside of class for every hour in class. Of course, this is an average. If math is difficult for you, you can expect to spend more time in order to succeed. Some, for whom math comes easily, can learn the concepts with less time. It is extremely difficult to have a full-time job and be a full-time student. Being realistic about your time commitments can save frustration later.

Study time should be fairly evenly distributed. I am unimpressed when people tell me that they spent x hours studying the night before a test (where x is a big number). Studies indicate that the part of the brain that we use to do mathematics suffers when someone hasn't had enough sleep.

MATH CENTER

The Math Center has free tutoring, supplementary texts, and computer software available for your assistance. It is located in Cooper-Wilson 321.

This syllabus, some assignments, etc. should appear on my webpage.

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Instructor Contacts:

Office Cooper-Wilson 320

Phone 321-3456 (on campus 3456)

E-MAIL ccarter@cbu.edu

Web-page http:\\cbu.edu\~cgrilli

Class Time & Place:

8:00 - 9:15 a.m. TR CW 320

Office Hours:

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. MW

9:30 - 11:30 p.m. TR

Others by appointment.

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