This is a beginning course in the theory of probability with an emphasis on
problem-solving and learning to understand and use probabilistic reasoning.
For many of the students, this is their first 5000-level mathematics course
and the level of difficulty comes as a surprise. This is a fast-paced
course and introduces sophisticated ideas at a rapid pace. The only way to
keep up is by having very good work ethics.
Lectures
The students are responsible for all of the material covered in the
lectures. While the text is a very good outline of the material covered,
this is not a course based on mere reading from the book.
Homeworks
Homework is assigned on a weekly basis; typically on Mondays. They are not
to be turned in. However, the students are expected to have attempted
all of them before the following Monday and resolved any remaining issues
by the following Friday. The only way to survive this course is by
keeping up with this schedule zealously.
Quizzes
There will be 4 quizzes. They could cover anything covered since
the previous quiz or midterm - whichever is the more recent.
The quizzes are designed to test the students work ethics. As such, they
are similar to the assignments. The top 3 quizz scores will be used
toward the computation of the final grade.
There are no make-ups.
Exams
There will be one mid-term and one final examination. The final is a 2-hour
exams and is comprehensive. The students must pass the final in order
to pass the course.There are no make-ups.
Grading
To pass this course, the student must pass the final exam. The final course
grade is computed from a total of 100 possible points according to the following
percentages:
Quizzes
40%
Midterm
30%
Final
30%
Letter Grades
Once the final grade point is computed (see the previous paragraph), a letter
grade is assigned according to the following straight curve:
