Syllabus MATH 350-01 & 02 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Section 01: MWF 9 - 9.50 am
Section 02: MWF 10 - 10.50 am
Holt 291
Contact Information
Edward A. Roualdes (call me Edward)
Email: eroualdes@csuchico.edu
Office hours:
- M 2 - 3pm and Th 10 - 11am in Holt 204
- W 12 - 1pm in
Selvester's Cafe (SELV) 100Meriam Library's Innovation Lab - If none of the above times work for you, please email me so we can find a time that works for us both.
Course Description
Basic concepts of probability theory, random variables and their distributions, limit theorems, sampling theory, topics in statistical inference, regression, and correlation.
Student Learning Objectives / Goals
- Learn distributions, random variables, density functions, expectations, and probability
- Understand basic concepts of probability
- Introduce the language of statistics
- Learn how probability connects to statistics, and statistics connects to data
Resources
Content will be primarily developed in class. An excellent reference is the freely available (as PDF) book Probability and Statistics - The Science of Uncertainty, Second Edition as hosted by the second author, Jeffrey S. Rosenthal.
We will also draw on Wikipedia, and GPT-3.
Content Delivery
Lectures are in person at the times listed above. No recordings will be available. As Gil Scott-Heron says, the revolution will not be televised; this class will be live. Or maybe you prefer it's all the way live.
All course materials will be posted to my website: roualdes.us/math350.
Course Communication
The absolute best place to ask a question is during lecture. I understand, though, that not all students feel comfortable asking questions publicly.
If you prefer more private and in person communication, come to office hours.
If you prefer written and identifiable communication, email me at eroualdes@csuchico.edu. If your questions become too complex for email, as judged by me, I reserve the right to ask you to come visit my office to receive your answers in person.
If for any reason I need to address everyone in the course, I will send you an email to your student email account, eg you@csuchico.edu.
Course Grading
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 30% |
| Homework | 20% |
| Test 1 | 15% |
| Test 2 | 15% |
| Final | 20% |
Grades will be posted to a shared (between me and each of you, individually and exclusively) Google Sheets file. Access is only granted to your@mail.csuchico.edu account.
Quizzes
Quizzes are meant to ensure you are tangibly learning the material of the course. Quizzes will occur at least weakly, or whenever I decide. Some reasons I might decide to give an in-class quiz, with or without notice, are
- we haven't yet had a quiz this week,
- too long a delay before someone answers a question about material I believe the class should know,
- I'm mean, and
- other
Quizzes are closed notes, no calculators nor technology other than your brain, and in class or via ARC if you have already spoken to me about your necessary accomodations and are registered with ARC for this class.
Quiz grades will be graded out of 3 points according to the following table.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 3 | perfect to mostly right |
| 2 | more right than wrong |
| 1 | you tried, but mostly wrong |
| 0 | a grade to match the effort given |
Homework
Homework will be assigned weekly and is aimed at aligning your learning with the pace of the class. As such, each homework assignment will be graded out of 3 points, same as for quizzes.
Tests
There will be three tests, all given in person during regularly scheduled class times via pen and paper. Two mid-terms and one final. Like quizzes, tests are closed notes, no calculators nor technology other than your brain, and in class or via ARC if you have already spoken to me about your necessary accomodations and are registered with ARC for this class.
Make-up Policy
Homework can be submit late for a maximum of 50% credit. You can submit a homework as late up until the next test, but not after. No late homework will be accepted after the last day of the regular semester, Friday, May 10 at 11:59pm.
You can make up a quiz or a test so long as you missed it for an unavoidable emergency. Please contact me within 24 hours of the quiz or test to let me know of your unintended absence, and so that we can schedule your make up.
Diversity Policy
Respect: Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate during class meetings. Because the class will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, every member of this class must show respect for every other member of this class (this includes me).
Academic Integrity Policy
Students are permitted and encouraged to collaborate on all assignments other than quizzes and tests. However, each student must turn in their own work. Further, it is the expressed expectation of this instructor that all students demonstrate integrity and individual responsibility in all actions related to this course. Unethical behavior of any kind is unacceptable and will be prosecuted vigorously. Any sign of cheating in any way on any course assignment will be addressed directly, according to University standards. If you do not understand what plagiarism is, or what cheating entails, you must seek information regarding this matter from the current University Catalog and from me. The consequences of plagiarism begin with a failing grade on the work, and possibly a failing grade in the course, depending upon University action. More information is found on the Student Rights And Responsibilities campus webpage.
Disability Support
If you have any disability related needs, please contact Disability Support Service (Colusa Hall 898-5959 or campus information 898-INFO for directions) on campus to obtain the appropriate documentation. Afterwards, email me to identify your needs within the first two weeks of class so that any necessary arrangements can be made.
Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting
As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct with the University. Students may speak to someone confidentially by contacting the Counseling and Wellness Center (898-6345) or Safe Place (898-3030). Information on campus reporting obligations and other Title IX related resources are available at www.csuchico.edu/title-ix.
Course Outline
- Introductions
- distributions
- random variables
- density functions
- means and standard deviations
- probability
- percentiles
- Events
- sample space
- events, and simple algebra of sets
- some counting techniques
- Random Variables
- distributions of random variables
- common named distributions
- Density Functions
- distributions of random variables
- common named distributions
- Expectations
- mean, variance, general
- linearity of expectations
- Probability
- as an expectation
- recap named distributions
- Conditional Expectations
- expectation
- probability
- Bayes' Rule and Law of Total Probability
- Independence
- Limit Theorem
- weak law of large numbers
- central limit theorem
- Likelihood