Program Overview

Program Overview

The Math 20: Discrete Probability program is a comprehensive course that covers various topics in probability, including basic probability, combinatorics, conditional probability, expected value, variance, and more.

Course Details

• Instructor: Enrique Trevino
• Lectures: MWF 11:15-12:20 in Kemeny 006
• X-period: Tu 12:00 - 12:50
• Office Hours: MW 1:30-3:00 and by appointment
• Office: Kemeny 216

Textbook

• Title: Introduction to Probability (2nd revised edition)
• Authors: Charles M. Grinstead and J. Laurie Snell

Tentative Syllabus

The syllabus is subject to change, but it should give an idea of the topics covered. | Sections in the textbook | Brief Description ---|---|--- Week 1 | 1.2, 3.1 | Basic probability. Combinatorics: permutations. Week 2 | 3.2, 4.1 | Combinations. Conditional probability. Week 3 | 6.1, 6.2 | Expected value. Variance. Week 4 | 5.1 | Midterm 1. Important distributions. Week 5 | 8.1 | Law of large numbers. Week 6 | 9.1 | Central Limit Theorem: Bernoulli trials Week 7 | 9.2 | Central Limit Theorem: Independent trials. Midterm 2. Week 8 | 11.1, 11.2 | Introduction to Markov chains. Absorbing Markov chains. Week 9 | 11.3 | Regular Markov chains, ergodic Markov chains

Bonus Lectures

There will be bonus lectures given on x-hours about Probability Gems, such as Card Shuffling (Chapter 3.3).

Grading

The course grade will be based on:

• Homework: 15%
• Midterm 1: 25%
• Midterm 2: 25%
• Final Exam: 35%

Homework

There will be homework due roughly every week, consisting of a reading assignment and some problems. Collaboration is permitted, but solutions must be written individually.

Exams

• Midterm 1: Monday, July 20, 2009, from 5pm to 7pm in Kemeny 008
• Midterm 2: Monday, August 10, 2009, from 5pm to 7pm in Kemeny 008
• Final Exam: Sunday, August 30, 2009, from 8am to 11am (room to be announced)

Students with Disabilities

Students with learning, physical, or psychiatric disabilities enrolled in this course that may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an office appointment to see the instructor before the end of the second week of the term.

Honor Principle

A recap of what is stated above:

• On homeworks, collaboration is permitted, but each student writes his/her own solutions.
• In the midterms and exams, no collaboration is permitted.