MTH451 Introduction to Probability and StatisticsUniversity of Rhode Island Spring 2013
Instructor: Mark Comerford
Office: Lippitt Hall 102F
Tel: 874 5984
Email: mcomerford@math.uri.edu
Class Schedule: TuTh 12.30pm--1.45pm,
Washburn Hall 220
Office hours: Th 2-5pm and by appointment
Textbook: I. Miller, M. Miller, John E. Freund's Mathematical Statistics with Applications, Seventh Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, isbn 0-13-142706-7. Prerequisite: MTH 243 (Multivariable Calculus) or equivalent.
Description:
MTH 451 is an introduction to the mathematical theory of probability using calculus.
Probability theory has a tremendous variety of applications in all the sciences, including
the social sciences, business and economics, and provides the mathematical foundation for statistics.
It uses a wide variety of mathematical techniques and concepts, especially elementary set theory,
combinatorics, and calculus. A main goal of this course is that you will be able to read
more advanced material on probability and its applications and go on
to courses in mathematical statistics and stochastic processes.
The class is designed for an audience with quite diverse interests, for example:
if you are an engineering, science, economics or business major, probability will be a basic part of your mathematical toolkit;
if you are a secondary math education major, you will most likely need to take the Praxis content exam, which contains material on discrete mathematics and probability for which this course is great preparation;
if you are interested in taking the actuarial exams, this course is absolutely fundamental. We will discuss problems similar to problems on the actuarial exams during the course. For information about careers in actuarial science see careers in actuarial science;
actuarial exams.
finally, probability theory is a fundamental discipline in mathematics itself and well as the foundation for all of statistics. It can be entertaining, enlightening and sometimes surprising.
Syllabus and Homework Problems: Clicking on the section in the table below will bring up the scanned notes for that section.
Important dates: Final Grade Calculation:
Evaluation:
Your grade will be based on quizzes, two in-class exams, and a final.
We will have bi-weekly quizzes.
The quizzes will be based on the material covered in class and suggested problems which will not be
collected. (Special assignments, which might include use of Maple,
will be collected.) Quizzes cannot be made up, but your lowest
quiz grade will be dropped. Makeup exams will be given only for
serious illness or emergency, and these must be documented.
Grading:
Your grade will be based on your exam scores, final exam score,
quiz grades. Remarks: Accommodations: Students who require accommodations and who have documentation from Disability Services (874-2098) should make arrangements with me as soon as possible. |