Math 246: Probability
Course meets: MWF 10-10:50am in Sabin-Reed 301.
Office hours: Monday 1-3pm, Wednesday 1-3pm, Thursday 3-4pm, and by appointment.
Course description: (From the course catalog) "An introduction to probability, including combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions."
Course goals: At the end of the semester, you will:
- Understand the central ideas of probability and be able to use the ideas appropriately to solve real-world problems.
- Know the differences between key random variables, when to use each, and how to compute probabilities with each.
- Develop intuition about probability and be able to explain your ideas clearly.
Prerequisites: Math 153 and Math 212 (may be taken concurrently), or permission of the instructor. WARNING! For the first month, you won't need Math 212. We'll start using properties of series heavily in Chapter 4, integration in Chapter 5, and integration of multivariable functions in Chapter 6. Be prepared to review material that you've forgotten since taking calculus!
Course readings: The text for the course is Sheldon Ross's A First Course in Probability (any edition). We cover most of the first eight chapters.
Students who need an accommodation for a disability should let me know by email or in person. The Office for Disability Services is an excellent resource if you think you may benefit from an accommodation.