Math 246: Probability
Grades and Expectations
Grades will be based on- homework (online and written) (worth 30%),
- two 2-hour midterm exams (worth 20% each),
- one 2-hour final exam (worth 30%).
Preparing for class: Like basketball and violin, math is learned by doing not by watching. Come to class prepared to get your hands dirty! If illness or another serious problem prevents you from attending class, let me know.
You will need to either spend at least 15 minutes skimming the day's assigned reading or watch a brief video on the same topic (see the links on the syllabus).
And of course you need to abide by the Smith College Honor Code.
Homework
We will have online homework due regularly and written group homework assignments due weekly. I expect you to spend about 4 hours per week on online homework. If it takes much longer than that, talk to me in class or in office hours.
WebWork
We use WebWork, an online homework system, for
- daily problems to practice new skills and
- twice-weekly assignments to consolidate older skills.
Group homework
You will also work in groups of about 4 to solve longer, more open-ended problems. A description of how to organize the group and write up your ideas can be found here. Group homework sets will be posted on the course Moodle page.
Exams
Exams are self-scheduled at the Science Library, and are closed book and closed notebook. You are allowed to bring one 3x5 index card to the first exam, two 3x5 index cards to the second, and three 3x5 index cards to the final. At least one problem on each exam will be taken from the homework with minimal modification. Calculators will not be allowed on the exams. The exams will be held:- First Midterm: Monday 9/30 through Thursday 10/2.
- Second Midterm: Tuesday 11/4 through Thursday 11/6.
- Final Exam: during finals period.