The course: Probability is a branch of mathematics, widely used in areas such as statistics, life and physical sciences, finance, computer science etc. This intermediate-level course introduces the mathematical foundations of probability theory. It assumes that the students have a solid foundation in calculus, including some elements of multivariate calculus. While the discussion of the material is rigorous and some proofs are presented, the emphasis is on understanding concepts and on problem solving. See also the Catalog Description.
Material to be covered: Time permitting, the plan is to cover the entire textbook except for the "advanced topics" sections, generally marked with ♦ or ♣.
The lectures will be devoted to introducing concepts, presentation of examples, but also to proofs or outlines of proofs.
While the emphasis will be on understanding concepts, on being able to analyze them in specific instances
(problem-solving), the students will be also expected to come up with simple rigorous arguments.
Weekly updates, course documents etc. will be posted on Canvas under Modules.
Grades and Exams: Your Final Grade in the course will be based on Attendance/Homework/Class Participation (30%), two Midterms (40%; early October and mid-November) and the Final Exam (30%; Wed, Dec 17, 8:30-11 AM). The midterm dates and the weights are tentative. Students with special needs should contact Division of Student Affairs/Disability Resources. Please keep in mind that accommodations are not retroactive.
Assigments etc: Homework will be assigned (roughly) weekly. A tentative schedule of assignments can be found here. Finalized assignments and solutions, and other documents will be progressively posted on Canvas under Assignments. However, the information posted under "tentative assignments" is a close approximation of the "finalized assignments" and so you are advised to start working on the problems as soon as the relevant material is covered in class. The scores for the assignments will be awarded primarily for "good faith effort." More information about modalities of quizzes, tests etc. will be available via Home page on Canvas.
Peer Tutoring will be most likely available. Undergraduate CWRU students can schedule up to five tutoring appointments per week, free of charge, by following the TutorTrac link on the Student Success Peer Tutoring page. Department-sponsored tutoring may also be at your disposal; details will be posted on Canvas when available.
Integrity: It is OK (and indeed encouraged) to discuss homework assignments with fellow students. However, any and all submitted work must be your own. Merely copying someone else's work is unethical, a waste of time, and may be penalized. (This includes copying solutions found on the internet.) Any substantive collaboration and/or usage of sources or AI tools has to be properly acknowledged. See CWRU academic integrity policy and Academic Integrity Board. Any violation of the policy will be reported to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards.