Statistics 134 introduces Probability Theory to undergraduates.  Calculus IS a prerequisite.  I will use it without apology and you will need to use it for calculations throughout.  The first half of the course is conceptual, introducing the framework of the theory in the simplest context:  Discrete, finite sample spaces.  The calculations are not hard, if they are set up correctly.  The second half introduces more complicated sample spaces, introduces continuous distributions, random variables and the notion of conditioning.

    Some comments regarding what students should expect.  First, this course provides a nice mix of deductive reasoning and hands on computation.

Each week there will be a homework assignment due of roughly 10 problems. 

Mostly they will be taken from the book `Probability' by Jim Pittman.  Sometimes more original problems will be given to illustrate material which supplements the text. 

You should consult the website at the beginning of each week to make sure you have the assignment correctly recorded.

Some Rules regarding Homework:

1. Homework is due at the beginning of class on Thursdays. 
   
2. No extensions will be given for late Homework, (unforeseen illnesses excepted).
3. Unfortunately, there is limited amount of resources that can be given towards grading.  Of these 10 problems, two or three will be  considered in detail, the rest will be checked only for completion.  Obviously this means that you might be able to get away with copying solutions from friends, but this will not help you learn in the long run.
4. Because of the previous item, I expect that you answer problems in a thoughtful way USING COMPLETE SENTENCES and carefully considering the presentation of your solutions. I will tell the grader to mark accordingly, meaning it is not his/her job to decipher your solution.
   

Grading:  Proportion of total available points will be distributed in the following way:  HW 20%, 15% for each of two midterms, 50% final

Important:  The final will be on Tuesday 5/20/08 at 5-8pm.  You must be able to take the final on this day in order to take this class--please do not ask to reschedule.

My Style: (such as it is)  I will try to follow a general pattern which introduces concepts and then presents two or three examples varying from easy to hard to illustrate these concepts and their subtleties.  I will shadow the book's presentation in a fairly linear fashion but may supplement material from time to time. 

I would like to test your ability to apply the concepts as well as to do the standard calulcations, so you should expect (this goes particularly for exams) that problems will have small twists forcing you to do a bit more than just regurgitate the text.

Exams:  You will be allowed to bring one 8" by 11" sheet (front AND back) of HANDWRITTEN notes to all exams.  I will supply you with normal tables if and when nesc.

Final Remarks:  The are a number of good intro texts to Probability besides the one we will use.  For example you might check out Sheldon Ross's: `Probability' if you would like more problems.

Like any math class, It is important to `keep up' with your work here.  Cramming will be impossible, but the course should definately be manageable if you devote a few hours each week to its upkeep.