Fall 2003 Math 309 - Probability Carter
TEXT
Introduction to Probability and Its Applications. Richard L. Scheaffer, 2nd ed., Duxbury Press, 1995.
PREREQUISITES
Math 232 is a prerequisite for this course. Calculus, including multivariable calculus, is a necessary tool in this study of probability and statistics.
COURSE CONTENT
We will study topics in chapters 1-5, 7 of the text. The sections that we plan to cover follow.
Section 1.1 - 1.5Background
2.1 - 2.6 Introduction to Probability
3.1 – 3.9 Discrete Probability Distributions
4.1 - 4.11Continuous Probability Distributions
5.1 – 5.8 Multivariate Probability Distributions
7.4 The Central Limit Theorem
6.2 – 6.3Methods of Distribution Functions & Transformations
Class policies, comments, study helps
EVALUATION
HOMEWORK - You are expected to read the text and complete homework assignments daily. Specified problems will be collected and graded. These problems, in general, must include verbal expression to define variables, explain concepts and procedures involved, etc. Writing is an important component of assignments. Some assignments will require the use of Maple 9 worksheets.
Papers must be neat and legible. Be sure to include your name on all papers. List the assignment and the date submitted. If the assignment involves multiple pages either staple the sheets or fold them lengthwise.
Ordinarily homework is due at the beginning of the class period and should be turned before the start of class. Homework that is turned in on time will be graded with a maximum of ten points. No homework will be accepted at the end of class. If a homework assignment (or alternate) is turned in by the start of the next class, it may receive up to eight points. Assignment alternates will be accepted until a week after the time that the assignment is originally due with a maximum of five points credit. Homework will not be accepted after that point.
Short quizzes may monitor progress.
Tests - Four tests are scheduled. The anticipated dates: 9/20, 10/13, 11/14, 12/3
Make-up tests will only be given in extreme circumstances.
At the end of the semester there will be a comprehensive final examination.
Course grade: homework 20%
class participation, quizzes 5%
4 tests 50%
final exam 25%
Grading scale: A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F below 60%
ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is expected. If an absence is unavoidable, you are responsible for the material covered in class as well as any assignments or announcements made. Please be aware of C.B.U.'s policy that states that a student who misses eight classes may be given a failing grade for the course.
Present for class means present when it begins and when it ends. Missing one of these will be counted as half and absence. An absence is any time that you are not present for a class whether that be for illness, athletic participation, or some other reason that prevents your attendance. If an absence is unavoidable you are responsible for the material covered in class and any assignments made.
If a student misses no more that 3 classes throughout the semester, he/she may be eligible to take an optional test that may replace the lowest of the four class tests. This test will be given outside of class.
TIME
A rule of thumb for college courses is to spend 1.5-2 hours studying outside of class for every hour in class. Of course, this is an average. If math is difficult for you, you can expect to spend more time in order to succeed. Some, for whom math comes easily, can learn the concepts with less time. It is extremely difficult to have a full-time job and be a full-time student. Being realistic about your time commitments can save frustration later.
Study time should be fairly evenly distributed. I am unimpressed when people tell me that they spent x hours studying the night before a test (where x is a big number). Studies indicate that the part of the brain that we use to do mathematics suffers when someone hasn't had enough sleep.
MATH CENTER
The Math Center has free tutoring, supplementary texts, and computer software available for your assistance. It is located in Science 116 (usually mornings) and Science 151 (usually afternoons and evenings). Drop in during posted hours.
This syllabus, some assignments, etc. should appear on my webpage.