Stat/Math 318 Elementary Probability
Fall 2014
Meets:
M W F 1:25 pm–2:15 pm, 322 HHD East
Instructor:
Bahaeddine Taoufik
E-mail: You are required to send me emails through Angel only.
Office Hours: Mon &Wed, 3:00 pm -4:00 pm, 330 A Thomas
and by appointment.
Office Phone: 814-865-3193
TA:
Hanyu Yang
E-mail: hxy5063@psu.edu
Office Hours: Th, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, Office: 331 A Thomas
Course Material:
Textbook : Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications.
Second edition by Devore and Berk.
Prerequisites:
Math 141
Please take look at
http://www.math.psu.edu/ug/courses/math141
Topics :
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction to Probability
Introduction to Random Variables
Discrete Random Distributions
Continuous Random Distributions
Joint Probability Distributions
Sampling Distributions
Course Objectives
1. To prepare students for additional study in fields and areas of research that
involve probability such as mathematics, statistics, business and computer
sciences
2. To enhance the quantitative literacy of students by developing an
understanding of the concepts of probability so as to gain the confidence to
apply this understandings to real world problems.
3. To help students develop analytical reasoning abilities, problem solving
strategies, and teamwork skills through cooperative efforts and group work.
4. By the end of the semester students are expected to:
o
o
o
o
Assignments
Demonstrate their ability to use basic probability principles
Be able to distinguish between discrete and continuous random variables.
Be able to characterize distributions.
Understand a problem, and be able to “decode” it, that is, transforming
English language into statistical symbols.
Exam #1:
20%
Date: Wednesday October 8
Time: 6:30 pm-7:45 pm
Location: 260 Willard Building
Exam #2:
Date: Wednesday November 12
Time: 6:30 pm-7:45 pm
Location: 260 Willard Building
20%
Final Exam: time/place TBDA
Homework:
Quizzes
Participation:
25%
20%
10%
5%
Grading Scale
93%
90%
87%
83%
80%
77%
70%
60%
Below 60%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
Exam Policy
Makeup exams are given only for medical emergencies. You must
take the final on the day it is scheduled.
Homework
Homework is due at the beginning of class on certain days
designed by the instructor. Late homework will not be accepted.
See homework guidelines below for more information.
Quizzes
A least five quizzes will be assigned. The dates will be announced
later by email and in class.
Exams
Closed book but personal handwritten formula sheets are allowed.
Basic calculators are also allowed.
ANGEL Website
For postings of homework and their solutions.
Class rules
1) Attendance is mandatory. Anything covered in class may be on
an exam. If you miss more than three classes without a
“legitimate” reason you will receive “0” for your participation
grade.
2) You are strongly encouraged to bring your textbook to class.
The instructor may draw examples in the textbook to discuss
probability concepts in class.
3) No excessive talking; no eating; no newspaper reading; no book
reading; no crossword puzzles; no sleeping; no open laptops; no
texting or twittering and no cell phones.
Homework Guidelines
1.
Homework must be neat and professional in appearance. Write in
complete sentences. No “cross outs” of any kind may appear
anywhere. The grader and I will not accept “excessively messy”
Homework.
2.
Use only good quality blank, graph, or lined paper, not torn from a
notebook.
3.
Explain the reasoning behind your calculations. Credit is given most
for the method, not the answer.
4.
Draw a box around your final answer to highlight it.
5.
Write legibly (suitably large and suitably dark); if the TA can't read your
answer, it's wrong.
6.
Write neatly across the page, with each succeeding problem below the
preceding one, not off to the right. Please do not work in multiple columns
down the page (like a newspaper); your page should contain only one
column.
7.
You are strongly encouraged to discuss homework’s with other peers
in class, however you should write your own solutions. Do not just
copy answers from any source, peers or others, as such behavior is
an egregious violation of academic integrity.
8.
You are required to staple your homework.
Homework Policy Late homework will not be accepted except under special
circumstances and with specific permission.
The Homework Guidelines must be followed carefully, otherwise
points may be deducted from your homework grade.
Academic Integrity:
All Penn State and Eberly College of Science policies regarding academic integrity apply
to this course. See http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/index.html for details.
Academic Disabilities :
It is Penn State's policy to not discriminate against students with documented disabilities in
its educational programs. If you have a disability related need for modifications in this
course, contact your instructor and the Office for Disability Services (located in 116 Boucke
Building at University Park). See http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods/ for more information.