Stat/Math 318 Elementary Probability
Fall 2013
Meets:
M W F 1:25 pm–2:15 pm, 322 HHD East
Instructor:
Bahaeddine Taoufik
E-mail: but129@psu.edu
Office Hours: Mon &Wed, 3:15 pm -4:15 pm, 316 Thomas
and by appointment.
Office Phone: 814-865-3193
TA:
Amenhotep Osotsi
E-mail: auo141@psu.edu
Office Hours: Tue & Th, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm, 301 Thomas
Office Phone: 814-863-2314
Course Material:
Textbook : Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications.
1st 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: Week ending in Friday October 11
20%
(Given in the evening on the dates specified later)
Exam #2: Week ending in Friday November 15
20%
(Given in the evening on the dates specified later)
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 quiz will be assigned at the end of each chapter. 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 should always bring your textbook to class . The instructor
will 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.
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.
6.
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.