Course Syllabus
Math 140 - Probability
Spring 2004
The Course: This course is intended as a calculus-based introduction to Probability. Since it is an upper-division mathematics course, the subject will be looked at from a mathematical point of view, with an emphasis on building up from axioms and proving theorems about them. Math 52 (Calc 3) is a prerequisite for this class and Math 40 (Logic) is very desirable since some proficiency in reading and constructing proofs will be expected.
We will cover Chapters 1-3, Chapter 4 (excluding section 4.8), Chapter 5 (excluding 5.6), Sections 6.1-6.3, 7.1-7.3, and 8.1-8.3 culminating in the proof of the central limit theorem. Other topics will be added if time permits.
Reading: Reading your textbook is essential to success in this class. Reading assignments will be included with homework assignments and must be completed before the lecture on that topic. Read slowly with a pencil and paper in hand. Try to fill in missing steps as you read. Always try to work out examples before you read text solutions. You will be expected to be ready to discuss the material you read in class, and this will be part of the participation portion of your grade.
Participation: Each student is expected to be a productive member of the class. This means you should expect to attend each class period and be prepared to discuss the material. Excessive absence or unpreparedness will result in deduction of points in this area. Participation will be worth 50 points of your final grade.
Homework: You will be assigned weekly homework assignments which will include both calculations and theoretical exercises which will require proof. You are allowed and indeed encouraged to work on your homework with other people, however what you turn in should be your own understanding of how to do the problems and should not just be a copy of someone else's work. Your homework will be expected to be neat, clear and complete and written in complete sentences. Make sure to show all your steps and it should be clear how to get from one step to the next. You should get in the habit of working out your solutions on scratch paper and then writing a clear concise solution that is turned in. There also may be occasional quizzes which will count towards your homework grade. The homework for the course will be worth 150 points of your total grade.
Exams: There will be 3 hour-long exams during the course. The date of each exam as well as the material it will cover will be announced on the website and in class at least a week ahead of time. Make-up exams will not be given. If you have a legitimate excuse you may use your final exam score to make up for missing exam scores. Each exam will be worth 100 points. There will be a comprehensive 2 hour final given on Friday, May 14 at 11 am. The final is worth 200 points.
Disability: For accommodations due to a disability please contact me within the first 2 weeks.
Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are in violation of USDs academic integrity policy and are taken very seriously. Make sure you are aware of this policy.
Getting Help: If you are falling behind in this class please see me immediately. This class moves quickly and you will find yourself helplessly lost if you fall too far behind. If you cannot come to my office hours, you can make an appointment with me as well.
Have a Good Semester!