Introduction to Probability
STAT 221(00) Spring 2020
Course Description and Syllabus
Class Schedule : Mon/Wed 03:30 - 04:45 p.m.
Location : Political Science & Economics 506
Instructor : Taeryon Choi
Office : Political Science & Economics 433, 3290-2245
E-mail :
[email protected] Office Hours : TBA
TA : TBA
> Lecture notes will be provided based on textbook.
Textbook : Choi (2020). Essentials of Probability for Statistics
Free Academy (1st ed.)
• Useful references are
– Ross (2019). A First Course in Probability.
– Degroot & Schervish (2014). Probability and Statistics.
– Ross (2010). Introduction to Probability Models.
– Feller (1968). An Introduction to Probability Theory and its Applica-
tions, Vol. I&II.
Course Objective
STAT 221 is an introductory course in probability and its applications. No prior
background in probability or statistics is required. However, students should have
a working knowledge of elementary calculus.
> I assume that you are familiar with calculus. You should already know the
following concepts that are covered in STAT 201 : limit, continuity, summa-
tion, infinite series, differentiation, definite integral, integration by substitution, in-
tegration by parts, improper integral, Taylor series expansion, double integral, and
others, which should be reviewed by yourself.
The course will cover basic notions of probability, random variables. standard dis-
crete and continuous distributions, mean and variance, conditional distributions,
and functions of random variables. Additional topics will be included if time per-
mits. Emphasis will be on problem-solving using tools of probability.
1
Course Information : Exams, HWs and Grading
I (HW : 20 points) : There will be four homework assignments during the
semester.
B In each homework assignment, there will be two sets of problems :
problems to be graded (6-8), and problems not to be graded (3-4).
B Three problems out of “problems to be graded” will be randomly cho-
sen for grading.
B The solutions to the homework will be posted on the blackboard, one
week after the due date.
B You are encouraged to work with others on the homework. But you
should always write up your final solutions on your own.
B No credit will be given for a correct answer without work to support it.
I (Quiz : 10 points) : There will be two quizzes assignments during the
semester. Quiz will be based on “problems not to be graded” in HW.
I (Exams : 35 points(midterm) & 35 points(final)) : There will be two in-
class exams (midterm & final), which will be taken with lecture notes closed.
B Late Homework/Make-up (Quiz) exam will not be accepted without a valid
reason. Notification should be given to the instructor prior to 24 hours or
within 24 hours after the scheduled HW/Exam (Quiz) has taken place, with
a proof of your emergency.
I (Grading : 100 pts = 20(HW) + 10(Quiz) + 35(Midterm) + 35(Final))
Grade Scores (100 pts)
A+ 92 (pts) ≤ Your scores
A 85 (pts) ≤ Your scores
B+ 77 (pts) ≤ Your scores
B 70 (pts) ≤ Your scores
C+ 60 (pts) ≤ Your scores
C 50 (pts) ≤ Your scores
D+ 40 (pts) ≤ Your scores
D 30 (pts) ≤ Your scores
F below 30 (pts)
> If you miss either of two exams, you will get F automatically.
