MATH 341 Probability (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008) (Q)
The historical roots of probability lie in the study of games of chance. Modern
probability, however, is a mathematical discipline that has wide applications in a
myriad of other mathematical and physical sciences. Drawing on classical
gaming examples for motivation, this course will present axiomatic and
mathematical aspects of probability. Included will be discussions of random
variables (both discrete and continuous), distribution and expectation,
independence, laws of large numbers, and the well-known Central Limit
Theorem. Many interesting and important applications will also be presented,
including some from classical Poisson processes, random walks and Markov
Chains.
Format: lecture. Evaluation will be based primarily on class participation,
performance on homework sets and exams.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 211 or 251 or permission of instructor. No
enrollment limit (expected: 10).