MA0105 - Introduction to Probability
Catalogue Entry
What is the likelihood of winning a prize in the lottery? What about winning the jackpot? In a multiple choice exam, if you guess all the answers, how many can you expect to get right? These are the types of questions that can be answered using the idea of probability, which is the theory of analysing and making statements concerning the occurrence of uncertain events. The subject has been developed from the study of simple games of chance such as rolling a dice and tossing a coin, and this is the method that will be used in the module to introduce students to the concept of chance.
The module begins with the idea of a probability space, which is how we model the outcome of a random experiment. Various concepts such as statistical independence and conditional probability are discussed. Probability is then introduced in terms of discrete and continuous random variables where various properties are examined. Techniques are also developed for evaluating common quantities of interest such as, expectation and variance.
This is a lecture based module and will be accessible to those who have knowledge of A-level Pure Mathematics. Students will regularly be required to demonstrate problem-solving skills throughout this module, though no previous knowledge of probability theory is assumed.
The module also prepares students for modules with statistics and probability content in the degree scheme.
Semester
Autumn
Lecturer
Recommended Books
A complete set of handouts for this course can be collected through regular attendance at the lectures. There are also a number of different titles in the library covering the topics taught in this course. Some example titles are:
First course in probability, Ross, Sheldon M.
Probability and Distribution Theory, Dunstan F.D.J, Nix A.B.J. and Rowlands R.J.
Worked examples in Probability and Distribution Theory, Dunstan F.D.J, Nix A.B.J. and Rowlands R.J.