MATH 43753

A presentation of set theory, techniques of counting, introduction to probability; conditional and independent probability, random variables, binomial, normal, and Poisson distributions, and Markov chains.

Ross, SHELDON, First Course in Probability (6/E), Prentice Hall, 2002.[0-13-033851-6]

Spring

3

Dr. William Stenger

9–10:Monday,Wednesday, and Friday

8:30–9:30: Tuesday and Thursday

11–noon: Monday and Friday

3–4: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Course Goal

Learning higher mathematics requires effort by the learner working on practice problems and homework problems. The faculty member will support this effort with motivation, examples and discussion.

We will use practice problems in class, homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and a final examination to evaluate student performance.

Attendance Policy

The full attendance policy, stated in the Texas College Catalog, applies to this course. Specifically, more than four unexcused absences may result in a grade penalty.

Students should come to class prepared to work practice problems. Students do not have to turn in practice problems done in class. 

Since taking extensive notes provides dubious benefit, we do not encourage this practice. Instead we recommend that students concentrate on understanding the explanations given, doing the practice problems and homework problems, and asking lots of questions.

Homework Problems

At the end of each lesson students should do the assigned exercises. Write your name at the upper right corner of each page and write the chapter number and lesson number at the upper left corner of each page. For instance, you would write 1.2 to identify Chapter 1, Lesson 2. Turn in homework two class periods after the completion of a lesson. After you complete a set of exercises check your work against the answers in the back of the book.

A pop quiz will suddenly appear from time to time without warning. During the first few weeks of the semester the quizzes will also serve a diagnostic purpose. An absent student may not make up a quiz later. Depending on the nature of the absence, the faculty member may allow an alternative assignment. Otherwise, the student will receive a grade of zero. The total combined quiz grade will count as one test.

Tentative Test Plan

Chapter 1: Test

Chapter 2: Test

Chapters 3: Test

Final Examination

The comprehensive final examination will count as two regular examinations.

Let X represent the sum of the test scores. Let Y represent twice the score on the final. Then the semester grade G = (X + Y)/5. A grade G ³ 90 will yield an A, G ³ 80, will yield at least a B, G ³ 70, at least a C, and G ³ 60, at least a D. Homework and practice problems will serve as "tie-breakers" for borderline grades and for purposes of mercy.

Important Dates

Mid-term examination: Tuesday, March 4.
Last day to drop with a W: Friday, April 11.