Instructor: Jianfeng Zhang, KAP 248E, (213)740-9805, jianfenz@usc.edu, www-bcf.usc.edu/~jianfenz
Teaching Assistant: Cong Wu, congw@usc.edu
Time and location:
Lecture (39629D): MWF 11:00-11:50am, GFS118
Discussion(39630R): TTh 2:00-2:50pm, VHE210
Discussion(39631R) : TTh 3:00-3:50pm, VHE210
Office hours:
Instructor (Jianfeng Zhang): WF: 12:00pm-1:30pm or by appointment, KAP 248E
TA (Cong Wu): TBA
You may also get help in Math Center (KAP 263)
Required Textbook: A First Course in Probability (9th edition), by Sheldon Ross
Prerequisite: MATH 226 or MATH 227
Exam dates:
Midterm Exam 1 (in class): Friday, Sept. 23
Midterm Exam 2 (in class): Friday, Oct. 28
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 7, 11:00am-1:00 pm
Course Description: This course aims to introduce the basic concepts of probability theory, including: set up of probability space, conditional probability and independence, various discrete and continuous random variables, properties of expectation, law of large numbers, and the central limit theorem (CLT). We will cover the first eight chapters of the textbook. If time allows, we may also cover some selected topics in Chapters 9 and 10.
Grading Policies: 10% of the grade will be based homework assignments, 15% on quizzes, 40% on two midterm exams (20% each), and 35% on the final exam.
Homework: Homework will be assigned weekly in lecture (typically on Fridays) and collected in discussion class (typically on Thursdays). It is important to have enough practice. You are allowed and even encouraged to discuss the problems with others (including your classmates, the TA, and the instructor), but each one should write down your final solutions independently.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given in discussion class weekly (typically on Thursdays), except in the first week, the two midterm exam weeks, and the last week. The quizzes are close book, close notes, and non-cooperative. Calculator is allowed.
Exams: All exams are close book, close notes, and non-cooperative. You are allowed to bring one cheating sheet (A4 paper, ok for writing in both sides). The Midterm Exam 2 will cover only the materials after the Midterm Exam 1. The final exam will be comprehensive, with an emphasis on the materials covered after Midterm Exam 2. Calculator is allowed.
Missed Assignments/Exams: The lowest two homework scores and the lowest quiz score will be dropped automatically. Other than that no make up homework or quizzes will be allowed. There will be NO makeup Midterm Exams. If you miss a Midterm Exam and/or homeworks/quizzes with VALID reason, please talk to me as early as possible, and I may excuse you by rescaling your other exams/assignments.
You must take the Final Exam in order to get the grade. If you cannot take it at the regular time (with a VALID reason), please talk to me as early as possible and I’ll arrange a make up exam.
Final letter grade: The final letter grade will be assigned following the procedure at below. I’ll first grade the Final Exam, and decide the quota for each letter grade based (only) on the class performance in Final Exam. Then I compute the weighted total of each student, following the formula specified above. Finally, I assign the letter grade based on the weighted total. For example, let’s assume that, based on the Final Exam, I decide to give 10 As and 20 Bs, then the top 10 in terms of the weighted total will get A, and the next 20 in terms of weighted total will get B. Please note that those 10 students getting A may not be exactly the same top 10 students in Final Exam (there is a very positive correlation though).
Feedback and Questions: It is very useful to get feedback and questions, both inside and outside class. You are very welcome to visit me during my office hours. You can also make appointments to see me at other time.
Statement for Students with Disabilities: Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP. Please be sure the letter is delivered to me (or to TA) as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is (213) 740-0776.
Statement on Academic Integrity: USC seeks to maintain an optimal learning environment. General principles of academic honesty include the concept of respect for the intellectual property of others, the expectation that individual work will be submitted unless otherwise allowed by an instructor, and the obligations both to protect one’s own academic work from misuse by others as well as to avoid using another’s work as one’s own. All students are expected to understand and abide by these principles. Scampus, the Student Guidebook, contains the Student Conduct Code in Section 11.00, while the recommended sanctions are located in Appendix A: http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/gov/. Students will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards for further review, should there be any suspicion of academic dishonesty. The Review process can be found at: http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS/.