Accomodations for online learning will be announced in Blackboard.

Instructor: Jianfeng Zhang, KAP 248E, (213)740-9805, jianfenz@usc.edu, dornsife.usc.edu/jianfeng-zhang/

Teaching Assistant: Wuji Zhang <wujizhan@usc.edu>

Time and location:

  • Lecture (39629R): MWF 10:00am – 10:50am, THH114
  • Discussion (39630R): TTh 10:00am-10:50am, GFS108
  • Discussion (39631R): TTh 11:00am-11:50am, GFS108

Office hours: M F 11am-12pm, W 11:50am-12:50pm in Zoom, or by appointment 

Textbook: A First Course in Probability, by Sheldon Ross (I have the 9th edition, but any recent edition should be fine)

Prerequisite: MATH 226 or MATH 227 or Math 229

Exam dates:
Midterm Exam 1 (in class): Friday, Sept. 24
Midterm Exam 2 (in class): Friday, Oct. 29
Final Exam: Monday, December 13, 8:00am-10:00 am

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: 25% of the grade will be based homework assignments and 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 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.


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 GFS 120. Its phone number is (213) 740-0776 and website is: https://dsp.usc.edu.

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 and the recommended sanctions: https://policy.usc.edu/student/scampus/. 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: https://sjacs.usc.edu/students/.