D. L.
MacFarlane
Fall 2005
Text:
Probability and Stochastic Processes: A Friendly
Introduction for Electrical and Computer Engineers, 2nd Edition
Roy Yates and David
Goodman
Chapters: 1-7, 10, and other sections as appropriate.
Scope:
Introduction to Probability, Binomial Model and Discrete Random Variables, Continuous Random Variables, Gaussians, Statistics, the Poisson Model and other relevant topics.
Homework:
No problem sets will be collected, but a list of homework problems are posted on my website. Working through these problems diligently will help your grade in the course because these problems and similar ones will appear on the tests. The solutions to these problems will be on my website.
Tests and the Final
Exam:
There will be two tests (20% each), composed of traditional problems taken from the book and from my lectures. I will also ask concept or essay questions, beginning with the phrase, “In words, equations and pictures, discuss…” Tests will be cumulative, but only in the sense that the course builds on itself. I won’t go out of my way to ask a question from the beginning of the semester on the third quiz. The quiz dates will be announced at least one week in advance.
The final exam (40%) will be comprehensive and will include the same type of questions covered on the quizzes, although it will treat the subject matter in somewhat more depth.
The tests and the final will be closed book, closed notes, no calculator.
Project:
There will be one multi-week computer project that will count for 20% of your grade.
Grading Distribution:
Test #1 20%
Test #2 20%
Project 20%
Final Exam 40%
Office Hours:
ECS N 4.722. Mondays and Wednesdays 6:45-7:30pm and by appointment.