Syllabus Mathematical Probability (MWF 11:00-12:05) — Spring 2008
Rohr Science 220 – (619) 849-2604 –
gcrow@ptloma.edu 
Course Description
MTH 392 (2) Mathematical Probability
A first course in probability for students with sophisticated mathematics
exposure. Topics include axioms of probability, random variables, discrete
and continuous distributions, mathematical expection and limit theorems.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 382.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- Calculator: A scientific calculator is recommended (in the $20 to $25 range).
- Storage: A Flash Drive
Comment
We will try and avoid the following pitfall:
At the beginning college level, visualization
is a big part of understanding. Consequently,
students who are operating with few mental
pictures are not really learning mathematics. Their
calculus consists of a vast series of algorithms
and a complicated cataloging system which tells them
which procedure is used when. The effort put into
this kind of teaching and learning is largely wasted:
memorized algorithms are soon forgotten and, worse
still, such courses perpetuate the idea that
math involves doing calculations rather than thinking [emphasis added].
(by Deborah Hughes Hallet in
Visualization and Calculus Reform, in the collection
Visualization in Teaching and Learning
Mathematics, edited by Zimmerman and Cunningham (MAA notes \#19))
Examinations
There will one Mid-Quad Exam. There will be a Final Exam. The Final Exam
will consist of a take-home portion and and in-class portion.
The take-home portion will include essay questions
and Maple, Excel, or SPSS lab work. Neither examination shall be missed
without an official excuse. A deduction of 2^(n-1)*10% will be deducted for each
hour "n" that the final exam is late (n=1 if the exam is turned in one hour
after it is due).
GRADING POLICIES
Grading Distribution
| Essays | 100 points |
| Homework | 200 points |
| Mid-Quad Exam | 300 points |
| Final Exam | 400 points |
| Total | 1000 points |
Grading scale. Grades are based on the number of points accumulated throughout the course.
Approximate minimal percentages required to obtain a given grade are:
Grading Scale in percentages
| A | B | C | D |
| + | | (87.5, 90) | (77.5, 80) | (67.5, 70) |
| | [92.5, 100] | [82.5, 87.5] | [72.5, 77.5] | [62.5, 67.5] |
| - | [90, 92.5) | [80, 82.5) | [70, 72.5) | [60, 62.5) |
Other factors that affect grades are
- Questions on written assignments,
quizzes, and exams:
Written assignments and test/exam
questions and problems must be formulated carefully
in terms of words and symbols used in
the course. Credit is determined by the degree to
which answers and solutions respond to the
specific question or problem stated. Maximize your
credit by learning the language and
symbols of the course.
- Written Assignments.
Assignments collected must be prepared in a style suitable for grading.
The following guidelines are used to determine credit:
- the organization must be easy to follow
- the work must be legible
- complete solutions must be written for problems (not just answers);
answers must be clearly marked
- use complete sentences to answer questions
- Exams and Final Examination. Exams and the final exam
will include problems and questions over material assigned in the text,
readings and handouts, as well as material presented in class.
Attendance Policy.
After you miss the equivalent of 2 class periods, you will be
warned of impending de-enrollment. If you miss the equivalent of
3 class periods, you may be de-enrolled or given a course grade of "F" for the semester.
Classroom Attire
.
All students are expected to dress in ways that make the classroom
a place where all students are comfortable and can work efficiently.
Distracting attire is not permitted in the classroom. For example,
attire associated with the "rush" activities of fraternities and
sororities simply causes too many distractions in the classroom.
If you choose to "rush" one of the fraternities or sororities,
please make sure the "rush" officials know that "rush" attire will not
be allowed in this classroom.
Academic Accommodations.
While all students are expected to meet the minimum standards for completion of this course
as established by the instructor, students with disabilities may require academic accommodations.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, these students are requested to file documentation during the
first two weeks of the semester with the Academic Support Center (ASC), located in the
Bond Academic Center. This policy assists the University in its commitment to full compliance
with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 504 (a)
prohibits discrimination against students with
special needs and guarantees all qualified students equal access to and benefits of PLNU
programs and activities. Once the student files documentation, the ASC will contact
the student’s instructors and provide written recommendations for reasonable and
appropriate accommodations to meet the individual learning needs of the student.
Cheating
Policy
Any student who is caught cheating on an exam will
receive a zero on that exam and may receive a course grade of "F" for
the semester.
The Final Exam
is a
Comprehensive
Examination.
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Last modified on 7-Mar-2008
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