Instructor:
Michael Minnotte
Office: Lund 201-C
Phone: 797-2844
E-mail: minnotte@math.usu.edu
Office Hours: TH 10:00 - 11:30 or by appointment
Texts:
Rohatgi, V.K., (1976), An Introduction to Probability Theory
and Mathematical Statistics,
New York: John Wiley and Sons.
This course and its sequel, Stat 6720, will work through Rohatgi fairly linearly, though I reserve the right to skip around or bring in some outside material. Rohatgi will be the only text for the sequence.
Although I will not insist on any specific prerequisites for this course, Math 571-2-3 (Theory of Probability and Introduction to Mathematical Statistics) or the equivalent (preferably at a strong enough level to pass the masters qualifying exam in probability and statistics) is strongly encouraged. Also valuable, but not required, are good backgrounds in linear algebra and advanced calculus. If you are concerned about your preparation, please come see me.
Homeworks will be due several times a quarter. Please make things easy on me and yourself; make your homeworks easy to read and grade. Use one side of the paper, write neatly, and leave plenty of space. I will not grade a paper which I can't read. Also, show your work. Full credit will not, in general, be given for just the answer. If your answer is wrong, you will probably receive partial credit if you show your work, but not otherwise. Click here for homework assignments
Finally, you may help each other with your homeworks, but I expect what you turn in to be your own work. Helping does not mean simply copying what someone else has put down.
There will be a midterm the week of October 5, and the final exam will be given out on or before December 11. Both tests will consist of problems like those in the homework sets. These tests will be take-home and open-book, but you will be expected to do them without help from anyone but me.
Final Grade Breakdown:
Homework: 40%
Midterm: 25%
Final: 35%
If a student has a disability that will likely require some accomodation by the instructor, the student must contact the instructor and document the disability through the Disability Resource Center, preferably during the first week of the course. Any requests for special considerations relating to attendance, pedagogy, taking of examinations, etc. must be discussed with and approved by the instructor. In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, course materials can be provided in alternative formats -- large print, audio, diskette or Braille.
The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.