Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CMPT 210 D100

Probability and Computing (3)

Class Number: 5374

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MACM 101, MATH 152, CMPT 125 or CMPT 135, and (MATH 240 or MATH 232), all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Probability has become an essential tool in modern computer science with applications in randomized algorithms, computer vision and graphics, systems, data analysis, and machine learning. The course introduces the foundational concepts in probability as required by many modern applications in computing.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course introduces the foundational concepts in probability as required by many modern applications in computing. It will give computing students experience in: 1. Understanding the combinatorial nature of many computational problems. 2. Working knowledge of probability theory, with applications to computing (e.g., algorithms, machine learning, data analysis, etc.).

Topics

  • Combinatorics: Permutations, Binomial coefficients, Inclusion-Exclusion
  • Basic probability theory: Independence, Conditional probability, Bayes' Theorem
  • Basic probability theory: Random variables, Expectation, Linearity of Expectation, Variance
  • Discrete distributions: Binomial and Geometric, Joint distributions
  • Tail inequalities: Markov’s Inequality, Chebyshev’s Inequality, Chernoff Bound
  • Applications: Verifying matrix multiplication, Max-Cut, Machine Learning, Randomized QuickSort, AB Testing
  • Continuous distributions (Introduction): Normal Distribution, Central Limit Theorem

Grading

NOTES:

There will be several assignments, a midterm exam and a final exam, the details of which to be discussed in the first week of classes.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on their final exam in order to obtain a clear pass (C− or better).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, Sixth Edition, Sheldon M. Ross, 978-0128243466

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.