Spring 2025 - STAT 271 D100

Probability and Statistics for Computing Science (3)

Class Number: 2200

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 210 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This is an introductory course in probability and statistics that is designed for Computer Science students. Mainly covers basic probability theory and statistical methods for designing and analyzing computing algorithms and systems. Topics include continuous probability distributions, random variables, multivariate normal distributions, parameter estimation and inference theory, as well as design and analysis of statistical studies, including hypothesis testing and presentation of statistical data.

COURSE DETAILS:

Outline:

  1. Review of discrete distributions.
  2. Descriptive Statistics.
  3. Continuous distributions: random variables, density functions, joint distributions, independence, moments, law of large numbers, uniform, normal and other distributions.
  4. Sampling: sample mean and variance, central limit theorem.
  5. Parameter estimation: moment estimators, maximum likelihood estimators, confidence intervals.
  6. Hypothesis testing: type I, type II errors, significance level, tests for mean of normal.
  7. Linear regression and gradient descent.
  8. Analysis of variance.
  9. Introduction to bootstrap method.

Grading

  • Assignments/quizzes 15%
  • Midterm 1 25%
  • Midterm 2 25%
  • Final 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, 6th edition, Sheldon M Ross, Academic Press
ISBN: 978-0-12-824346-6

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with Disabilities:
Students requiring accommodations as a result of disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.  


Tutor Requests:
Students looking for a tutor should visit https://www.sfu.ca/stat-actsci/all-students/other-resources/tutoring.html. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken related to tutors.

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.