Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMPT 210 D100

Probability and Computing (3)

Class Number: 3768

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2025
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 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: Bernoulli, Binomial, Geometric, Joint distributions
  • Tail inequalities: Markov’s Inequality, Chebyshev’s Inequality, Chernoff Bound
  • Applications: Verifying Matrix Multiplication, Max-Cut, Voter Poll, Machine Learning, Randomized QuickSelect, Distinct Elements in Streams

Grading

NOTES:

There will be multiple evaluations, the details of which are to be discussed in the first week of classes.

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Mathematics for Computer Science, Eric Lehman, F. Thomson Leighton, Albert R. Meyer
  • 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.