Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 210 D200

Probability and Computing (3)

Class Number: 5408

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Jan 22, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 23 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–2:20 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: 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

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

  • 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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

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.