STAT 371 - Problems in discrete probability
(September - December 2012)
TR 9:30-10:50    CAB 243



I will hold "official" office hours for the final exam from 10-2 on Monday Dec 10th and again from 10-4 on Wednesday Dec 12th. I will also be around most of the time this week, and next week.


Missed Final Examination: A student who cannot write the final examination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Such an application must be made to the student's Faculty office within 48 hours of the missed examination and must be supported by a Statutory Declaration (in lieu of a medical statement form) or other appropriate documentation (Calendar section 23.5.6).

Deferred examinations are a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.

Deferred final examinations are scheduled as follows: Saturday January 12, 9:00. Please meet outside CAB 357 at 8:30 to register.


How do you solve a problem that you have never seen before?

Many students think that every problem has a unique solution, either in the textbook, the instructor's solution manual, or on some cosmic mental checklist. In this problem-based course we encourage exploration, multiple solutions, false starts and dead ends. We aim to hone your problem solving skills on questions from discrete probability ranging from the basic to the devilishly complex. All you need is a flexible attitude, an open mind, and the willingness to work hard!


Instructor: Byron Schmuland (byrons@ualberta.ca)

Textbook: Schmuland's notes

Office hours: 3:30-4:30 TR, or by appointment in CAB 421.

Topics: Patterns, first step analysis, exchangeability and symmetry, inclusion-exclusion principle, generating functions, rencontre, occupancy, ménage, random permutations, urn models, cover times, the reflection principle, the ballot theorem, the stopping time theorem. Additional topics as chosen by the instructor.

Prerequisite: STAT 265.

Assessment:

The format of the term exams and the final exam is open book. You can bring books, notes, formula sheets, etc. with one exception: no computers, calculators, or any electronic devices.

Grading scheme:

Grade: FD+C-CC+B-BB+A-AA+
Percent: less than 5050-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485-8990-9495-100

Handouts:

From last year's course: Results: Links:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta.ca) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

All forms of dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Any offense will be reported to the Senior Associate Dean of Science who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken. Cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation of facts are serious offenses. Anyone who engages in these practices will receive at minimum a grade of zero for the exam or paper in question and no opportunity will be given to replace the grade or redistribute the weights. As well, in the Faculty of Science the sanction for cheating on any examination will include a disciplinary failing grade (no exceptions) and senior students should expect a period of suspension or expulsion from the University of Alberta.

http://www.stat.ualberta.ca/~schmu/371.htm