Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand basic probability calculations and their importance to the study of mathematical statistics; analyse probability as a scientific discipline in which each step of a calculation must be clearly justified by a known law, rule or formula; understand the resolution of the waiting time paradox; develop verbal skills relevant to a professional career; demonstrate a professional and self-disciplined attitude through their written work and oral presentations.
Synopsis The waiting-time paradox, mixed distributions, the bivariate normal distribution. The distribution of functions of two random variables, including the t and F distributions. Introduction to computer simulation algorithms. Introduction to regular conditional probabilities and conditional densities.
Assessment Examinations (1.5 hours): 90% + Tests and/or assignments: 10%