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Probability (MAST20004)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: fackrell@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject offers a thorough grounding in the basic concepts of mathematical probability and probabilistic modelling. Topics covered include random experiments and sample spaces, probability axioms and theorems, discrete and continuous random variables/distributions (including measures of location, spread and shape), expectations and generating functions, independence of random variables and measures of dependence (covariance and correlation), methods for deriving the distributions of transformations of random variables or approximations for them (including the central limit theorem).
The probability distributions and models discussed in the subject arise frequently in real world applications. These include a number of widely used one- and two-dimensional (particularly the bivariate normal) distributions and also fundamental probability models such as Poisson processes and Markov chains.
Intended learning outcomes
After completing this subject students should:
- have a systematic understanding of the basic concepts of probability space, probability distribution, random variable (including the bivariate case) and expectation
- be able to use conditional expectations, generating functions and other basic techniques taught in the subject;
- be able to interpret a number of important probabilistic models, including simple random processes such as the Poisson process and finite discrete time Markov chains, and appreciate their relevance to real world problems;
- be able to formalize simple real-life situations involving uncertainty in the form of standard probabilistic models and to analyse the latter;
- develop understanding of the relevance of the probabilistic models from the subject to the important areas of applications such as statistics and actuarial studies.
Generic skills
In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. These include:
- problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
- analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
- collaborative skills: the ability to work in a team;
- time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
- computer skills: the ability to use mathematical computing packages.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
- MAST10019 - Calculus Extension Studies
and one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10008 | Accelerated Mathematics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
- MAST10018 - Linear Algebra Extension Studies
- MAST10013 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students may only gain credit for one of
- MAST20004 Probability
- MAST20006 Probabibility for Statistics
- MAST30015 Statistics for Mechanical Engineers (prior to 2011)
- ELEN30002 Stochastic Signals and Systems (prior to 2011)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Four written assignments due at regular intervals during semester amounting to a total of up to 50 pages (20%), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mark Fackrell Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x one hour practice class per week, and 1 x one hour computer laboratory class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Email: fackrell@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Students undertaking Actuarial Studies should take MAST20004 Probability instead of MAST20006 Probability for Statistics.
Students undertaking this subject will regularly use computers in weekly computer classes, with all the necessary software installed.
Students undertaking this subject are not assumed to have any special computer skills at the beginning.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Major Applied Mathematics Major Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Informal specialisation Discrete Mathematics / Operations Research Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Statistics / Stochastic Processes Major Statistics / Stochastic Processes Breadth Track Accelerated Mathematics Breadth Track Mathematics and Statistics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024