STATS 710 : Probability Theory
Science
2025 Semester Two (1255) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
Capabilities Developed in this Course
Capability 3: | Knowledge and Practice |
Capability 4: | Critical Thinking |
Capability 5: | Solution Seeking |
Capability 6: | Communication |
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the main results and techniques of probability theory. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
- Solve a variety of problems in probability using rigorous mathematical arguments. (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Perform calculations and work effectively with sigma-algebras, probability measures, conditional expectations as random variables, and generating functions. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
- Apply the classical limit theorems, convergence theorems and main inequalities of probability. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
- Distinguish between and determine the various types of convergence for random variables. (Capability 3, 4 and 5)
- Develop rigorous arguments and clear explanations, as appropriate. (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Identify and interpret key concepts in advanced probabilistic methods. (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Assessments
Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
---|---|---|
Assignments | 20% | Individual Coursework |
Tutorials | 10% | Individual Coursework |
Mid-semester Test | 10% | Individual Test |
Project - written and presentation components | 60% | Individual Coursework |
4 types | 100% |
Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ||||
Assignments | ||||||||||
Tutorials | ||||||||||
Mid-semester Test | ||||||||||
Project - written and presentation components |
Key Topics
Topics may include: Probability measures, event spaces, sigma-algebras, Borel sets, continuity of probability. The Fundamental model of uniform probability measure on [0,1]. Independence. Borel-Cantelli Lemmas. Random variables. Expectation. Monotone and Dominated Convergence Theorems. Inequalities for expectations. Conditional expectation as a random variable. Generating functions, including Characteristic functions and Laplace transforms. Convergence of generating functions. Types of convergence. Sequences of independent random variables. Weak and Strong Laws of Large Numbers, and the Central Limit Theorem.
Students will also independently research another topic, model or application of probability, building on topics covered in the core course material, as part of a substantial project component.
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 150 hours overall in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in. Students are expected to spend 10 hours per week working on this course during each of the 12 teaching weeks, plus an additional 30 hours overall in preparation for tests/final examination (150 hours in total).
For this course, in each teaching week you can typically expect 3 hours of lectures, two 1 hour tutorial, 1-2 hours of reading and thinking about the content, and 3-4 hours of work on assignments.
Delivery Mode
Campus Experience
Coursework may be submitted online via Canvas.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.
Learning Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Student Feedback
During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.
At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.
Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.
Class Representatives
Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.
Copyright
The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.
You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.
The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.