MAT-20023 - Module Specification
School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

MAT-10046 Calculus and MAT-10047 Algebra.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Probability is the mathematics of uncertainty and randomness. The module begins with classical notions of probability associated with the analysis of games of chance using cards, dice, etc. It then moves to the treatment of the probability of random events. This leads to the definitions of statistical independence and conditional probability. The remainder of the module is concerned with a systematic study of discrete and continuous, univariate and bivariate, random variables, covering expectation, variance, covariance. The theory is applied to a wide range of theoretical and applied problems.

The aims of the module are to study:
(a) an axiomatic treatment of probability, motivated by classical notions of chance;
(b) the theory of univariate and bivariate random variables and their distributions;
(c) applications of the theory of univariate and bivariate random variables and their distributions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

prove and apply results that are consequences of the axioms of probability: 1,2,3
calculate and apply probability distributions, expectations and variances associated with univariate random variables: 1,2,3
calculate and apply probability distributions, expectations, variances and covariances associated with bivariate random variables: 1,3
solve problems involving the concepts of independence and conditioning: 1,3

Study hours

Lectures and example classes: 36 hours
Interactive problem sessions: 8 hours
Assessment literacy sessions: 4 hours
Independent study hours: 102 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment