Mathematics Department - Math 104 - Elementary Combinatorics and Probability

Math 104 - Elementary Combinatorics and Probability



General Information

01:640:104 Introduction to Probability (3)
The course gives a mathematical yet accessible and concrete introduction to probability. Most of the course is devoted to understanding how probability works, and how it is applied in a number of areas, including medical testing and some decision making. The end of the course discusses some statistics and applications. You will never be left wondering, "What is this good for? What does this have to do with real life?"
This is an elementary course for liberal arts majors, in the sense that it does not presume any knowledge of precalculus or calculus. It is, however, more challenging than Math 103, and more focused in its subject matter. Many students who take Math 104 have already taken Math 103, although it is not a prerequisite.
Math 104 is not appropriate for majors in STEM fields, and certainly not for those who have already taken, or are concurrently taking, a higher level probability course (including but not limited to 01:640:477, 01:198:206, 01:960:381, 14:332:226, and 14:540:210).
Prerequisite: 01:640:026 or appropriate performance on the placement test in mathematics. May not be used as an elective for the math major or minor.


SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goals

Math 104 fulfills both the Quantitative Information (QQ) and Mathematical or Formal Reasoning (QR) learning goals of the SAS Core Curriculum:
QQ: Formulate, evaluate, and communicate conclusions and inferences from quantitative information.
QR: Apply effective and efficient mathematical or other formal processes to reason and to solve problems.

Schedule Archives

Spring 2012 Schedule

InstructorType Index Section Day(s)/
Period
Time Room
(click for map)
Campus
Lieberman, Melissa L 70704 1 TTh6 4:30 PM - 5:50 PM SC-220 CAC
Weingart, Michael L 77683 2 MTh1 8:10 AM - 9:30 AM SC-116 CAC
Kerrigan, John L 70703 3 MW7 6:40 PM - 8:00 PM HLL-009 BUS


Textbook

Finite Mathematics: An Applied Approach, Eleventh Edition by Michael Sullivan, custom edition for Rutgers University, ISBN 978-0-470-95692-2. The custom edition is a softcover textbook printed in black and white, and contains only those chapters from the full length non-custom version which are actually used in the course. This custom edition was created in order to make the book as inexpensive for students as possible.



General syllabus

Revised Spring 2012



Schedule of Lecture Topics

Revised Fall 2011


Previous semesters:

  • Spring 2009. Michael Weingart
  • Fall 2008. Michael Weingart
  • Spring 2008. Daniel Cranston
  • Spring 2007. Michael Weingart


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