STAT 2001A
Basic Concepts in Statistics and Probability I
2024/25 Term II
Lecture Time and Venue
Wed 4:30pm - 6:15pm (Basic Med Sci Bldg G18), Thu 1:30pm - 2:15pm (Lady Shaw Bldg LT6)
1. Description
This course is designed to study the basic concepts of probability and statistics. Topics include ele-
mentary probability, Bayes theorem, random variables, distribution and density functions, mathematical
expectation, conditional distribution, independence, correlation, common distributions, transformation
of random variables, moment generating functions and central limit theorem.
2. Learning Outcomes
After taking this course, the students are expected:
• to acquaint basic understanding of probability concepts, its linkage to statistics and its practical
applications;
• to have enough knowledge for further studies of statistical inference and more advanced statistical
courses.
3. Course Content (Tentative)
a) Basic concepts and properties of probability. Counting rules. Conditional Probability. Independent
Events. Bayes’s Theorem.
b) Discrete random variables. Mathematical Expectation. Mean, Variance, Moments. Binomial
distribution. Moment-Generating Functions. Poisson distribution.
c) Continuous random variables. Uniform distribution. Exponential distribution. Gamma and Chi-
square distributions. Distribution of functions of a random variable.
d) Distribution of two random variables. Correlation coefficient. Conditional distributions. Trans-
formations of Random Variables. Several independent random variables. Distribution of sums of
independent random variables.
e) Normal distribution. Central Limit Theorem. Normal Approximations.
4. Course Schedule (Tentative)
Class/Week Topic Lecture Notes
Week 1-2 Fundamental concepts Chapter 1
Week 3-4 Discrete distributions Chapter 2
Week 5-6 Continuous distributions Chapter 3
Week 7-8 Bivariate discrete distributions Chapter 4
Week 9(Wed) Midterm Midterm
Week 9-10 Bivariate continuous distributions Chapter 5
Week 11-13 Transformation of Random Variables Chapter 6
5. Assessment Scheme
Type Description Weight
Individual Assignments 5 written assignments 20%
Mid-term Test 19th March (Wednesday) in Lecture time 35%
Final Examination Centralized Final Exam. Exam time arranged by University 45%
1
6. Teachers’ or TA’s Contact Details
Instructor
Name: Jiacheng Zhang
Office: Rm. 128 Lady Shaw Building
Phone: 3943-1600
Email:
[email protected]Teaching Assistants
Name Office Phone Email
GAO Tingxian LSB 143 3943-1747
[email protected] GONG Weixi LSB G32 3943-8535
[email protected] LUO Yongyi LSB G22 3943-3048
[email protected]7. Course Materials
• Lecture notes, tutorial notes, and other teaching materials should be downloaded from CU eLearn-
ing System: https://blackboard.cuhk.edu.hk.
• Students must visit the CU eLearning System frequently for course announcements.
• Textbook: Hogg, R.V., Tanis, E.A., Zimmerman, D.L. Probability and Statistical Inference, 10th
edition, Pearson.
• Suggested Reference: Hogg, McKean, and Craig (2005). Introduction to Mathematical Statis-
tics, 6th edition, Prentice Hall.
8. Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
The Chinese University of Hong Kong places very high importance on honesty in academic work submit-
ted by students and adopts a policy of zero tolerance on cheating and plagiarism. Any related offence
will lead to disciplinary action, including termination of studies at the University. Relevant information
can be found at: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/.
9. Grade Descriptors
Grade Descriptor
A Show a thorough understanding of probability concepts, their link to statistics,
and their practical applications. Demonstrate an excellent ability to under-
stand and apply the knowledge taught in this course so that further studies of
more advanced statistical courses can be enhanced.
B Show a satisfactory understanding of probability concepts, their link to statis-
tics, and their practical applications. Demonstrate an elaborate ability to un-
derstand and apply the knowledge taught in this course so that further studies
of more advanced statistical courses can be enhanced.
C Show a fair understanding of probability concepts, their link to statistics, and
their practical applications. Demonstrate an acceptable ability to understand
and apply the knowledge taught in this course so that further studies of more
advanced statistical courses can be enhanced.
D Show a brief understanding of probability concepts, their link to statistics, and
their practical applications. Barely demonstrate the ability to understand and
apply the knowledge taught in this course.
F Show a poor understanding of probability concepts, their link to statistics, and
their practical applications. Show a poor ability to understand and apply the
knowledge taught in this course.
