Probabilistic Reasoning and Statistics
F06
Adam Boucher
The quantitative expression of information is ubiquitous in today’s society. Every day we are assailed by measurements, statistics, polls, and other numerical representations describing the world around us. In this course, we will explore how mathematics and statistics can be used to lead and mis-lead a lay audience. We will investigate how our normal intuitions can guide us to totally incorrect conclusions, and how we can use mathematics to aid us in analyzing and evaluating scientific experiments.

Topics will include classical probability theory and probabilistic reasoning, sampling theory, basic experimental design, statistical concepts, and testing.