Statistics (Double Degree with the University of Bologna) BSc/LSc
Statistics 2R: Probability STATS2002
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Mathematics and Statistics
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in univariate probability theory.
Timetable
Lectures: Course taught in the first two thirds of the semester (Monday to Thursday at 9.00 am with fewer lectures later on)
Workshops and drop-in help rooms arranged via MyCampus (several groups available).
Assessment
End-of-course examination (80%); coursework (20%).
Reassessment will, generally, not be available for the coursework.
Main Assessment In: December
Course Aims
The aims of this course are:
■ to introduce students to fundamental concepts in probability theory;
■ to introduce students to the importance of stating and deriving results formally;
■ to equip students to apply probability to solve problems from a wide range of disciplines;
■ to promote an interest in Probability and Statistics and hence encourage students to study more advanced courses.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ state the Axioms of Probability;
■ state, use and rigorously prove basic propositions of probability theory;
■ explain the terms probability distribution and random variable;
■ write down general definitions of moments (including the expected value and variance) as well as the moment-generating function, derive general properties from these definitions, and compute moments in particular cases;
■ find the distribution of transformed random variables;
■ recognise basic discrete and continuous probability distributions in a context, and use them to obtain probabilities and moments;
■ apply probability results to solve a wide range of practical problems.