15-359: Special Topic: Probability and Computing
Probability theory has become indispensable in computer science. Inareas such as artificial intelligence and computer science theory,probabilistic methods and ideas based on randomization are central.In other areas such as networks and systems, probability is becomingan increasingly useful framework for handling uncertainty and modelingthe patterns of data that occur in complex systems. This course givesan introduction to probability as it is used in computer sciencetheory and practice, drawing on applications and current researchdevelopments as motivation and context. Topics include combinatorialprobability and random graphs, heavy tail distributions, concentrationinequalities, various randomized algorithms, sampling random variablesand computer simulation, and Markov chains and their manyapplications, from Web search engines to models of network protocols.The course will assume familiarity with basic calculus and linearalgebra.
| Lec | TR | 10:30 am - 11:50 am | WEH 5403 | Harchol-Balter, O'Donnell |
| A | F | 10:30 am - 11:20 am | WEH 5310 | Instructor TBA |
| B | F | 11:30 am - 12:20 pm | WEH 5310 | Instructor TBA |