Probability: Basic Concepts & Discrete Random Variables (edX)

In this statistics and data analysis course, we will provide an introduction to mathematical probability to help meet your career goals in the exciting new areas becoming known as information science.

In this course, we will first introduce basic probability concepts and rules, including Bayes theorem, probability mass functions and CDFs, joint distributions and expected values.

Then we will discuss a few important probability distribution models with discrete random variables, including Bernoulli and Binomial distributions, Geometric distribution, Negative Binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, Hypergeometric distribution and discrete uniform distribution.

To continue learning about probability, enroll in Probability: Distribution Models & Continuous Random Variables, which covers continuous distribution models, central limit theorem and more.

What you'll learn:

- Basic probability concepts and rules

- Some of the most widely used probability models with discrete random variables

- How probability models work in practical problems

Syllabus

Unit 1: Sample Space and Probability

Introduction to basic concepts, such as outcomes, events, sample spaces, and probability.

Unit 2: Independent Events, Conditional Probability and Bayes’ Theorem

Introduction to independent events, conditional probability and Bayes’ Theorem with examples.

Unit 3: Random Variables

Random variables, probability mass functions and CDFs, joint distributions.

Unit 4: Expected Values

In this unit, we will discuss expected values of discrete random variables, sum of random variables and functions of random variables with lots of examples.

Unit 5: Models of Discrete Random Variables I

Bernoulli and Binomial random variables; Geometric random variables; Negative Binomial random variables.

Unit 6: Models of Discrete Random Variables II

Poisson random variables; Hypergeometric random variables; discrete uniform random variables and counting.