Description

In this undergraduate text, the author has distilled the core of probabilistic ideas and methods for computer and data science. The book emphasizes probabilistic and computational thinking rather than theorems and proofs. It provides insights and motivates the students by telling them why probability works and how to apply it.

The unique features of the book are as follows:

This book contains many worked examples. Numerous instructive problems scattered throughout the text are given along with problem-solving strategies. Several of the problems extend previously covered material. Answers to all problems and worked-out solutions to selected problems are also provided.

Henk Tijms is the author of several textbooks in the area of applied probability and stochastic optimization. In 2008, he received the prestigious INFORMS Expository Writing Award for his work. He also contributed engaging probability puzzles to The New York Times' former Numberplay column.

Contents:

• Preface

• Combinatorics and a Few Calculus Facts:

  • Combinatorial Analysis
  • The Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• Fundamentals of Probability:

  • Foundation of Probability
  • The Concept of Conditional Probability
  • The Law of Conditional Probability
  • Bayesian Approach to Inference
  • The Concept of Random Variable
  • Expected Value and Standard Deviation
  • Independent Random Variables and the Square Root Law
  • Generating Functions
  • Inequalities and the Law of Large Numbers
  • Additional Material

• Useful Probability Distributions:

  • The Binomial Distribution
  • The Hypergeometric Distribution
  • The Poisson Distribution
  • The Normal Probability Density
  • Central Limit Theorem and the Normal Distribution
  • More on Probability Densities
  • The Poisson Process
  • The Q-Q Plot and the Chi-Square Test
  • The Bivariate Normal Density

• Real-World Applications of Probability:

  • Fraud in a Canadian Lottery
  • Bombs over London in World War II
  • Winning the Lottery Twice
  • Santa Claus and a Baby Whisperer
  • Birthdays and 500 Oldsmobiles
  • Cash Winfall Lottery: A Revenue Model for Stats Geeks
  • Coupon Collecting
  • Benford's Law
  • What is Casino Credit Worth?
  • Devil's Card Game: A Psychological Test

• Monte Carlo Simulation and Probability:

  • Introduction
  • Simulation Tools
  • Probability Applications of Simulation
  • Bootstrap Method in Data Analysis
  • Statistical Analysis of Simulation Output

• A Gentle Introduction to Markov Chains:

  • Markov Chain Model
  • Absorbing Markov Chains
  • The Gambler's Ruin Problem
  • Long-Run Behavior of Markov Chains
  • Markov Chain Monte Carlo Simulation

• Solutions to Selected Problems

• Index

Readership: Undergraduate students in computer and data science, business analytics, and operations research. Data scientists working at companies.
Key Features:

• Emphasis on probabilistic and computational thinking
• Interweaving Monte Carlo simulation and probability
• Real-world applications of probability