The Probability and Statistics Prerequisite
Students must have some background in elementary probability and statistics prior to arrival on campus. Specifically, students should be familiar with the following topics:
- Probability: Joint, marginal and conditional probabilities of events, Bayes’ rule
- Random variables: Discrete and continuous probability distributions
- Mean, variance, covariance and correlation coefficient
- Binomial and normal probability distributions
- Statistical estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing
Typically, these topics are covered in an undergraduate course in statistics based on a text book such as
- Statistics for Business and Economics by Paul Newbold, Williams Carlson and Betty Thorne, 6th edition, Pearson, 2006
- Basic Practice of Statistics, by David S. Moore, W. H. Freeman Company, 2006
- Statistical Data Analysis: From Elementary to Intermediate, by Ajit Tamhane and Dorothy Dunlop, Prentice Hall 1999
Students who have studied statistics but feel they need a refresher can attend review sessions offered on-campus. However, these review sessions are not a substitute for having taken a course in this important area.
If you have not had a formal course in statistics, you should plan to take one at a community college prior to starting the program. You may also review your statistical background through books such as those listed below:
- The Cartoon Guide to Statistics, by Larry Gonick and Woolcott Smith, Harper Perennial 1993
- Statistics Review, by Ajit Tamhane, 1996. This is a useful supplement to the "Cartoon Guide"
Upon admission to the program and prior to arriving on campus, you should assess your level of preparation by taking the self test on the website. Once complete, the answer key can be found here.
