Syllabus.
Statistics 19: Poker and Probability, Prof. Rick Paik Schoenberg.
Lectures: Thur 1am, Boelter 9436.
Office hours: Tuesdays, 10-11am, MS 8965.
email: frederic@stat.ucla.edu
Course webpage:
http://www.stat.ucla.edu/~frederic/19/F06
This seminar will explore the fundamental concepts of elementary probability
theory and statistics, which are useful in a very wide variety of scientific
applications. Students will learn the basic foundations of probability, including
the axioms of probability, the addition and multiplication rules, conditional
probability, expected values, and combinatorics. In addition, we will discuss
important statistical concepts such as the standard deviation, the law of large
numbers, the central limit theorem, simulation, standard errors, and confidence
intervals. All of these topics, which are broadly applicable in the sciences, will
be motivated by examples of situations and concepts that arise naturally when
playing Texas Hold'em.
Grading: There will be no written homework, no tests, and no quizzes.
There will be weekly readings, class discussions, and a project which is
described below.
Project: (Due by email on Tuesday, Nov 28, 5:00pm).
Design and write an R function which takes as inputs the variables
listed and described at
http://www.stat.ucla.edu/~frederic/19/F06/code1.html ,
and which returns an integer indicating a fold or all-in bet.
We will be simulating many runs of these functions, so please try to
ensure that your code does not contain a syntax or other
computational bug.
Your code, once submitted, will be in the public domain and free for others
to read and use.
Submit your R function to me by email at frederic@stat.ucla.edu .
Note: your code must in some way be different from the examples
online at the course website. Also,
in class on Thursday Nov 30, one member of your group must
quickly summarize
your code in a sentence or two.
Students with learning disabilities must consult with the instructor
by the 2nd week of class
if special arrangements are required.