Syllabus. Statistics 19: Poker and Probability, Prof. Rick Paik Schoenberg.

Meetings: Tue 10am via zoom. Enter via ccle or directly via https://ucla.zoom.us/j/99926231415?pwd=M2pMTWU1RXUyUEdIU2RuYS8vNkFMUT09 .

Contact instructor for password if needed.

Office hours: by appointment via email.

email: frederic@stat.ucla.edu

Course webpage: http://www.stat.ucla.edu/~frederic/19/W21

All the course materials will be on this website, not the CCLE page.

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. My only requirement, other than the project, is that each student must make some contribution to the class discussion every week.

Project: Due by email by Sun, Mar 7, 8pm.
Design and write an R function which takes as inputs the variables listed and described in class, and which returns an integer indicating a fold or all-in bet. Submit your R function to me by email at frederic@stat.ucla.edu . See the course website for examples.

Students with special needs must consult with the instructor by the 2nd week of class if special arrangements are required.