Probabilistic Systems Analysis and Applied Probability

Course Features

• Video lectures
• Captions/transcript
• Assignments: problem sets with solutions
• Exams and solutions

Course Description

Welcome to 6.041/6.431, a subject on the modeling and analysis of random phenomena and processes, including the basics of statistical inference. Nowadays, there is broad consensus that the ability to think probabilistically is a fundamental component of scientific literacy. For example:

• The concept of statistical significance (to be touched upon at the end of this course) is considered by the Financial Times as one of "The Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Science".
• A recent Scientific American article argues that statistical literacy is crucial in making health-related decisions.
• Finally, an article in the New York Times identifies statistical data analysis as an upcoming profession, valuable everywhere, from Google and Netflix to the Office of Management and Budget.

The aim of this class is to introduce the relevant models, skills, and tools, by combining mathematics with conceptual understanding and intuition.

OCW Scholar Version

• 6.041SC Probabilistic Systems Analysis and Applied Probability (Fall 2013)

Other OCW Versions

OCW has published multiple versions of this subject.

• RES.6-012 Introduction to Probability (Spring 2018)
• 6.041 Probabilistic Systems Analysis and Applied Probability (Spring 2006)

Course Collections

See related courses in the following collections:

Find Courses by Topic

• Probability and Statistics
• Systems Engineering
• Discrete Mathematics

MIT Crosslinks

Explore the topics covered in this course with MIT Crosslinks, a website that highlights connections among select MIT undergraduate STEM courses and recommends specific study materials from OCW and others. Learn more.