Probability and Statistics for Computer Scientists

After introducing probability and distributions, this easy-to-follow textbook provides two course options. The first approach is a probability-oriented course that begins with stochastic processes, Markov chains, and queuing theory, followed by computer simulations and Monte Carlo methods. The second approach is a more standard, statistics-emphasized course that focuses on statistical inference, estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression. Assuming one or two semesters of college calculus, the book is illustrated throughout with numerous examples, exercises, figures, and tables that stress direct applications in computer science and software engineering. It also provides MATLAB^® codes and demonstrations written in simple commands that can be directly translated into other computer languages.

By the end of this course, advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students should be able to read a word problem or a corporate report, realize the uncertainty involved in the described situation, select a suitable probability model, estimate and test its parameters based on real data, compute probabilities of interesting events and other vital characteristics, and make appropriate conclusions and forecasts.