Hasso-Plattner-Institut
Prof. Dr. Tobias Friedrich
 

Probability and Computing

MSc Lecture - Summer 2020

Organization

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this course will be offered online. Thus, it is important that all participants enroll by April 22 via our Moodle page.

Description

 

The lecture will be held in English.

Probabilistic methods and Randomness are a central topic in modern computer science. This lecture will cover recent and classic breakthroughs in computer science that rely in theory of probabilities.

An introduction to the basic tools and concepts of probability theory that will be used will be held jointly with the lecture Theory of evolutionary algorithms.

The topics of this lecture will include:

 

  • Randomised Algorithms
  • The probabilistic method and the Lovasz local lemma
  • The Markov chain Monte Carlo method
  • Random structures and phase transitions
  • Discrete time random processes

Requirements

The participants are expected to have basic mathematical knowledge and an interest in rigorous analysis of algorithms.  A background in probability theory is not required as a brief introduction to the basic mathematical tools and conceps will be covered in the lecture.

Examination

Students will be given homework bi-weekly. The successful hand in of homework is required for students to participate in the final exam.

Dates and Location

  • Mondays: 13:30-15:00 in H-2.57
  • Wednesdays: 11:00-12:30 in HS 1