Image
FAQ
Syllabus
Textbook
Prereqs
Grading
Lateness
Learning
Wellness
Cheating
Screens
Canvas
Gradescope
Homeworks
Accommodations

15-259/559 Probability and Computing (PnC)
12 Units, SPRING 2026

Where probability meets chocolate!
Probability theory has become indispensable in computer science:
  • It is at the core of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which require decision making under uncertainty.

  • It is integral to CS theory, where probabilistic analysis and randomization form the basis of many algorithms.

  • It is a central part of performance modeling in computer networks and systems, where probability is used to predict delays, schedule resources, and provision capacity.
Image
This course gives an introduction to probability as it is used in computer science theory and practice, drawing on applications and current research developments as motivation and context.

TEXTBOOK FOR CLASS

The course textbook is Introduction to Probability for Computing, 2024. The book is freely available here: www.probabilitybook.org . We will cover Chapters 1-18 of this book and parts of Chapter 19.

Image

Discrete & Continuous Probability

  • Probability on events.
  • Discrete and continuous random variables.
  • Conditioning and Bayes.
  • Variance and higher moments.
  • Laplace transforms and z-transforms.
  • Gaussians and Central Limit Theorem.
  • Tails and stochastic dominance.

Systems Modeling

  • Heavy-tailed distributions.
  • Poisson processes.
  • Simulation of random variables.
  • Event-driven simulation.

Statistics

  • Estimators for mean and variance.
  • Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE).
  • MAP estimation.
  • Bayesian statistical inference.
  • Confidence intervals.
If you like this class, consider taking the follow-on class with the same textbook: 15-359 PnC II. That class covers Chapters 18-27: Chernoff bounds, Hoeffding Bounds, Balls-and-Bins Problems, Hashing, Randomized Algorithms, Discrete-Time Markov Chains, Ergodicity Theory.

CLASS/RECITATION TIMES:

  • Lectures: TUESDAY and THURSDAY 12:30 pm - 1:50 pm, TEP 1403

  • Recitations:

    • A: FRIDAY 9:00 am - 9:50 am, PH A19A, TA: TBD
    • B: FRIDAY 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm, WEH 8427, TA: George Liu
    • C: FRIDAY 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm, WEH 5328, TA: Rohan Jain
    • D: FRIDAY 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm, WEH 6403, TA: Rishi Prabhu
    • F: FRIDAY 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm, WEH 5312, TA: Pranav Sangwan

PROFESSOR:

Image
Mor Harchol-Balter
[email protected]
OH: Wed 5:30 - 7:00 pm, GHC 7207

TAs:

Image
George Liu
georgeli@andrew
OH: Tuesday 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 5th floor GHC Carrel TBA 		Image
Rishi Prabhu
rprabhu2@andrew
OH: Thursday 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: 5th floor GHC Carrel TBA
Image
Pranav Sangwan
psangwan@andrew
OH: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: 5th floor GHC Carrel TBA 		Image
Rohan Jain
rohanjai@andrew
OH: Thursday 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: GHC 5207
Image
Megha Narayanan
meghanar@andrew
OH: Monday 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 5th floor GHC Carrel 4 		- Image
Josh Nichols
joshuani@andrew
OH: TBD
Location: 5th floor GHC Carrel TBD

SPONSOR:

Image