DS112
Intro to Probability & Statistics
Faculty
Evgeniya Korneva
Data Scientist at BOLD
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
From evaluating medical studies to assessing financial risk and building machine learning, modern decision-making relies on probabilistic reasoning and statistical inference. This course introduces the core principles of probability and statistics needed to model randomness, quantify uncertainty, and draw sound conclusions from data. Students learn to evaluate assumptions, interpret results, and understand the limitations of statistical methods. By linking theory with real-world applications, the course builds essential analytical tools for data science and evidence-based decision-making.
Learning highlights
- Develop a rigorous understanding of probability as a mathematical framework for modelling uncertainty.
- Build the ability to analyse random phenomena using discrete and continuous random variables.
- Connect probability theory to statistical inference and data analysis.
- Cultivate critical thinking about uncertainty, assumptions, and the limitations of statistical methods.
Course outline
15 classes
Probability & Counting
Naive definition of probability. How to count?
Axioms of probability
Non-naive definition of probability.
Conditional probability
Independence of events. Bayes’ Rule.
Discrete Random Variables
Distribution. Expectation and Variance
Common discrete distributions
Common discrete distributions
Joint distributions
Joint, marginal and conditional distributions. Conditional expectation. Covariance and correlation.
Markov chains
Markov property & transition matrix. Stationary distribution.
Discrete probability review.
Intro to Continuous RVs
PDFs. Uniform distribution.
Common continuous distributions
Common continuous distributions
Central Limit Theorem
Central Limit Theorem.
Continuous probability review.
Parameter estimation
Method of maximum likelihood.
Confidence intervals
Confidence intervals.
Hypotheses testing
Hypotheses testing, part 1
Statistics review
Hypotheses testing, part 2.
Statistics review.
Final exam
Final exam
Prerequisites
Basic Mathematics
Basic Python
Methodology
Each session will be a mix of a theoretical part, where new concepts are introduced, and a practical part, where students will solve pen-and-paper exercises, do simulations in Python or analyse real-world data.
Grading
Evgeniya was born in Moscow and got a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Informatics from the Higher School of Economics in 2015. She then moved to Belgium to continue her education at KU Leuven, where she got a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence. In October 2016, Evgeniya joined the DTAI research group as a researcher. Evgeniya was also teaching master’s courses on Fundamentals of AI and Data Mining. For three years in a row, she won The Best Teaching Assistant prize.
Apart from that, Evgeniya volunteers as an instructor at summer schools and workshops, as well as creates educational content on programming and Machine Learning for several online learning platforms.
See full profileApply for this course
Intro to Probability & Statistics
by Evgeniya Korneva
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Jun 08 - Jun 26, 2026
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.