University of Colorado Boulder

BiteSize Stats: Key Probability Distributions

University of Colorado Boulder

BiteSize Stats: Key Probability Distributions

Di Wu

Instructor: Di Wu

Included with Coursera PlusLearn more

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Statistics

  • Probability Distributions

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

August 2026

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the BiteSize Statistics for Absolute Beginners Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Introduces the random variable as the bridge between random experiments and numerical analysis, distinguishing discrete from continuous types. Students define and verify probability mass functions, calculate expected value and variance to summarize a distribution's center and spread, and use the cumulative distribution function to answer threshold probability questions.

What's included

22 readings1 assignment5 ungraded labs

Covers the four BINS conditions that define a binomial setting, the binomial probability formula, and how the distribution's shape, mean, and standard deviation depend on n and p. Students apply exact binomial probabilities to defect-rate monitoring, conversion-rate analysis, and acceptance sampling.

What's included

21 readings1 assignment5 ungraded labs

Covers the conditions that define a Poisson setting, the Poisson probability formula, and the distinctive property that its mean and variance are both equal to lambda. Students rescale rates across time/space intervals and apply Poisson probabilities to call-center staffing, insurance claims, and server capacity, closing with a fully worked queueing-theory case study.

What's included

22 readings1 assignment6 ungraded labs

Introduces the Normal distribution's bell-curve shape and its two governing parameters, the 68-95-99.7 empirical rule, and Z-score standardization for comparing values across scales. Students compute forward Normal probabilities and inverse Normal percentiles, applying both to quality control, pricing, and Value-at-Risk problems.

What's included

22 readings1 assignment6 ungraded labs

Covers the sampling distribution of the sample mean and the standard error, then the Central Limit Theorem — why the sample mean is approximately Normal for large n regardless of the population's shape. Students apply CLT-based probability calculations to sample means and sample proportions, closing with a lab that simulates the theorem empirically.

What's included

21 readings1 assignment5 ungraded labs

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Di Wu
University of Colorado Boulder
24 Courses64,032 learners

Offered by

Explore more from Probability and Statistics

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions