CSCI 2244 Randomness and Computation

This course presents the mathematical and computational tools needed to solve problems that involve randomness. For example, an understanding of random variables allows us to efficiently generate the enormous prime numbers needed for information security, and to quantify the expected performance of a machine learning algorithm beyond a small data sample. An understanding of covariance allows high quality compression of audio and video. Topics include combinatorics and counting, random experiments and probability, random variables and distributions, computational modeling of randomness, Bayes' rule, laws of large numbers, vectors and matrices, covariance and principal axes, and Markov chains.

Course overview

Department
Computer Science
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Fall,Every Spring

Catalog details

Prerequisites
CSCI1101 and CSCI2243 or MATH2216 and MATH1103

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Computer Science B.A.: CSCI 2000-level-or-higher elective (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Mathematics B.S.: Natural science, computer science, or economics corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Computer Science B.A.: Required computer science core (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Computer Science B.S.: Required computer science core (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

3.39 / 5

Based on 447 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Usman Khan
    Fall 2026, Spring 2026, Fall 2025 · Official rating 4.58/5
  • Carl Mctague
    Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Spring 2022 · Official rating 3.23/5
  • George Mohler
    Fall 2024 · Official rating 4.53/5
  • Howard Straubing
    Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021 · Official rating 3.82/5
  • Hsin Hao Su
    Fall 2024, Fall 2021 · Official rating 3.53/5
  • Jessica Finocchiaro
    Spring 2025 · Official rating 3.95/5
  • Jose Bento Ayres Pereira
    Fall 2022 · Official rating 2.28/5
  • Sergio Alvarez
    Spring 2025, Spring 2023 · Official rating 3.30/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Usman Khan · 245 Beacon Street Room 214 MW 01:30PM-02:45PM · Offered