Course at a Glance
- Course name: Data Analysis: Basic Probability and Statistics
- Provider: Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences
- Platform: edX
- Level: Introductory
- Length: 7 weeks
- Weekly time: 3 to 5 hours
- Pace: Self-paced and available anytime
- Format: Online
- Cost: Free to learn, but $149 for a Verified Certificate
- Instructors: Benedict Gross, Joseph Harris and Emily Riehl
The Quick Take: A Friendly Start to Probability and Statistics
If you’ve ever thought “I’m just not a maths person,” this Harvard free probability and statistics course is designed to change your mind. It’s made for people who are new to the study of probability, or who want an approachable review of core concepts before a college-level statistics course.
What sets it apart is the “Fat Chance” approach. Rather than asking you to memorise formulas, the course prioritises a mathematical mode of thought over rote memorisation, using highly visual lessons and guided practice. It also traces probability and statistics back to a simple foundation: the principles of counting. Once counting makes sense, probability stops feeling like magic.
Because it’s self-paced, you can fit it around work, school or family. Seven weeks at three to five hours per week is manageable even with a busy schedule.
What You’ll Learn in This Harvard Online Course
By the end, the course aims to give you a greater appreciation for, and less fear of, basic probability and statistics. More specifically, you’ll learn to:
- Solve combinatorial counting problems
- Solve problems using basic and advanced probability
- Understand the normal distribution and its many statistical applications
- Recognise common probability fallacies and the ways statistics are abused or misunderstood
How the seven modules work:
- Modules 1 and 2 cover basic and advanced counting: the multiplication principle, factorials, binomial coefficients and multinomials.
- Module 3 applies counting to simple probability, using coins, dice and poker hands.
- Modules 4 to 6 go deeper, covering expected value with examples like slot machines, conditional probability including the famous Monty Hall problem and Bernoulli trials.
- Module 7 introduces statistics through expected value, variance and the normal distribution, showing how to approximate probabilities in situations where exact values are hard to calculate.
The examples are fun and relatable, which helps the ideas stick.
Is the Harvard Probability and Statistics Course Really Free?
Yes, with one distinction. You can learn the course for free, or add a Verified Certificate for $149.
- Auditing (free): You get the learning experience at no cost, which is ideal if your goal is knowledge.
- Verified Certificate ($149): You get a shareable credential, which may be useful if you want proof of completion for a CV or LinkedIn profile.
How to Enrol in the Harvard Free Probability and Statistics Course
- Open the course page on Harvard’s site which will be linked below and click the “Learn More” button to reach edX.
- Create a free edX account using your email address.
- Start learning
You don’t need to apply, and there’s no entry test. The course lists no prerequisites, so you can begin whenever you like.
