Should You Take the Introduction to Probability Course?
If you’re looking for a college-level introduction to probability but need an online course that fits your schedule, Udemy’s “Introduction to Probability” by Dane McGuckian might be the right fit. Whether you’re a student prepping for AP Statistics, a beginner interested in probability for data science, or simply curious about risk assessment, this course covers the essentials.
In this review, we’ll break down:
- What the course includes
- What real students are saying
- How it compares to competitors
- Whether it’s worth the price
Let’s dive in!
What Is “Introduction to Probability” on Udemy?
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to probability, covering everything from basic statistics concepts to probability distributions and inference techniques. The curriculum is roughly equivalent to a college Statistics I class, making it a solid choice for students or professionals interested in statistical thinking.
Course Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- ✅ Probability Fundamentals
- ✅ – Including conditional probability and Bayes’ Theorem
- ✅ Discrete and Continuous Distributions – Understanding normal, binomial, and Poisson distributions
- ✅ Statistical Inference
Course Details
- 🕒 Length: 8.5 hours of content
- 🎓 Lectures: 97 lessons
- 📈 Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, but some math knowledge helps
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 stars (based on 1,000+ student reviews)
Instructor: Dane McGuckian – Experienced educator in statistics and probability
✅ Pros: What Students Love
- ✔ Perfect for Beginners — Covers probability at a foundational level while introducing standard statistical methods.
- ✔ College-Level Material — Equivalent to a Statistics I course, making it a valuable, cost-effective alternative to expensive college courses.
- ✔ — Many students praise the instructor’s ability to simplify complex ideas.
- ✔ Strong Student Ratings — 4.6/5 stars from 1,000+ reviews suggests strong student satisfaction.
❌ Cons: Potential Drawbacks
- ✖ Requires Basic Algebra — While beginner-friendly, students without basic math skills might struggle.
- ✖ Limited Interactivity — Some students prefer more hands-on elements like quizzes or real-world applications.
- ✖ Not Focused on Data Science — While probability is covered well, this isn’t a machine learning or AI-focused course.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a structured probability crash course with clear explanations, this is a fantastic option. However, if you need interactive problem-solving or real-world applications, you may want to supplement your learning.
💡 What Are Students Saying?
The Good:
- “Best intro to probability I’ve taken. Clear explanations without fluff.”
- “Helped me pass my college stats class! Super useful for AP Statistics too.”
- “Great balance of theory and examples. The instructor explains concepts with clarity.”
The Bad:
- “I wish there were more practice problems beyond the exercises.”
- “Some sections require knowledge of algebra—had to review before continuing.”
🚀 Overall, this course gets strong praise for its clarity and depth, making it a great pick for self-paced learners.
How Does It Compare to Other Probability Courses?
Wondering how it stacks up against competing courses? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Course | Best For | Duration | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Probability – Udemy | College-level intro learners | 8.5 hours | Udemy |
| 12+ hours | Udemy | ||
| Probability and Data with R (Duke – Coursera) | 9 weeks | Coursera | |
| Statistics and Probability – Coursera | Varies | Coursera |
If you want a structured, college-style probability course, Dane McGuckian’s Udemy course is well-rounded and affordable. However, if you need statistics-focused preparation for data science, you may prefer Duke’s “Probability and Data with R” on Coursera.
💰 Price: $84.99 (Udemy often offers discounts, so you might get it for $20-30!)
What You Get for the Price:
- ✔ 8.5 hours of video lectures
- ✔ Downloadable resources
- ✔ Lifetime access
- ✔ Certificate upon completion
Is It Worth It?
Yes—especially if you get a discount. Compared to a $1,000+ college statistics course, this self-paced probability course offers fantastic value.
Tip: Udemy runs frequent sales, so if it’s currently full price, check back in a few days for potential discounts!
Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?
⭐ Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
✅ Best for students, professionals, and self-learners looking for a structured, clear, and comprehensive introduction to probability.
💡 Final Thought: If you want to master probability without paying college-level tuition, this is absolutely worth enrolling in—especially during Udemy sales.