Calculus II A continuation of MATH 0121, may be elected by first-year students who have had an introduction to analytic geometry and calculus in secondary school. Topics include a brief review of natural logarithm and exponential functions, calculus of the elementary transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, applications of integrals including problems of finding volumes, infinite series and Taylor's theorem, polar coordinates, ordinary differential equations. MATH 0121 or equivalent, or by placement)

Stochastic Processes Stochastic processes are mathematical models for random phenomena evolving in time or space. This course will introduce important examples of such models, including random walk, branching processes, the Poisson process and Brownian motion. The theory of Markov chains in discrete and continuous time will be developed as a unifying theme. Depending on time available and interests of the class, applications will be selected from the following areas: queuing systems, mathematical finance (Black-Scholes options pricing), probabilistic algorithms, and Monte Carlo simulation.

Linear Algebra Matrices and systems of linear equations, the Euclidean space of three dimensions and other real vector spaces, independence and dimensions, scalar products and orthogonality, linear transformations and matrix representations, eigenvalues and similarity, determinants, the inverse of a matrix and Cramer's rule.

Probability An introduction to the concepts of probability and their applications, covering both discrete and continuous random variables. Probability spaces, elementary combinatorial analysis, densities and distributions, conditional probabilities, independence, expectation, variance, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem, and numerous applications.

Introduction to Statistical Science (formerly MATH 0116) A practical introduction to statistical methods and the examination of data sets. Computer software will play a central role in analyzing a variety of real data sets from the natural and social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary distributions for data, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, correlation, regression, contingency tables, and analysis of variance. The course has no formal mathematics prerequisite, and is especially suited to students in the physical, social, environmental, and life sciences who seek an applied orientation to data analysis. (Not open to students who have taken BIOL 0211 or ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210) or PSYC 0201)

Advanced Probability Seminar An introduction to the mathematical foundations of Probability for students who have completed work in Probability and Real Analysis.  The central ideas correspond to the Lebesgue theory of measure and integration.  Probability provides additional perspective and motivates intriguing applications of the theory, which students will explore in their final projects.  Working independently and in small groups, students will gain experience reading advanced sources and communicating their insights through expository writing and oral presentations.  This course fulfills the capstone senior work requirement for the mathematics major.

Introduction to Statistical Science A practical introduction to statistical methods and the examination of data sets. Computer software will play a central role in analyzing a variety of real data sets from the natural and social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary distributions for data, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, correlation, regression, contingency tables, and analysis of variance. The course has no formal mathematics prerequisite, and is especially suited to students in the physical, social, environmental, and life sciences who seek an applied orientation to data analysis. (Credit is not given for MATH 0116 if the student has taken ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210) or PSYC 0201 previously or concurrently.)

Bill Peterson

Reviews and ratings for Bill Peterson at Middlebury College.Bill Peterson teaches Calculus II, Stochastic Processes, Linear Algebra and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Bill Peterson good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was really nice. Bill was always there to guide us through concepts we were struggling with. The exam was fairly difficult, and as long as I did my homework and caught up on the lectures it was completely doable.

The professor is very friendly and welcoming. He's always ready to take in any questions and his explanations are very nice. It is super fast paced and erases the board quick so be prepared to always pay attention and have a background in Math.

Peterson makes the course a genuinely enjoyable and worthwhile experience. His enthusiasm for the subject is clear in the way he teaches, which makes classes engaging and motivating to attend. The structure of the course is straightforward and well-organized, with assessments that feel fair and aligned with what is covered in class. While the material can be challenging at times, it is presented at a pace that allows students with some background to keep up and succeed. Overall, the content is both interesting and rewarding, and the course strikes a good balance between rigor and accessibility.