Mathematics 360 - Probability

Fall
2019
02
4.00
Kevin Donges
MW 02:00PM-03:20PM; TH 02:30PM-03:20PM
Amherst College
MATH-360-02-1920F
NSCI E110; NSCI E110
kdonges@amherst.edu
STAT-360-02,MATH-360-02

(Offered as STAT 360 and MATH 360) This course explores the nature of probability and its use in modeling real world phenomena. There are two explicit complementary goals: to explore probability theory and its use in applied settings, and to learn parallel analytic and empirical problem solving skills. The course begins with the development of an intuitive feel for probabilistic thinking, based on the simple yet subtle idea of counting. It then evolves toward the rigorous study of discrete and continuous probability spaces, independence, conditional probability, expectation, and variance. Distributions covered include the binomial, hypergeometric, Poisson, normal, Gamma, Beta, multinomial, and bivariate normal. Other topics include generating functions, order statistics, and limit theorems. Four class hours per week.

Requisite: MATH 121 or consent of the instructor. Limited to 24 students. Fall semester. Professor Donges.

Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.