Stochastic Processes

Subject MAST90019 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On-campus.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours comprising 2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour practice class per week.
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours and 7 hours private study per week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: It is recommended that students have completed a sound undergraduate subject in probability (equivalent to 620-201 [2008] Probability or 620-205 [2008] Probability for Statistics) and a third year subject in stochastic modeling (equivalent to 620-301 [2008] Stochastic Modelling).
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Konstantin Borovkov

Contact

Email: borovkov@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: The subject discusses the key aspects of the theory of stochastic processes that plays the central role in modern probability and has numerous applications in natural sciences and in industry. Main concepts include finite dimensional distributions, path properties and convergence of stochastic processes, conditional expectations and martingales, submartingales and related inequalities, random walks, the strong law of large numbers and the functional central theorem, processes with independent increments and Markov processes. Applications to modelling random phenomena evolving in time are discussed throughout the course.
Objectives: After completing this subject students should
- gain an understanding of the basic concepts of the theory of stochastic processes;
- gain an understanding of the fundamental techniques used in the study of random processes;
- extend their ability to construct mathematical models for real-life situations involving
uncertainty and evolving in time;
- gain the ability to pursue further studies in this and related areas.
Assessment: Up to 40 pages of written assignments (20%: two assignments worth 10% each, due mid and late in semester), a 3 hour written examination (80%, in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: TBA
Recommended Texts: TBA
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Upon completion of this subject, students should develop:
- Problem-solving skills (especially through tutorial exercises and assignments) including engaging with unfamiliar problems and identifying relevant strategies;
- Analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of the analysis;
- Ability to work in a team, through interactions with other students.
Related Course(s): Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)

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