Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module MATH3251: STOCHASTIC PROCESSES III

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH3251: STOCHASTIC PROCESSES III

Type	Open	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2011/12 and alternate years thereafter	Module Cap	None.	Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Linear Algebra II (MATH2021) AND Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031) AND Probability and Geometric Topology II (MATH2151) OR Probability and Actuarial Mathematics II (MATH2161) OR Codes and Probability II (MATH2571) OR Contours and Probability II (MATH2561))

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Stochastic Processes IV (MATH4091).

Aims

This module continues on from the treatment of probability in level II Probability, i.e. MATH2151 or MATH2161.
It is designed to introduce mathematics students to the wide variety of models of systems in which sequences of events are governed by probabilistic laws.
Students completing this course should be equipped to read for themselves much of the vast literature on applications to problems in physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, psychology and many other fields.

Content

Conditional probability and sigma fields.
Examples of Markov chains.
Discrete parameter Martingales and renewal theory.
General renewal theory
Poisson processes.
Continuous time Markov chains.
Topics chosen from: stationary Gaussian processes, Brownian motion, percolation theory, contact process.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

By the end of the module students will: be able to solve novel and/or complex problems in Stochastic Processes.
have a systematic and coherent understanding of theoretical mathematics in the field of Stochastic Processes.
have acquired coherent body of knowledge of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: Probability.
Discrete Parameter Martingales
Renewal Theory.
Poisson processes.
Continuous time Markov processes.

Subject-specific Skills:

In addition students will have specialised mathematical skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance: Modelling, Computation.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems..

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	40	2 per week for 19 weeks and 2 in term 3	1 Hour	40
Preparation and Reading				160
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
three hour written examination		100%

Formative Assessment:

Four written assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University