Undergraduate - UnitMTH3241 - Random processes in the sciences and engineering

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces the methods of stochastic processes and statistics used in the analysis of biological data, physics, economics and engineering. At the completion of the unit students will understand the application of classical techniques, such as Poisson processes, Markov chains, hidden Markov chains, random walks, martingale theory, birth and death processes, and branching processes in the analysis of DNA sequences, population genetics, dynamics of populations, telecommunications and economic analysis.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to understand the idea of random variables varying with time; analyse Markov chains at the elementary level, in discrete and continuous time; study various processes such as Poisson process, birth process, birth and death process, branching processes, random walks, martingales; apply the above probability processes to such practical situations as queues, epidemics, servicing machines, networks, financial markets, insurance risk, etc.

Assessment

Final exam: 70%
Assignments: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Kais Hamza

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour support class per week

Prerequisites

One of MTH2010, MTH2015, MTH2032, MTH2222, or ETC2520. One of MTH2222 or ETC2520 is highly recommended.