Details of MA3108 (Autumn 2022)

Level: 3 Type: Theory Credits: 4.0

Course CodeCourse NameInstructor(s)
MA3108 Stochastic Processes and Its Applications Anirvan Chakraborty

Syllabus
Quick review of probability theory: Probability spaces, random variables, probability
distributions, expectations, transforms and generating functions, convergence, LLNs, CLT.
Introduction to stochastic processes: Definition and examples; classification of random
processes.
Discrete-time Markov chain: Definition and examples; homogeneous Markov chain;
transition probability matrix, Chapman-Kolmogorov equations; limiting probabilities;
ergodicity; stationary distribution; random walk; gamblers ruin problem; different applications
of Markov chains including an introduction to MCMC techniques.
Discrete-time Martingales: Definitions and examples; sub/super-martingales; stopping times;
optional sampling theorem; martingale inequalities; reverse martingales; convergence
theorems; applications.
Continuous-time Markov chain: Definition and examples; Birth & death process; Poisson
process; Holding times and transitions; Transition rate and transition probabilities;
Kolmogorov forward and backward equations; infinitesimal generator and jump chain;
classification of states; (if time permits) long-run behaviour of continuous-time Markov
chains.

References
1. Ross; Introduction to Probability Models, Academic Press.
2. Taylor and Karlin; An Introduction to Stochastic Modelling, Academic Press.
3. Ross; Stochastic Processes, Wiley India.
4. Karlin and Taylor; A First Course in Stochastic Processes, Academic Press.
5. Hoel, Port, and Stone; Introduction to Stochastic Processes, Waveland Press.
6. Resnick; Adventures in stochastic processes, Birkhauser.
7. Billingsley; Probability and Measure, Wiley.

Course Credit Options

Sl. No.ProgrammeSemester NoCourse Choice
1 IP 1 Not Allowed
2 IP 3 Not Allowed
3 IP 5 Not Allowed
4 MP 1 Core
5 MP 3 Not Allowed
6 MR 1 Not Allowed
7 MR 3 Not Allowed
8 MS 3 Not Allowed
9 MS 5 Not Allowed
10 MS 7 Not Allowed
11 MS 9 Not Allowed
12 RS 1 Not Allowed
13 RS 2 Not Allowed