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    Overview

    Applications of stochastic models to real-world processes observed over time and space. Topics include Poisson processes, renewal processes, Markov chains, hidden Markov models, geostatistics, spatial point processes, model fitting, forecasting and simulation.

    This paper introduces at undergraduate level an important class of statistical methods that is widely used in many areas of research and research-informed decision making. It is an introduction to practical data analysis using statistical methods for processes occurring randomly in time and space. Stochastic models have been applied to natural phenomena such as outbreaks of infectious diseases, crimes, financial downturns, stock market return, transitions between high and low economic growth, accident related insurance claims, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires. Real data from economics, finance, geosciences, neuroscience, social sciences and epidemiology will be used to introduce various stochastic models and their applications.

    About this paper

    Paper title Stochastic Modelling
    Subject Statistics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    STAT 261 or STAT 270
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Contact

    ting.wang@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Associate Professor Ting Wang

    Dr Conor Kresin

    Paper Structure

    We will focus on applications of the following models in real-world data analysis (using R), model checking, simulation and forecasting from these models.

    • Poisson processes
    • Renewal processes
    • Discrete-time Markov chains
    • Hidden Markov models
    • Geostatistics
    • Spatial point processes
    Textbooks

    To be advised

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    The aim of this paper is to introduce students to many of the statistical learning techniques that are now used to analyse high-dimensional data. Students will learn the underlying rationale for each method and gain practice in using it on real data in R.

    On successful completion of the paper, students will be able to:

    1. Apply an important class of modern temporal and spatial stochastic models to real data.
    2. Describe the assumptions underlying use of each of these methods.
    3. Determine an appropriate type of stochastic models for a given analysis.
    4. Describe probabilistic forecast using stochastic processes.
    5. Critically appraise research literature in terms of the statistical methods used.
    6. Use a standard statistical programming language (R) to analyse data and simulate stochastic processes.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Other

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Friday 11:00-11:50 9-12, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
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