Statistics 251b/551b (Spring 1999)

Stochastic Processes

A study of random processes, including Markov chains, Markov random fields, martingales, random walks, Brownian motion and diffusions. Introduction to certain modern techniques in probability such as coupling and large deviations. Applications to image reconstruction, Bayesian statistics, finance, probabilistic analysis of algorithms, genetics and evolution.
After Statistics 241a or equivalent.

Instructor: David Pollard (24 Hillhouse Avenue; david.pollard@yale.edu)
Office hours: Tuesday 9:30--11:00 (or catch me straight after a class)

TA: Andrew Carter
Office hours: Monday 2:30-3:30 (room 305 of 24 Hillhouse)

Lectures: Monday, Wednesday 1:00 - 2:15 at WLH 207

Prerequisites

A knowlege of elementary probability theory at the level of Statistics 241. See some of my notes from 241 for a brief summary of facts about conditional probabilities and conditional expectations.

Text

The course will be based on a book manuscript being prepared by Joe Chang. I expect to cover only the following topics from the outline prepared by Joe:
  1. Markov chains
  2. Poisson processes
  3. Markov random fields and hidden Markov models
  4. Martingales
  5. Brownian motion
If time permits I might also cover parts of
  1. Diffusions, stochastic calculus, stochastic differential equations
  2. Likelihood ratios and extremes

Grading

Most of the final grade will be based on the weekly homework assignments. A small project will take the place of a final exam.

Homeworks

Boxplots of homework scores.

Email correspondence regarding homeworks and other aspects of the course.

Final projects


http://www.stat.yale.edu ---> Courses for 1998-99 ---> Statistics 251 [MORE COURSE INFORMATION]
DBP 18apr99