This 4-unit course focuses on computational issues that arise in the context of applied stochastic process modeling. After a short review of Monte Carlo methods for generating (pseudo) random variables, the course covers Markov chains and Markov chain Monte Carlo. The latter will be used for fitting stochastic process models throughout. Then, the course covers Brownian motion, the basics of stochastic differential equations (quadratic variation and Itô’s lemma) and the Euler-Maruyama algorithm. Then comes Gaussian processes and their simulation and application using basis and kernel representations. Next, we pivot to point processes, focusing on Poisson and Hawkes processes. For the latter, we cover direct, thinning-based and cluster-based simulation procedures as well as inference using fast likelihood calculations.
This course iterates between formal lectures and coding assignments. Students will develop their own code throughout, and the final project involves the rigorous implementation of one or more of the methods encountered during the quarter.
Tues/Thur, 3-450pm @ CHS 61235
Andrew J. Holbrook
Email: aholbroo@g.ucla.edu
Office hours: offered generously; please email me.
https://ucla-biostats-270.github.io
Students are expected to have a firm understanding of basic probability, Bayesian statistics and the basics of Markov chain Monte Carlo, having passed courses on the levels of Biostats M234 and 202C. Moreover, successful completion of the final project will require fluency in statistical programming (in, e.g., R, python, Julia, etc.), having passed a course on the levels of Biostats 203A and 213.
Grades will be based on the homework (50%) and final project (50%). Final project grade will be 50% presentation given during the final weeks of class and 50% written report.
A Final Project consists of either (1) the replication of results and comparison between two or more methods encountered in the course, (2) the development and successful application of a prototype method inspired by course content or (3) the replication of results and comparison between two or more methods to be agreed upon between student and instructor. One page project proposals are due 5/16 by 5PM via email (PDF). Statistical code and project manuscript (max. 10 typed pages) must be submitted to me via email (PDF) by the final day of instruction (6/6) by 5PM.
I usually expect class attendance. Please proactively communicate with me should you need to miss.
Students needing academic accommodation based on a disability should contact the Center for Accessible Education (CAE) at (310)825-1501 or in person at Murphy Hall A255. When possible, students should contact the CAE within the first two weeks of the term as reasonable notice is needed to coordinate accommodations. For more information visit https://www.cae.ucla.edu.
ADA Contact: Nickey Woods Center for Accessible Education A255 Murphy Hall. Phone: (310)825-1501 TTY/TTD: (310)206-6083 Fax: (310)825-9656
UCLA’s Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provides resources, events, and information about current initiatives at UCLA to support equality for all members of the UCLA community. I hope that you will communicate with me or your TA if you experience anything in this course that does not support an inclusive environment, and you can also report any incidents you may witness or experience on campus to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on their website https://equity.ucla.edu.
Message about Academic Integrity to All UCLA Students from UCLA Dean of Students: UCLA is a community of scholars. In this community, all members including faculty staff and students alike are responsible for maintaining standards of academic honesty. As a student and member of the University community, you are here to get an education and are, therefore, expected to demonstrate integrity in your academic endeavors. You are evaluated on your own merits. Cheating, plagiarism, collaborative work, multiple submissions without the permission of the professor, or other kinds of academic dishonesty are considered unacceptable behavior and will result in formal disciplinary proceedings usually resulting in suspension or dismissal.
Forms of Academic Dishonesty: As specified in the UCLA Student Conduct Code, violations or attempted violations of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, multiple submissions or facilitating academic integrity: • Allowing another person to take a quiz, exam, or similar evalution for you • Using unauthorized material, information, or study aids in any academic exercise or examination – textbook, notes, formula list, calculators, etc. • Unauthorized collaboration in providing or requesting assistance, such as sharing information • Unauthorized use of someone else’s data in completing a computer exercise • Altering a graded exam or assignment and requesting that I be regraded
Plagiarism: Presenting another’s words or ideas as if they were one’s own • Submitting as your own through purchase or otherwise, part of or an entire work produced verbatim by someone else • Paraphrasing ideas, data or writing without properly acknowledging the source • Unauthorized transfer and use of someone else’s computer file as your own • Unauthorized use of someone else’s data in completing a computer exercise
Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same work (with exact or similar content) in more than one class without permission from the instructor to do so. This includes courses you are currently taking, as well as courses you might take in another quarter.
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Participating in any action that compromises the integrity of the academic standards of the University; assisting another to commit an act of academic dishonesty • Taking a quiz, exam, or similar evaluation in place of another person • Allowing another student to copy from you • Providing material or other information to another student with knowledge that such assistance could be used in any of the violations stated above (e.g., giving test information to students in other discussion sections of the same course) • Altering data to support research • Presenting results from research that was not performed • Crediting source material that was not used for research
While you are here at UCLA, if you are unsure whether what you are considering doing is cheating, don’t take chances – ask your professor. In addition, avoid placing yourself in situations which might lead your professor to suspect you of cheating.
Alternatives to Academic Dishonesty
• Seek out help – Meet with your professor, ask for assistance as needed. • Ask for an extension – if you explain your situation to your professor, she/he might be able to grant you an extended deadline for an upcoming assignment. • See a counselor at Student Psychological Services, and/or your school, college or department – UCLA has many resources for students who are feeling the stresses of academic and personal pressures.
If you would like more information, please come see us at the Dean of Students’ Office in 1206 Murphy Hall, call us at (310)825-3871 or visit their website at https://www.deanofstudents.ucla.edu.