Department of Mathematical Sciences

Binghamton University




Math 450, Applied Probability Models

Textbook

An Introduction to Probability Models, by S. M. Ross. Seventh edition.
 
 

List of material to be covered

This list is not absolutely fixed.   The material from the book can be suplemented and/or complemented to provide the Applied Probability Models requirements in the Third Exam of the actuarial societies.

Chapter 4:  Markov Chains

Introduction to Markov chains. Chapman-Kolmorogov equations. Communicating classes. Transient, positive recurrent and null recurrent states. Limiting probabilities. Hitting probabilities. Mean hitting times. Mean time spent on transient states. Transit probabilities. Branching processes. Gambler's ruin problem. Random walks.
Sections 4.1-4.7 from the textbook, completed with hitting probabilities and mean time probabilities.
 

Chapter 5: Poisson process

Exponential and gamma distribution. Poisson process. Interarrival and waiting time distributions. Nonhomogeneous Poisson process. Compound Poisson process.
All sections from the textbook.
 

Chapter 10: Brownian motion and stationary processes

Brownian motion. Hitting times, Maximum variables. Brownian motion with a drift. Geometric Brownian motion.
Sections 10.1-10.3 from the textbook.

Chapter 6: Continuous-time Markov chains

Continuous-time Markov chains. Birth and death processes. Transition probabilities. Limiting probabilities.
Sections 6.1-6.5 from the textbook.

Chapter 7: Renewal theory and its applications

Sections to be covered at the discretion of the instructor.

Chapter 8: Queueing Theory

Sections to be covered at the discretion of the instructor.

Chapter 9: Reliability Theory

Sections to be covered at the discretion of the instructor.