STA 356 Time Series/Forecasting

Spring 98

Link to: Reading List | Mike West's online "tutorial" | announcements | homework problems .
STA 356 TIME SERIES/FORECASTING. Credits: 0.00, Hours: 3.0. 
Section 01. Instructor: MUELLER.
STA 215 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this class. If you are in doubt, please make a self test.
We will cover some basic exploratory data analysis (autocorrelations, periodogram etc.), autoregressive/moving average models, and inference in dynamic state space models. Dynamic state space models are time series models based on assuming that there are some underlying parameters (like mean level mu[t] of y[t]; rate of change d[t]; maybe seasonal components etc) which describe underlying structure and which "evolve" between time periods. We will discuss Bayesian inference in such models. Discussion of dynamic state space models will include basic concepts and posterior inference for standard normal dynamic linear models (NDLM), posterior simulation based on forward filtering backward smoothing, extensions to conditionally NDLM models and general non-normal, non-linear models.

Students are encouraged to bring applications arising from their own research to class.


Class Format:

Lectures on Monday and Wednesday, open discussion (maybe at the Bryan Center Cafe?) on Fridays.

Grading:

Based on weekly homework (typically one or two problems), an in-class presentation of a worked out problem, and a project. The project can be either a research project or discussion of current literature. Working in small groups is encouraged.

Textbooks:

West, M. and Harrison, P.J. (1997), Bayesian Forecasting and Dynamic Models, Springer-Verlag, (2nd Edition). The book covers Bayesian inference in dynamic state space models.

Diggle, P., Time Series: A Biostatistical Introduction, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-852226-6 (pbk). This book will serve as reference for basic concepts of time series analysis, i.e., various exploratory data analysis, basic ARMA modelling etc. Any alternative introductory time series text is fine.

Prerequisites

STA 214, 215, 242 and/or 244, or equivalent. Some prior computing experience is useful.

Reading List

Some suggested reading.
Have a look at Mike West's online "tutorial" on Bayesian time series analysis and forecasting.
pm@stat.duke.edu, clyde@stat.duke.edu
*** since September 1st.