MSc Applied Mathematics

This unit introduces the core concepts necessary to quantify, analyse, and understand the effects of randomness and uncertainty in models of real-world systems. We begin by introducing some basic concepts from probability theory, before building on this to develop a range of practical methods for analysing real-world models affected by uncertainty.

Though the concepts introduced in this module will require a theoretical grounding, the primary intention is to focus on the application of the methods to models derived from environmental, industrial, and/or biological applications. Computational exercises will reinforce understanding of the methods introduced here.

To provide an introduction to the core ideas of uncertainty quantification (UQ), using a range of sophisticated sampling methods and other techniques, focusing on the forward propagation of uncertainty (from uncertain model inputs to outputs), the dynamics of stochastic processes (specifically Ito stochastic differential equations), and inference in inverse problems (estimating uncertain model inputs from data). The course includes an introduction to basic concepts in probability, stochastic processes and measure theory. The focus will be on UQ for models consisting of differential equations, of the type frequently encountered in environmental, industrial, and biological applications.

On successful completion of the course unit students will be able to:

• classify types of uncertainty, and describe its possible effects;
• apply probabilistic and statistical properties and theoretical results, to models in applied mathematics which are subject to uncertainties;
• describe and implement computational methods for the generation of random variables from simple or classical probability distributions;
• implement and analyse the error of appropriate methods for the propagation of uncertainty in deterministic dynamical systems;
• identify and explain the meaning of terms within an Ito stochastic differential equation (SDE) model in the context of applications;
• implement Euler-Maruyama approximations of Ito SDEs and analyse their error;
• apply the Bayesian framework to inverse problems arising in applied mathematics;
• construct and simulate Markov chains in order to sample from probability distributions arising from Bayesian inverse problems in applied mathematics;
• apply the tools and methods from the course to quantify uncertainty in dynamical systems arising in environmental, biological and industrial applications.

1. Modelling of uncertainty. [1]

General introduction to the concept of incorporating uncertainty into mathematical models, classification of uncertainty and problems in UQ.

2. Introduction to probability theory [4]

Probability spaces, univariate random variables, multivariate random variables, statistical theorems, Brownian motion.

3. Sampling-based methods for uncertainty in ODEs. [9]

Finite difference approximation of ODEs, Pseudo-random number generation, inverse CDF method, Box-Muller transform, Monte Carlo for propagating uncertainty in deterministic dynamical systems, Monte Carlo error analysis.

4. Stochastic differential equations (SDEs). [5]

Introduction to stochastic calculus, Fokker-Planck equation, the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, Euler–Maruyama method, strong and weak convergence, examples of modelling using SDEs.

5. Bayesian inverse problems. [3]

Bayes’ theorem,  application to inference problems for ODEs, explicit solutions for linear inverse problems, error analysis for approximated forward models.

6. Sampling methods for Bayesian inverse problems [5]

Introduction to Markov chain theory, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, Metropolis-Hastings, Random Walk Metropolis-Hastings, error analysis, application to examples of inference for ODEs.

• Near end-of-semester courseworks weighting 20%
• End of semester examination: weighting 80%

Feedback tutorials will provide an opportunity for students' work to be discussed and provide feedback on their understanding. Coursework or in-class tests (where applicable) also provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback. Students can also get feedback on their understanding directly from the lecturer, for example during the lecturer's office hour.

• J. Voss, An Introduction to Statistical Computing: A Simulation-based Approach, Wiley, 2013. (Recommended)
• Ralph Smith, Uncertainty Quantification, SIAM, 2014. (Recommended)
• J. Kaipio, E. Somersalo, Statistical and Computational Inverse Problems, Springer, 2005. (Recommended)
• T.J. Sullivan, Introduction to Uncertainty Quantification, Springer, 2015. (Further reading)
• G.J. Lord, C.E. Powell, T. Shardlow. An introduction to computational stochastic PDEs. Cambridge University Press, 2014. (Further reading)
• P. Kloeden, E. Platen, Numerical Solution of Stochastic Differential Equations, Springer, 1992. (Further reading)

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  

Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.