A first introduction to probability and statistics. This course will provide background to understand and produce rigorous statistical analysis including estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression. Applicability and limitations of these methods will be illustrated in the light of modern data sets and manipulation of the statistical software R. Precepts are based on real data analysis.

This course focuses on analytical and computational tools for optimization. We will introduce least-squares optimization with multiple objectives and constraints. We will also discuss linear optimization modeling, duality, the simplex method, degeneracy, interior point methods and network flow optimization. Finally, we will cover integer programming and branch-and-bound algorithms. A broad spectrum of real-world applications in engineering, finance and statistics is presented.

An introduction to probability and its applications. Topics include: basic principles of probability; Lifetimes and reliability, Poisson processes; random walks; Brownian motion; branching processes; Markov chains.

A survey of quantitative approaches for making optimal decisions under uncertainty, including decision trees, Monte Carlo simulation, and stochastic programs. Forecasting and planning systems are integrated in the context of financial applications. Machine learning methods are linked to the stochastic optimization models.

Financial Mathematics is concerned with designing and analyzing products that improve the efficiency of markets, and create mechanisms for reducing risk. This course develops quantitative methods for these goals: the notions of arbitrage and risk-neutral pricing in discrete time, specific models such as Black-Scholes and Heston in continuous time, and calibration to market data. Credit derivatives, the term structure of interest rates, and robust techniques in the context of volatility options will be discussed, as well as lessons from the financial crisis.

This course is a theoretically oriented introduction to the statistical tools that underpin modern machine learning, whose hallmarks are large datasets and/or complex models. Topics include a rigorous analysis of dimensionality reduction, a survey of models ranging from regression to neural networks, and an analysis of learning algorithms.

An introduction to several fundamental and practically-relevant areas of modern optimization and numerical computing. Topics include computational linear algebra, first and second order descent methods, convex sets and functions, basics of linear and semidefinite programming, optimization for statistical regression and classification, and techniques for dealing with uncertainty and intractability in optimization problems. Extensive hands-on experience with high-level optimization software. Applications drawn from operations research, statistics and machine learning, economics, control theory, and engineering.

Independent research or investigation resulting in a report in the student's area of interest under the supervision of a faculty member. Open to sophomores and juniors.

This course showcases how networks are widespread in society, technology, and nature, via a mix of theory and applications. It demonstrates the importance of understanding network effects when making decisions in an increasingly connected world. Topics include an introduction to graph theory, game theory, social networks, information networks, strategic interactions on networks, network models, network dynamics, information diffusion, and more.

Electronic commerce, traditionally the buying and selling of goods using electronic technologies, extends to essentially all facets of human interaction when extended to services, particularly information. The course focuses on both the software and the hardware aspects of traditional aspects as well as the broader aspects of the creation, dissemination and human consumption electronic services. Covered will be the physical, financial and social aspects of these technologies

An introduction to the theory and practice of high frequency trading in modern electronic financial markets. We give an overview of the institutional landscape and basic empirical features of modern equity, futures, and fixed income markets. We discuss theoretical models for market making and price formation. Then we dig into detailed empirical aspects of market microstructure and how these can be used to construct effective trading strategies. Course work will be a mixture of theoretical and data-driven problems. Programming environment will be a mixture of the R statistical environment, with the Kdb database language.

A formal report on research involving analysis, synthesis, and design, directed toward improved understanding and resolution of a significant problem. The research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member, and the thesis is defended by the student at a public examination before a faculty committee. The senior thesis is equivalent to a year-long study and is recorded as a double course in the Spring.

Students conduct a one-semester project. Topics chosen by students with approval of the faculty. A written report is required at the end of the term.

A formal report on research involving analysis, synthesis, and design, directed toward improved understanding and resolution of a significant problem. The research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and the support of dedicated instructors and AIs. The thesis is submitted and defended by the student at a public examination before a faculty committee. This course completes the research work begun in the fall semester class ORF 498.

Econometric and statistical methods as applied to finance. Topics include: Asset returns and efficient markets, linear time series and dynamics of returns, volatility models, multivariate time series, efficient portolios and CAPM, multifactor pricing models, portfolio allocation and risk assessment, intertemporal equilibrium models, present value models, simulation methods for financial derivatives, econometrics of continuous time finance.

Under the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out research and presents the results. Directed Research is normally taken during the first year of study.

Under the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out research and presents the results. Directed Research II has to be taken before the General Exam.

The course covers the pricing and hedging of advanced derivatives, including topics such as exotic options, greeks, interest rate and credit derivatives, as well as risk management. The course further covers basics of stochastic calculus necessary for finance. Designed for Masters students.

A mathematical introduction to convex, conic, and nonlinear optimization. Topics include convex analysis, duality, theorems of alternatives and infeasibility certificates, semidefinite programming, polynomial optimization, sum of squares relaxation, robust optimization, computational complexity in numerical optimization, and convex relaxations in combinatorial optimization. Applications drawn from operations research, dynamical systems, statistics, and economics.

A theoretical introduction to statistical machine learning for data science. It covers multiple regression, kernel learning, sparse regression, high dimensional statistics, sure independent screening, generalized linear models, covariance learning, factor models, principal component analysis, supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and related topics such as community detection, item ranking, and matrix completion.These methods are illustrated using real world data sets and manipulation of the statistical software R.

This course is an introduction to stochastic calculus for continuous processes. The main topics covered are: construction of Brownian motion, continuous time martingales, Ito integral, localization, Ito calculus, stochastic differential equations. Girsanov theorem, martingale representation, Feynman-Kac formula. If time permits, a brief introduction to stochastic control will be given.

We start this lecture by introducing some classical stochastic control problems, including optimal portfolio allocation, Merton utility maximization problem, real option, and contract theory. This introduction motivates us to study, after a short recall on stochastic calculus, some ways to solve stochastic control problems as well as optimal stopping problem. This leads us on a journey through the dynamic programming principle, the Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equations, the notion of viscosity solution, up to the theory of BSDEs.

An introduction to the theory and practice of high frequency trading in modern electronic financial markets. We give an overview of the institutional landscape and basic empirical features of modern equity, futures, and fixed income markets. We discuss theoretical models for market making and price formation. Then we dig into detailed empirical aspects of market microstructure and how these can be used to construct effective trading strategies. Course work is a mixture of theoretical and data-driven problems. Programming environment is a mixture of the R statistical environment, with the Kdb database language.

An introduction to nonasymptotic methods for the study of random structures in high dimension that arise in probability, statistics, computer science, and mathematics. Emphasis is on developing a common set of tools that has proved to be useful in different areas. Topics may include: concentration of measure; functional, transportation cost, martingale inequalities; isoperimetry; Markov semigroups, mixing times, random fields; hypercontractivity; thresholds and influences; Stein's method; suprema of random processes; Gaussian and Rademacher inequalities; generic chaining; entropy and combinatorial dimensions; selected applications.