DATA 304

For academic year

Simulation and Stochastic Models

Simulation and modelling of stochastic systems, covering examples from Operations Research and Computer Science, including queues, networks and computer systems. Design, analysis and validation of simulation experiments. Previous experience with computer programming is required before starting this course. Co-taught with COMP 312.

Course overview

Points

15

Fees

$ -

International fees

$ -

Course offered in

trimester

Prerequisites

one course from (COMP 102, 112, 132, DATA 202); one course from (ENGR 123, MATH 177, 277, STAT 292); 15 further 200-level COMP, DATA, MATH, NWEN, STAT or SWEN pts;

Co-requisites

Restrictions

Taught by

The School of Mathematics and Statistics

Wellington Faculty of Engineering

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Course content

This course is designed for in-person study, and it is strongly recommended that students attend lectures and tutorials on campus. In particular some assessment items will have a requirement of in-person attendance, although exceptions can be made under special circumstances.
 
Queries about any such exceptions can be sent to remote-enrolments@sms.vuw.ac.nz.
 
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Simulation topics from:

  • Discrete-event computer simulation
  • The SimPy simulation language
  • Simulation model structures
  • Simulation experiments and analysing simulation output
Stochastic Models topics from:
  • The Poisson process, the Erlang, Coxian, and Phase-type distributions
  • Little’s Law for queue models
  • Steady-state solution and performance measures of M/M/1 queue
  • Queues of different types: multi- and infinite-server, finite capacity
  • Numerical solutions for steady-state Markovian queues
  • M/G/1 queues: the Pollaczek-Khintchine formula
  • Jackson-type queue networks
  • Closed queue networks: the MVA method of solution

Course learning objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

  1. Use an appropriate queue or queueing network to model a given service facility or congestion situation.

  2. Build simulation models of practical networks and systems.

  3. Design, analyse and validate simulation experiments.

  4. Evaluate and optimise performance characteristics of queues and queueing networks.

Class representative

The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.

The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington values te reo Māori. Students who wish to submit any of their assessments in te reo Māori must refer to The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

He mea nui te reo Māori ki Te Herenga Waka. Ki te pīrangi koe ki te tuhituhi i ō aro matawai i roto i te reo Māori, tēnā me mātua whakapā atu ki te kaupapa here, The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

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