MTH4240 Mixing of finite Markov Chains
Faculty of Science
MTH4240 Mixing of finite Markov Chains is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH4240
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH4240
No unit lists MTH4240 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.
Overview
The classical theory of Markov chains focusses on the large-time asymptotics of chains defined on a fixed set of states. More recently, motivated by applications to combinatorics, computer science and statistical physics, emphasis has shifted to asymptotics as the number of states becomes large. This unit focusses on this more modern theory, in which the central question is how the rate of mixing of a class of Markov chains behaves as the number of states increases.
Topics to be covered include: Mixing time; Coupling; Random walks on groups; Path coupling; Markov chain Monte Carlo; Metropolis and Glauber processes; Randomised algorithms and fpras; Spectral methods and relaxation time; the cutoff phenomenon.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
- Rigorously quantify the mixing of various classes of finite Markov chains, using a variety of techniques;
- 2
Construct appropriate classes of Markov chains to approximate complex probability distributions;
- 3
Use mixing time bounds to construct efficient randomised algorithms, for problems in areas such as combinatorics, computer science and statistical physics;
- 4
Communicate sophisticated results concerning finite Markov chains and their applications.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars36 hours
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Three 1-hour seminars;
- One 1-hour applied class and
- 8 hours of independent study per week
Active learning will occur in lectures and applied classes
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Tim Garoni
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Tim Garoni
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH4240?
MTH4240 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH4240 offered?
In 2025, MTH4240 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH4240 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.