The general topic of this book is the ergodic behavior of Markov processes. A detailed introduction to methods for proving ergodicity and upper bounds for ergodic rates is presented in the first part of the book, with the focus put on weak ergodic rates, typical for Markov systems with complicated structure. The second part is devoted to the application of these methods to limit theorems for functionals of Markov processes. The book is aimed at a wide audience with a background in probability and measure theory. Some knowledge of stochastic processes and stochastic differential equations helps in a deeper understanding of specific examples. Contents Part I: Ergodic Rates for Markov Chains and Processes Markov Chains with Discrete State Spaces General Markov Chains: Ergodicity in Total Variation MarkovProcesseswithContinuousTime Weak Ergodic Rates Part II: Limit Theorems The Law of Large Numbers and the Central Limit Theorem Functional Limit Theorems

This book is about discrete-time, time-homogeneous, Markov chains (Mes) and their ergodic behavior. To this end, most of the material is in fact about stable Mes, by which we mean Mes that admit an invariant probability measure. To state this more precisely and give an overview of the questions we shall be dealing with, we will first introduce some notation and terminology. Let (X,B) be a measurable space, and consider a X-valued Markov chain ~. = {~k' k = 0, 1, ... } with transition probability function (t.pJ.) P(x, B), i.e., P(x, B) := Prob (~k+1 E B I ~k = x) for each x E X, B E B, and k = 0,1, .... The Me ~. is said to be stable if there exists a probability measure (p.m.) /.l on B such that (*) VB EB. /.l(B) = Ix /.l(dx) P(x, B) If (*) holds then /.l is called an invariant p.m. for the Me ~. (or the t.p.f. P).

This classroom-tested textbook is an introduction to probability theory, with the right balance between mathematical precision, probabilistic intuition, and concrete applications. Introduction to Probability covers the material precisely, while avoiding excessive technical details. After introducing the basic vocabulary of randomness, including events, probabilities, and random variables, the text offers the reader a first glimpse of the major theorems of the subject: the law of large numbers and the central limit theorem. The important probability distributions are introduced organically as they arise from applications. The discrete and continuous sides of probability are treated together to emphasize their similarities. Intended for students with a calculus background, the text teaches not only the nuts and bolts of probability theory and how to solve specific problems, but also why the methods of solution work.

The present lecture notes aim for an introduction to the ergodic behaviour of Markov Processes and addresses graduate students, post-graduate students and interested readers. Different tools and methods for the study of upper bounds on uniform and weak ergodic rates of Markov Processes are introduced. These techniques are then applied to study limit theorems for functionals of Markov processes. This lecture course originates in two mini courses held at University of Potsdam, Technical University of Berlin and Humboldt University in spring 2013 and Ritsumameikan University in summer 2013. Alexei Kulik, Doctor of Sciences, is a Leading researcher at the Institute of Mathematics of Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences.

This is the only book on stochastic modelling of infinite dimensional dynamical systems.

The first comprehensive account of controlled diffusions with a focus on ergodic or 'long run average' control.