uwloo

STAT 340Stochastic Simulation Methods

Units
0.50
Faculty
Mathematics
Subject
Statistics

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Random variate generation in the univariate and multivariate case, Monte Carlo integration, advanced computer implementation, variance reduction, statistical analysis of simulated data, extensions to challenging simulation problems. Mathematical treatment of the underlying stochastic concepts and proofs.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
      • CS116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2 (0.50)
      • CS136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (0.50)
      • CS138 - Introduction to Data Abstraction and Implementation (0.50)
      • CS145 - Designing Functional Programs (Advanced Level) (0.50)
      • SYDE322 - Software Design (0.50)
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
      • STAT231 - Statistics (0.50)
      • STAT241 - Statistics (Advanced Level) (0.50)
    • Complete 1 of the following
      • Must have completed the following:
        • STAT240 - Probability (Advanced Level) (0.50)
      • Earned a minimum grade of 60% in each of the following:

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00176920 / 100MW 10:00–11:20
LEC 701829947 / 9999Online or by arrangement
TUT 10176930 / 100F 14:30–15:20

Reviewed on UW Flow

70% liked it57% easy86% useful

From 56 ratings and 19 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • The course itself is deemed to be difficult. Sometimes concepts take days to digest. But it lays foundation of stochastic sampling. So it's quite useful:)

    Jul 2023 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • I think the course average for this course prolly ended like a 65%.
    Test 1 was pretty rough (recapping Stat 230/231 stuff which was lowkey tuff). Test 2 was better. Test 3 was tougher but enough to pass.

    Aug 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Favourite Stat course so far, really enjoyed it! Erik was a great professor.

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This was my favourite of the stats courses I have taken. I found it had a good amount of application worked into the theory. This term Eric changed the course format. There were 3 quizzes, 3 assignments (all AI use was permitted this term although you are best off using the assignments as an opportunity to learn), 1 midterm, and a final exam.

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • During Winter 2025 the course had 3 midterms and no final exam. The midterms were challenging however the prof adjusted the grades if he felt that the average was low. Your grade is spread out across 3 midterms, assignments, quizzes (which have two parts), clicker questions. Part 1 of quiz is done individually and part 2 can be done with your classmates. This makes taking the course a lot less stressful (compared to courses with a must pass 60% final for example). The midterms are weighted based off how well you do on them. That is highest scoring midterm is weighted the most and your lowest scoring midterm is weighted the least.

    Apr 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

255 posts and comments in 199 threads mention STAT 340, March 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Course advice 2 points, 5 comments

u/Crafty_Act1002: “Very confused about 3A stat courses. Stat330 Stat331 Stat332 Stat333 Stat340 Stat341 How many stat courses a term is doable. Also i hated stat230 but loved stat231. Thank u Also recommend any other courses i can take pls pls CO or CS or any other”

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Winter 2024

Spring 2023

STAT 341 vs 340 4 points, 1 comment

u/jake_7m: “… Can't decide which to take For some context, Stat 340 looks more appealing and easier than 341, only stat courses ive taken are 230 and 231, my intention is that one of Stat 340 or 341 will be the last stat course I take in undergrad. I enjoyed 230, but hated 231. …”

u/Hello_web: “… STAT340 introduces many simulation methods that can be challenging to grasp at first. The workload depends on your instructor. Group work can either make your life easier or harder. Additionally, both of these courses are more enjoyable than Stat231. …”

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Fall 2022

UW Math Major Declaration 4 points, 8 comments

u/No_Inspector_8321: “… &x200B; Table 1 + the following CS 371 Math 237 Math 239 CO 250 CO 342 CO 351 CO367 CO456 PMATH 336 PMATH331 PMATH332 STAT330 STAT331 STAT332 STAT333 STAT440 STAT437 STAT340 STAT442 AMATH250 MTHEL 300 CS371 CS230 CS234 AMATH250 ECON 212”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar