Time Series Analysis Prep for Undergrad | Self-Study Guide

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To prepare for learning time series analysis, a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics is essential. Recommended prerequisites include a first-year probability course with calculus, followed by a course on statistical inference. Familiarity with R is beneficial, as many resources reference it. A suggested introductory book is "Time Series Analysis" by Robert H. Shumway, although some users find its writing style challenging. Another recommended resource is "Time Series Analysis and Its Applications: With R Examples," which is more user-friendly and designed for both undergraduates and graduates. Additionally, practical experience using programming languages like Matlab, Octave, or Python is emphasized, as applying concepts through coding can enhance understanding. Users also mention other resources, including specialized texts on time series analysis and digital signal processing, to further support learning in this field.
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Hi

I am an undergrad interested in learning time series analysis by himself. Other than the obvious prerequisite courses - 2nd year Calculus and Statistics - what else should I teach myself in prepreation for learning time series analysis?

Thanks
 
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That's all you need for an introduction. A first year course on probability with calculus and then a follow up course that deals with inference. After that you should be ready to deal with a first course exposure on time series analysis. It probably wouldn't hurt to know r, since a lot of books reference it now a days.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387953515/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Here's a fairly basic book that is accessible to an undergraduate. *

*Warning, I've yet to find a 'good' book on this topic at the undergraduate level, so you may find this book hard to follow, not because the subject is difficult, but because the author's writing style. However, the only other books I know are aimed at the graduate level. Maybe someone can recommend something else.
 
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MarneMath said:
That's all you need for an introduction. A first year course on probability with calculus and then a follow up course that deals with inference. After that you should be ready to deal with a first course exposure on time series analysis. It probably wouldn't hurt to know r, since a lot of books reference it now a days.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387953515/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Here's a fairly basic book that is accessible to an undergraduate. *

*Warning, I've yet to find a 'good' book on this topic at the undergraduate level, so you may find this book hard to follow, not because the subject is difficult, but because the author's writing style. However, the only other books I know are aimed at the graduate level. Maybe someone can recommend something else.

That's the book that I studied out of my first year as a graduate student in stat. I think should be easy to follow as a undergrad as long as you have the necessary background.

The other book I have in my collection is Time Series Analysis and Its Applications: With R Examples ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/144197864X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 ). I don't know much about it, but the other book uses an outdated program ITSM for its computation and this book uses R. I've used this one as a reference and it seems good, and according to its amazon page it "is designed as a textbook at both the undergraduate and graduate level and as a reference work for practitioners." I don't know much about the book though, so most of what I'm saying is just observation.
 
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Great Ill take a look at those. Thank you everyone!
 
I used the second book, and it is one of the few statistics books i have liked.
 
I also strongly suggest using Matlab/Octave or Python (or something equivalent) to program up examples. There's nothing like applying a filter and seeing the result immediately to cement the concepts in the books. If you're not familiar with a programming language, I would probably suggest Matlab or Octave (basically a free version of matlab), as it's a bit more intuitive than Python. However, Python has a ton of free signal analysis libraries. There are all kinds of examples out there on the web for download too. Good luck!

Just to add to the library, here are two that I frequently use:
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Analysis-Inverse-Theory-Geophysicists/dp/0521819652/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354652173&sr=1-1&keywords=time+series+analysis+and+inverse+theory+for+geophysicists (which seems to have become extremely expensive since I bought it), and
https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Digital-Signal-Processing-John/dp/0123984203/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354652265&sr=1-1&keywords=an+introduction+to+digital+signal+processing
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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