This monograph introduces graduate level students and researchers to some of the elements of mathematical finance. It is assumed that the reader has a basic knowledge of probability theory, and an acquaintance with stochastic calculus is also desirable. The material in the book is based on a series of lectures given by the author at the U. of California, San Diego. Topics include (for example) financial markets and derivatives; the binomial or CRR model; and the Black-Scholes model. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)