Unit name | Bayesian Modelling A |
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Unit code | MATH34910 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6) |
Unit director | Dr. Marcelo Pereyra |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
MATH20800 Statistics 2 |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Mathematics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit aims
This unit will introduce you to an alternative approach to statistical modelling and inference, with a rather different flavour from those taught elsewhere in our programmes. The main aims of the unit are to acquaint you with the basic concepts of Bayesian statistics, and to provide you with the necessary background and experience to apply Bayesian modelling techniques to realistic statistical problems.
General Description of the Unit
Bayesian statistics is an area that has grown rapidly in popularity over the past 20 years or so largely as a result of computational advances which have made the approach far more applicable. In this unit we will discuss the Bayesian approach to statistical analysis and modelling. We introduce the basic elements of Bayesian theory, beginning with Bayes theorem, and go on to discuss the applications of this approach to statistical modelling. Topics discussed will include the construction of prior and posterior distributions and hierarchical models, large sample inference and connections to non-Bayesian methods, model checking, and a brief introduction to the computational tools which make analysis possible (in particular Markov chain Monte Carlo methods).
Further information is available on the School of Mathematics website: http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/study/undergrad/
The students will be able to:
Transferable Skills
In addition to the general skills associated with other mathematical units, you will also have the opportunity to gain practice in the following: computer literacy and general IT skills, use of Matlab as a programmable statistical package, interpretation of computational results, time-management, independent thought and learning, and written communication.
Lectures, supported by example sheets.
100% Examination
Raw scores on the examinations will be determined according to the marking scheme written on the examination paper. The marking scheme, indicating the maximum score per question, is a guide to the relative weighting of the questions. Raw scores are moderated as described in the Undergraduate Handbook.
The following texts may be useful for reference: