Unit information: Theory of Inference 4 in 2021/22

Unit name	Theory of Inference 4
Unit code	MATHM0019
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Fasiolo
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MATH10013 Probability and Statistics
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Mathematics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Unit Aims

Statistical inference is about drawing quantitative conclusions about things that we are interested in from data that we can collect. This unit provides an overview of the theory and methods used to do this, comparing the Bayesian and the frequentist approaches, with a practical focus on using the theory in practice.

Unit Description

The course covers statistical model, statistical methods of uncertainty quantification, statistical model comparison, model checking, the difference between inference about causality and association, and the practical implementation of Bayesian and maximum likelihood based approaches.

Relation to Other Units

This units builds on Statistics 1, and uses technical material covered in first year mathematics courses. It complements the more specialized courses in Generalized linear modelling, Bayesian statistics and Statistics 2 (none of which are required as prerequisites).

Intended Learning Outcomes

To gain an understanding of some key principles of statistical inference, and how these impact upon current practice across a range of fields.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• synchronous online and, if subsequently possible, face-to-face lectures
• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• guided asynchronous independent activities such as problem sheets and/or other exercises
• synchronous weekly group problem/example classes, workshops and/or tutorials
• synchronous weekly group tutorials
• synchronous weekly office hours

Assessment Information

80% Timed, open-book examination 20% Coursework

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.

If you fail this unit and are required to resit, reassessment is by a written examination in the August/September Resit and Supplementary exam period.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATHM0019).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.