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Bayesian Inference
STAT314 and STAT461 introduce theory and application of Bayesian Inference. Due to recent advances in computing and to the existence of some relatively user-friendly software Bayesian methods are becoming more and more popular in many applied fields of study, including epidemiology, bioinformatics, ecology and archaeology. This course will cover the basics of Bayesian theory as well as introduce computing methods necessary for implementation of this theory in practice. In addition to generalised linear regression models, analysis of variance and basic tests, for which the results of Bayesian inference will be compared with those for the classical frequentist results, the course will demonstrate the attractive flexibility and multifacetedness of Bayesian methods considering such problems as threshold analysis, and Poisson change-point problems among others.Topics that are usually covered include:• Bayes’ Inverse Probability Formula and Bayes’ Theorem. The concepts of prior and posterior distributions. Posterior predictive distribution. Various types of prior distributions.• Bayesian model comparison and Bayesian model averaging.• Numerical tools for Bayesian estimation: Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, Gibbs sampler and Metropolis-Hasting sampler.• Bayesian inference on linear regression models, generalised linear models, and mixed-effects models.• Treatment of missing data and latent parametersThe statistical computations will be performed using a combination of WinBUGS (a software for Bayesian inference) and R (a statistical software package). Prior knowledge of WinBUGS is not required. Prior knowledge of R is desirable.
Goal of the CourseTo teach students to apply Bayesian inference methods to a range of common problems.The courses will:introduce the foundations of Bayesian inferenceintroduce the use of statistical software WinBUGS and R.introduce numerical algorithms required for practical Bayesian inference.demonstrate application of Bayesian inference to a wide range of common problemsprovide some comparison of Bayesian inference to the classical frequentist methodsgive you experience in writing scientific and technical reportsYou will be able to:choose appropriate method for analysis of your datasetuse WinBUGS or R to perform your analysisbe able to interpret the analysis results in such a way that a non-user of statistics can understand write a scientific and technical report.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Elena Moltchanova
John Holmes
4 Assignments 30%Project 25%Written Examination (3hrs) 45%
Gelman, Andrew; Bayesian data analysis ; Third edition; CRC Press, 2014.
General information for students Library portal LEARN
Domestic fee $1,138.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Mathematics and Statistics .