STAT4063 Computationally Intensive Methods in Statistics

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 4 elective
  • Honours option in Mathematics and Statistics [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Content
The explosion in power of computers over recent times is changing the face of statistical science. Once upon a time, intuitively attractive statistical procedures had to be consigned to the waste bin if they led to unfathomable mathematical complications, or required masses of intricate calculations for their practical implementation. Now such difficulties can often be circumvented by using computer simulation and number crunching. This has led to the development and widespread use of many new statistical tools including the bootstrap, Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and non-parametric kernel smoothing methods. Computer intensive statistical methods are not only in general use by statisticians, but are also applied by quantitative researchers in the life sciences, medicine and biological science, social sciences and business.

This unit gives a broad coverage of computer intensive methods with numerous applied examples, together with the underlying general concepts and basic theory. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of these methods in real statistical applications. Data sets are analysed using the statistical package R. Topics are selected from the following: simulation and Monte Carlo, bootstrap methods, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods and Bayesian inference, non-parametric kernel smoothing methods, and statistical/machine learning.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) appropriately apply computationally intensive statistical techniques in simulation studies and to real-world problems; (2) extend their knowledge of computational techniques in general, but statistical computing techniques in particular, and adapt known solutions to different situations; and (3) present results in a logical and coherent fashion and communicate effectively with others.
Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments and (2) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Edward Cripps
Unit rules
Prerequisites:
STAT3062 Statistical Science
or
STAT2401 Analysis of Experiments
or
STAT2402 Analysis of Observations
Advisable prior study:
STAT3062 Statistical Science
or
(STAT2401 Analysis of Experiments
and
STAT2402 Analysis of Observations)
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.