Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module MATH4031: BAYESIAN STATISTICS IV

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH4031: BAYESIAN STATISTICS IV

Type	Open	Level	4	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2015/16 and alternate years thereafter	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Statistical Concepts II (MATH2041).

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Bayesian Statistics III (MATH3341).

Aims

To provide an overview of the theory and practice of Bayesian inference and Bayesian statistical modelling.

Content

Foundations of Bayesian modelling and inference: rationality, exchangeability, sufficiency, conjugacy.
Bayesian statistical modelling: hierarchical models, Bayesian networks, conditional independence.
Computation for Bayesian inference: Monte Carlo, Markov chain Monte Carlo, Gibbs sampling, Metropolis-Hastings.
Practicalities in Bayesian inference: prior distributions, interpretation and analysis of MCMC output, model comparison.
Reading material in an advanced area of Bayesian statistics chosen by the lecturer.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Awareness of a wide range of aspects of Bayesian statistics.
A systematic and coherent understanding of the theory, computation and application of the mathematics underlying the Bayesian approach to statistics.
Have acquired a coherent body of knowledge about the theoretical foundations underpinning the application of Bayesian statistical inference to scientific and other problems.
Have acquired a coherent body of knowledge about the practical application of Bayesian statistical methods.
Knowledge and understanding obtained by independent study of a substantial topic in an advanced area of Bayesian statistics.

Subject-specific Skills:

In addition students will have specialised mathematical skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance: Modelling, Computation.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Subject material assigned for independent study develops the ability to acquire knowledge and understanding without dependence on lectures.
Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve complex and specialised problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	40	2 per week for 19 weeks and 2 in term 3	1 Hour	40
Problems Classes	8	Four in each of terms 1 and 2	1 Hour	8
Preparation and Reading				152
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written examination	3 hours	100%	none

Formative Assessment:

Four written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University