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About Study Course

Department: Statistics Unit
ECTS:3
Course supervisor:Ziad Taib
Study type:Part-Time, Full time
Course level:Master's
Target audience:Life Science
Language:English, Latvian
Study course description Full description, Part-Time, Full time
Branch of science:Mathematics; Theory of probability and mathematical statistics

Objective

The objective of this course is to give the students an overview of key areas of Bayesian Inference. The software package R will be used for computation and case study applications.

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with most common discrete and continuous distributions as well as basic notions of probability.
• Familiarity with basics of statistical inference and Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE).
• Linear models with different types of dependent variables.
• In lab sessions we will learn how to use R, so basic knowledge in R is also required.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

1.• Understand the difference between various interpretations of probability.
• Classify and articulate the key components of Bayesian Inference.
• Distinguish the key aspects, and applications, of prior distribution selection and associated considerations.
• Describe the role of the posterior distribution, the likelihood function and the posterior distribution in Bayesian inference about a parameter.
• Interpret statistical simulation-based computational methods.

Skills

1.• Formulate Bayesian solutions to real-data problems, including forming hypotheses, collecting and analysing data, and reaching appropriate conclusions.
• Calculate posterior probabilities using Bayes’ theorem.
• Derive posterior distributions for a given data model and use computational techniques to obtain relevant estimates.
• Operate Bayesian models and provide the technical specifications for such models.
• Apply Bayesian computation using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods using R.

Competence

1.• Assess the Bayesian framework for data analysis and when it can be beneficial, including its flexibility in contrast to the frequentist approach.
• Use independently statistical analyses in practice by using simulation-based computational methods, to present the results and findings orally and in writing.
• Determine the role of the prior distribution in Bayesian inference, and the usage of non-informative priors and conjugate priors.
• Interpret the results of a Bayesian analysis and perform Bayesian model evaluation and assessment.

Study course planning

Planning period:Year 2025, Spring semester
Study programmeStudy semesterProgram levelStudy course categoryLecturersSchedule
Biostatistics2Master'sLimited choice