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140.779.01
Advanced Statistical Computing

Location:
East Baltimore
Term:
4th term
Department:
Biostatistics
Credits:
3 credits
Academic Year:
2022 - 2023
Instruction Method:
In-person
Class Times:
  • M W,  9:00 - 10:20am
Auditors Allowed:
Yes, with instructor consent
Undergrads Allowed:
No
Grading Restriction:
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor:
Contact:
Kasper Hansen
Frequency Schedule:
Every Other Year
Next Offered:
2024 - 2025
Resources:
Prerequisite:

Prior programming experience; at least one year of doctoral-level statistics/biostatistics theory and methods courses; 140.776

Description:

Covers the theory and application of common algorithms used in statistical computing. Includes topics: root finding, optimization, numerical integration, Monte Carlo, Markov chain Monte Carlo, stochastic optimization, and bootstrapping. Discusses specific algorithms: Newton-Raphson, EM, Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, Gibbs sampling, simulated annealing, Gaussian quadrature, Romberg integration, etc. Discusses applications of these algorithms to real research problems.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe common deterministic statistical algorithms, such as root finding, numerical integration methods, Newton-Raphson, quasi-Newton methods, EM
  2. Describe common stochastic algorithms used in statistics, such as Monte Carlo methods, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, stochastic optimization, Gibbs sampling, Metropolis-Hastings method
  3. Understand mathematical properties of common statistical algorithms
  4. Implement statistical algorithms using a high-level statistical programming language
Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

  • 50% Computing
  • 50% Theoretical assignments

Instructor Consent:

No consent required