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Study information

Bayesian Statistics, Philosophy and Practice - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEBayesian Statistics, Philosophy and Practice CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM047 MODULE CONVENERDr James Salter (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 28
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Since the 1980s, computational advances and novel algorithms have seen Bayesian methods explode in popularity, today underpinning modern techniques in data science and machine learning with applications across science, social science, the humanities and finance.

This module will introduce Bayesian statistics and reasoning. It will develop the philosophical and mathematical ideas of subjective probability theory for decision-making and explore the place subjectivity has in scientific reasoning. It will develop Bayesian methods for data analysis and introduce modern Bayesian simulation, including Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo. The course balances philosophy, theory, mathematical calculation and analysis of real data ensuring the student is equipped to use Bayesian methods in future jobs aligned to data analysis whilst being ready to study masters and PhD level courses with Bayesian content and to take Bayesian research projects.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module will cover the Bayesian approach to modelling, data analysis and statistical inference. The module describes the underpinning philosophies behind the Bayesian approach, looking at subjective probability theory, subjectivity in science as well as the notion and handling of prior knowledge, and the theory of decision making under uncertainty. Bayesian modelling and inference is studied in depth, looking at parameter estimation and inference in simple models and then hierarchical models. We explore simulation-based inference in Bayesian analyses and develop important algorithms for Bayesian simulation by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) such the Gibbs sampler, Metropolis-Hastings and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo. We introduce decision theory with Bayes as a route to personalised decision making under uncertainty. At M-level, in addition to the above, students are introduced to topics in Bayesian approximation such as Laplace approximation and variational inference via material for self-study.

Pre-requisite: MTH1004 + MTH2006 or equivalent (amounting to a 1st year introduction to probability and a 2nd year introduction to likelihood methods of statistical inference and regression analysis).

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Show understanding of the subjective approach to probabilistic reasoning.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of Bayesian approaches to statistical modelling and inference and an ability to apply them in practice.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the value of simulation-based inference and knowledge of techniques such as MCMC and the theories underpinning them
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply statistical inference in decision-making.
5. Utilise appropriate software and a suitable computer language for Bayesian modelling and inference from data.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

6. Demonstrate understanding, appreciation of and aptitude in the quantification of uncertainty using advanced mathematical modelling.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7. Show advanced Bayesian data analysis skills and be able to communicate associated reasoning and interpretations effectively in writing;
8. Apply relevant computer software competently;
9. Use learning resources appropriately;
10. Exemplify self-management and time-management skills.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Introduction: Bayesian vs Classical statistics, Nature of probability and uncertainty, Subjectivism.

Bayesian inference: Conjugate models, Prior and Posterior predictive distributions, Posterior summaries and simulation, Objective and subjective priors, Normal approximation, Bernstein Von-mises results Bayesian Hierarchical models, Bayesian regression and logistic regression.

Bayesian Computation: Monte Carlo, Inverse CDF, Rejection Sampling, Importance Sampling, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), The Gibbs sampler, Metropolis Hastings, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo.

Bayesian Approximation: (Topics from) MAP estimation, Laplace approximation, Mixture approximations, Variational Inference.

Decision Theory: Bayes’ rule, Decision trees, Utility theory.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 33 Lectures/practical classes
Guided independent study 33 Post lecture study and reading
Guided independent study 40 Formative and summative coursework preparation and attempting un-assessed problems
Guided independent study 44 Exam revision/preparation

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Un-assessed practical and theoretical exercises 11 hours (1 hour each week) All Verbal, in class and written on script.
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – Restricted Note (1 A4 Sheet (2 sides)
 of typed or handwritten notes
80 2 Hours (Summer) 1-7, 9, 10 Verbal on specific request
Coursework - practical and theoretical exercises 20 15 Hours All Written feedback on script and oral feedback in office hour.
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written Exam* Written exam 1-7, 9, 10 August Ref/Def period
Coursework* Coursework All August Ref/Def period
       

*Please refer to reassessment notes for details on deferral vs. Referral reassessment

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.    
    
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Web based and electronic resources:

 

Other resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Gelman, A., Carlin, J., Stern, H., Dunson, D., Vehtari, A. and Rubin, D. Bayesian data analysis 3rd CRC 2008
Set Lindley, Dennis V. Making Decisions 2nd Edition John Wiley & Sons 1991 9780471908081
Set Sivia, Devinderjit Data Analysis: A Bayesian Tutorial 2nd Edition Oxford University Press 2006 9780198568322
Set DeGroot, M.H. Optimal Statistical Decisions WCL Ed edition Wiley-Blackwell 2004 9780471680291
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 30
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES MTH1004, MTH2006
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 15th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Bayesian; Bayes; Statistics; Data, Big Data; Analysis; Decision theory; Inference; Mathematics; Probability; Data Science; Artificial Intelligence

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.