Bayesian Statistics: Techniques and Models

Coursera Bayesian Statistics: Techniques and Models

Platform
Coursera
Provider
University of California, Santa Cruz
Length
5 weeks
Language
English
Credentials
Paid Certificate Available
Course Link
Overview
This is the second of a two-course sequence introducing the fundamentals of Bayesian statistics. It builds on the course Bayesian Statistics: From Concept to Data Analysis, which introduces Bayesian methods through use of simple conjugate models. Real-world data often require more sophisticated models to reach realistic conclusions. This course aims to expand our “Bayesian toolbox” with more general models, and computational techniques to fit them. In particular, we will introduce Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, which allow sampling from posterior distributions that have no analytical solution. We will use the open-source, freely available software R (some experience is assumed, e.g., completing the previous course in R) and JAGS (no experience required). We will learn how to construct, fit, assess, and compare Bayesian statistical models to answer scientific questions involving continuous, binary, and count data. This course combines lecture videos, computer demonstrations, readings, exercises, and discussion boards to create an active learning experience. The lectures provide some of the basic mathematical development, explanations of the statistical modeling process, and a few basic modeling techniques commonly used by statisticians. Computer demonstrations provide concrete, practical walkthroughs. Completion of this course will give you access to a wide range of Bayesian analytical tools, customizable to your data.

Syllabus
WEEK 1
Statistical modeling and Monte Carlo estimation

Statistical modeling, Bayesian modeling, Monte Carlo estimation

WEEK 2
Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

Metropolis-Hastings, Gibbs sampling, assessing convergence

WEEK 3
Common statistical models

Linear regression, ANOVA, logistic regression, multiple factor ANOVA

WEEK 4
Count data and hierarchical modeling

Poisson regression, hierarchical modeling

WEEK 5
Capstone project

Peer-reviewed data analysis project

Taught by
Matthew Heiner
Author
Coursera
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