DATA5711: Intensive March, 2021

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Units DATA5711 Intensive March 2021 [Block mode]

Unit outline_

DATA5711: Bayesian Computational Statistics

Intensive March, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote

Overview

Increased computing power has meant that many Bayesian methods can now be easily implemented and provide solutions to problems that have previously been intractable. Bayesian methods allow researchers to incorporate prior knowledge into their statistical models. This unit is made up of three distinct modules, each focusing on a different niche in the application of Bayesian statistical methods to complex data in, for example, geophysics, ecology and hydrology. These include (but are not restricted to) Bayesian methods and models; statistical inversion; approximate Bayesian inference for semiparametric regression. Across all modules you will develop expertise in Bayesian computational statistics. On completion of this unit you will be able to apply appropriate Bayesian methods to a variety of applications in science, and other data-heavy disciplines to develop a better understanding of the information inherent in complex datasets.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Familiarity with probability theory at 4000 level (e.g., STAT4211 or STAT4214 or equivalent) and with statistical modelling (e.g., STAT4027 or equivalent). Please consult with the coordinator for further information.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sally Cripps, sally.cripps@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assignment 1 Programming & exercises for statistical inference MCMC (IS, HMC, SMC & ABC)	20%	Week 03	12 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Programming and written exercises for Bayesian optimisation	20%	Week 05	12 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 Programming & written exercises for model selection and spatial temporal re	20%	Week 06	12 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group Report Technical report about a case study with real data.	25%	Week 07	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Presentation which explains and shows the technique used in the final proje	15%	Week 07	30 mins
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

3 x Take-home examinations

1 x Group report solving a problem using real data

1 x Group presentation on problem

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Statistical inference (Frequentist and Bayesian perspective, Formulation of priors) and probability theory	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	Simulation based methods (IS, MCMC, HMC)	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	Simulation based methods (SMC, ABC, PT)	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Bayesian optimisation and variational inference	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	Dimension reduction (Shrinkage, variable selection, feature extraction)	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	Model selection and model averaging	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Spatial temporal regression	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of key concepts in computational statistics.
LO2. Apply fundamental principles and results in statistics to solve given problems.
LO3. Distinguish and compare the properties of different types of statistical models and statistical methods applicable to them.
LO4. Identify assumptions required for various statistical methods to be valid and devise methods for testing these assumptions.
LO5. Devise statistical solutions to complex problems.
LO6. Adapt various computational techniques to build software for solving particular statistical problems.
LO7. Communicate coherent statistical arguments appropriately to student and expert audiences, both orally and through written work.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

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