Crest

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Home | About the school | Contact | Courses | Research | Personnel list

Courses in
Mathematics
and Statistics

Level 1 Modules

Level 2 Modules

Level 3 Modules

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules


Honours
timetable

2011/2012 Sem. 1

2011/2012 Sem. 2

2012/2013 Sem. 1 & Sem. 2

2013/2014 Sem. 1 & Sem. 2


MT5753 STATISTICAL MODELLING


Compulsory module for M. Res. Environmental Biology and M. Res. in Environmental Biology Conversion for Mathematical, Physical and Molecular Sciences Postgraduate Taught Programmes.

Aims

This course teaches linear and generalized linear models using a data-based approach. A case-study is used throughout the course and each chapter begins with research questions which are addressed using the methods contained inside.

Objectives

By the end of the course students are expected to be able to use generalized linear models to help understand research questions, to understand the assumptions of the methods and to be able to interpret and criticise analysis results.

Syllabus

The following methods/issues are covered:
  • Parameter Estimation using Maximum Likelihood
  • Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing
  • Multiple linear regression & Generalized Least Squares models
  • Generalized Linear Models for Binomial and Poisson data
  • Overdispersion

This course aims to teach good statistical modelling practice in addition to model details, and so exploratory data analysis, model specification & fitting and model assessment issues are covered for each data type.

Textbooks

An R and S-PLUS Companion to Applied Regression by John Fox (2002)

Extending the linear model with R: generalized linear, mixed effects, and nonparametric regression models by Julian Faraway (2006): Chapman and Hall/CRC Press

Course materials and software

Course notes with gaps will be provided. All examples in the course notes will be performed using R and SAS software and all code required in the course (and practicals) will be provided, so no previous experience with these software packages is assumed.

Assessment

Two hour examination: 50% Continuous assessment: 50%

Prerequisites

At least one MT4000 level module

Availability

Every year in semester 1 at 2 (4 weeks: time provisional)

Lecturers

Dr M L MacKenzie, Ms L Scott-Hayward

Click here for access to past examination papers via iSaint.

Click here to see the University Course Catalogue entry.

Revised: PMH (September 2012)


Found a problem with the site? Click here and let us know.