Description
This course will introduce students to the topics under discussion during the thematic program on Statistical Inference in Big Data, with a mix of background lectures and guest lectures. The goal is to prepare students, postdoctoral fellows, and other interested participants to benefit from upcoming workshops in the thematic program, and to provide a venue for further discussion of keynote presentations after the workshops.
Prerequisites
Basic proficiency in calculus, linear algebra, computer programming, probability, mathematical statistics, and applied statistics (mainly linear regression).
Time & Location
Friday, 13:00 – 16:00; Stewart Library, Fields Institute, 222 College Street, Toronto.
Live Streaming URL
http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/live
Evaluation
Item | Regular Credit [*] | Pass/Fail Option |
Survey-style final “exam” | 25% | 100% |
Short critical essay (5 pages max) | 30% (or 60%) | NA |
Oral presentation [**] | 30% (or 00%) | NA |
Peer review of critical essay | 15% | NA |
[**] Depending on enrollment, this requirement may be eliminated altogether.
Survey-style final “exam”
This exam/survey will primarily “test” whether the student has actively and consistently participated in the course. It is the ONLY requirement for students taking the PASS/FAIL option. It will consist of a number of multiple-choice, true-or-false, and/or short-answer questions. These questions will focus on awareness, appreciation, rather than deep understanding of various topics and ideas that are covered in the course.
Short critical essay
Students taking this course for regular credit will be required to write a short critical essay at the end the term. In principle, the essay can be on any topic covered in the course, but it has to be more than “just” a literature review. Some original insights, opinions, critiques, or research proposals are expected.
Oral presentation
In principle, we would like students taking this course for regular credit to give an oral presentation as well ― an important skill for graduate students to cultivate. Students can often elect (but are not required) to present their critical written work (see above). However, this requirement may be eliminated if enrollment makes it impossible to administer.
Peer review of critical essay
Students taking this course for regular credit also will be required to write a short review of another student’s essay. The rationale here is that peer review plays a big role in the academic community, and it is useful for graduate students to have some experience and practice with doing it.