ST447 Half Unit
Data Analysis and Statistical Methods
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Qiwei Yao
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Data Science and MSc in Operations Research & Analytics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course is NOT available on the following programmes: MSc in Statistics, MSc in Statistics (Research), MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics), MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research), MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics), MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research) or LSE-Fudan Double Master's in Financial Statistics and Chinese Economy.
Pre-requisites
Basic knowledge in calculus and linear algebra, as well as a course in probability and statistics equivalent to ST102.
Students who have no previous experience in R are strongly encouraged to take on an online pre-sessional R course from the Digital Skill Lab (https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=7022).
Course content
This course covers most frequently used statistical methods for data analysis. In addition to the standard inference methods such as parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, linear models and logistic regression, it also covers Monte Carlo methods, bootstrap, EM-algorithm, permutation tests, regression based on local fittting, causal inference and false discovery rates. The software R constitutes an integral part of the course, providing hands-on experience of data analysis.
Teaching
This course will be delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across in Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching may be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and flipped-lectures delivered as short online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 5 exercises in the MT.
The bi-weekly exercises enable students to learn about the different methods of statistics and data analysis. They also provide students the opportunities to implement statistical methods in R.
Indicative reading
All of Statistics, by Larry Wasserman, Springer.
Data Analysis and Graphics using R: an Example-based Appoach, by John Maindonald an John Braun, Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Exam (85%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Project (15%) in the MT.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Statistics
Total students 2019/20: 32
Average class size 2019/20: 16
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
