Syllabus for STAT 624: Statistical Computation

Dr. Robert Richardson
Brigham Young University
Fall 2024

Class Webpage:

https://richardson.byu.edu/624/

Instructor

Robert Richardson

E-mail: richardson@stat.byu.edu
Office Phone: 801-422-3736
Office Hours: Mondays 1 to 2 and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 2186 WVB

Teaching Assistant

Katelyn Nelson

E-mail: knelso38@byu.edu
Office hours: TBD

or, by appointment.

Calendar

See webpage

Course Description

This course delves into the application of numerical methods and simulation studies to address complex mathematical and statistical problems. Students will explore how to effectively design, implement, and analyze simulation studies, utilize numerical methods to solve statistical challenges, and communicate findings through professional documentation and presentations. Emphasis is placed on algorithm development and evaluation, ensuring students can critically assess and refine computational approaches.

Learning Outcomes

Design and Analyze Simulation Studies: Develop and implement simulation studies to answer research questions and assess statistical methods.
Apply Numerical Methods: Utilize numerical techniques for solving mathematical and statistical problems, including root-finding, integration, optimization, and parameter estimation.
Communicate Results Effectively: Create professional documents and presentations that clearly convey statistical analyses and findings, using tools like LaTeX and HTML.
Develop and Evaluate Algorithms: Write, assess, and refine algorithms to solve computational problems, with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.
Collaborate and Manage Projects: Understand best practices in coding that will allow for reproducible projects and collaborative success.

Textbooks

Introduction to Scientific Programming and Simulation Using R, Second Edition, by Jones, Maillardet, & Robinson; ISBN-13: 978-1466569997

Computational Mathematics An introduction to Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing with Python

The Linux Command Line, by William E. Shotts, Jr.; Version 16.07.

The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX2ε, by Oetiker, Partl, Hyna, & Schlegl; Version 5.05.

C Programming, Wikibooks.

The GNU C Programming Tutorial, by Mark Burgess & Ron Hale-Evans; Edition 4.1.

Git for Submitting Graded Work

Will be discussed in class.

Homework

Statistical computing is best learned by doing. As such, homework is designed to challenge students and to stretch their understanding of readings and lecture. To help accomplish the learning outcomes, all homework must be done using the graduate student server hilbert.byu.edu. Other interfaces such as RStudio or Spyder can be used but all work should be confirmed works on the servers. Instructions on submitting homework will be given later. Late homework is only accepted at the discretion of Dr. Richardson and is subject to a penalty.

As much as possible, homeworks will be due Wednesday nights at midnight.

Project

One project will be assigned for 624. It will test basic understanding of key concepts involved in the class. An exact project description will be available by the end of September.

Exams

There will be 1 midterm exam and a final exam. Exams are designed to assess a student's mastery of concepts, skills, and connections between lecture, readings, and homework. Details on the dates and times will be given later.

Grading

Homework	35%
Project	10%
Midterm 1	25%
Final	30%

Class attendance, participation, citizenship, and improvement over the course may be used in determining final grades in extreme situations.

ChatGPT Usage Statement

Purpose and Scope
This policy aims to outline the responsible and ethical use of ChatGPT and other comparable AI tools in this class. While AI tools can significantly aid academic endeavors, it's essential to use them in a manner that preserves academic integrity. Please note that this policy is specific to this class; other instructors or courses might have different standards or guidelines.
Acceptable Uses of ChatGPT and Similar AI Tools
- Idea Generation: Students can use ChatGPT for brainstorming class-related tasks such as projects, assignments, papers, blog posts, etc.
- Enhancing Written Work: For refining pre-written content to ensure clarity, coherence, and readability.
- Outline Creation: To draft structures or outlines for academic materials.
- Concept Clarification: As an additional resource for understanding difficult concepts.
- Data Analysis Insights: For guidance on data analysis techniques or statistical methodologies.
- Peer Review Assistance: To gain preliminary insights for potential improvements before peer review.
Coding-Specific Uses:
- Syntax and Error Debugging: For guidance on rectifying syntax or runtime errors.
- Code Optimization: To refine and optimize existing code.
- Algorithm Understanding: To grasp the nuances of particular algorithms or data structures.
- Coding Best Practices: For insights on specific coding practices and naming conventions.
- Code Snippet Generation: To generate concise code or pseudocode segments.
- Library and API Usage: For understanding and best practices related to libraries or APIs.
- Learning New Concepts: As a resource for understanding new programming languages or tools.
- Code Documentation and Comments: To draft clear documentation or comments for code.
- Exploring Solutions: As a brainstorming tool for problem-solving.
Prohibited Uses of ChatGPT and Similar AI Tools
- Direct Submission: Students must not submit any content directly from ChatGPT as their own.
- Plagiarism: Any representation of AI-generated content as original work is considered plagiarism and is strictly forbidden as per BYU's plagiarism policy.
- Over-reliance: AI tools should complement, not replace, independent thought, analysis, and research.
Guidelines for Use
- Editing and Verification: Students must edit and verify any content sourced from AI tools for accuracy and relevance.
- Citation: Influences from AI tools on significant portions of work should be appropriately cited.
- Verify Suggestions: Ensure that AI tool suggestions are accurate, safe, and suitable for your purpose.
- Independence from AI: While ChatGPT is a valuable assistant, students must fully comprehend any code or information they use.
- Security and Safety: Exercise caution and understanding with any advice or suggestions provided by AI, especially those related to security and safety measures.
Sanctions for Misuse
Misuse of ChatGPT or similar AI tools in violation of this policy will result in penalties as per BYU's academic integrity policy, potentially including grade deductions, course failure, or other disciplinary actions.
Review and Updates
This policy will undergo periodic reviews to reflect advancements in AI and course requirements. Revisions will consider feedback from both students and faculty.

Honor Code

In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university's expectation, and every instructor's expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 1-801-422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.

Sexual Misconduct

As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the university prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment --- including sexual violence --- committed by or against students, university employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by the university. University policy requires any university employee in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report incidents of sexual misconduct that come to their attention through various forms including face-to-face conversation, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. If you encounter sexual misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or 1-801-422-2130 or Ethics Point at https://titleix.byu.edu/report or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours). Additional information about Title IX and resources available to you can be found at http://titleix.byu.edu.

Student Disability

Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC), 2170 WSC or 1-801-422-2767. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. The UAC can also assess students for learning, attention, and emotional concerns. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the UAC. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 1-801-422-5895, D-285 ASB.