Fundamental numerical methods used by statisticians; programming concepts;
efficient use of software available for statisticians; simulation studies.
Prerequisites: Departmental consent.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to:
Manage Data: Import, export, and manipulate data in R.
Graph Data: Generate graphical representations of data in R.
Use Algorithms: Understand and perform computational algorithms for root-finding, integration, optimization, and parameter estimation.
Conduct Simulation Studies: Evaluate statistical methods using simulation studies.
Write Software: Program statistical method in R and a low-level language.
Communicate Results: Write technical documents and presentations in LaTeX and HTML.
Collaborate Using Version Control: Manage files and collaborate using the Git version control system.
Use Linux: Use Linux as a platform for statistical software development and analysis.
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.
RStudio should not be used and vi should be used for text editing.
Homework will typically be due at the start of lecture on the assigned day.
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 2 midterm exams 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
30%
Project
10%
Midterm 1
20%
Midterm 2
20%
Final
20%
Class attendance, participation, citizenship, and improvement over the course
may be used in determining final grades in extreme situations.
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.