Statistical Modelling and Inference

Course Content: Statistical methods underpin disciplines which draw inference from data and this includes just about everything: for example, the sciences, humanities, technology, education, engineering, government, industry and medicine. Analysis of the complex problems arising in practice requires an understanding of fundamental statistical principles together with knowledge of how to use suitable modelling techniques. Computing using high-level software is also an essential element of modern statistical practice. This course provides you with these skills by giving an introduction to the principles of statistical inference and linear statistical models using the freely available statistical package R. Topics covered are: point estimates, unbiasedness, mean-squared error, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses, power calculations, derivation of one and two-sample procedures: simple linear regression, regression diagnostics, and prediction: linear models, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, factorial experiments, analysis of covariance models including parallel and separate regressions, and model building; maximum likelihood methods for estimation and testing, and goodness-of-fit tests.