Programming languages, statistical software, and computing environments;
Development of programming skills using modern methodologies; Data extraction and
code management; Interfacing lower-level languages with data analysis software.
Methodology topics include optimization, simulation and Monte Carlo integration,
Markov-chain Monte Carlo, permutation tests, and bootstrapping.
Prerequisite: STAT 612 and STAT 648.
Textbooks
The following are the required textbooks (only one of which is not free):
Computational Statistics, by Geof H. Given and Jennifer A. Hoeting. ISBN: 0471461245. This book is available at the MSC Bookstore, but may be cheaper from Amazon.
Course grades will be based on exams (10% midterm, 25% final), several projects (totaling 55%), and participation (10%). See the Course Calendar & Materials for dates as they become available.
Makeup exams are given for a University Approved Absence. Late projects are only accepted in very extraordinary circumstances. Waiting to the last hour and then experiencing a computer problem is not grounds to accept late homework.
Unless others specified, projects must be submitted individually and reflect your own effort. You are encouraged to interact with other students, but under no circumstances should a student give or accept even partially complete solutions.
Academic Integrity Statement
The Aggie Honor Code states, "An
Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do." You are
encouraged to collaborate with your colleagues on the homework and projects.
You may receive assistance from and provide assistance to other students in the
class, but you may not receive or distribute complete or partial solutions.
Everything you submit must be your own work and reflect your own understanding
of the material. Individuals who have cheated or facilitated cheating may fail
the course.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination
statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with
disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students
with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for a
reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a
disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Office of Support
Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Koldus Student
Services Building. The phone number is 845-1637.
Statement on Plagiarism
The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By "handouts," I mean all
materials generated for this class, which include but are not limited to
syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, materials posted on
the web, review sheets, and additional problem sets. Because these materials
are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy the handouts, unless I
expressly grant permission. As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing
off as one's own ideas, words, writing, etc., which belong to another. In
accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the
work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the
permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for
the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research
cannot be safely communicated. If you have any questions regarding plagiarism,
please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules,
under the section "Scholastic Dishonesty."