Back to Bayesian Statistics: Techniques and Models
University of California, Santa Cruz

Bayesian Statistics: Techniques and Models

This is the second of a two-course sequence introducing the fundamentals of Bayesian statistics. It builds on the course Bayesian Statistics: From Concept to Data Analysis, which introduces Bayesian methods through use of simple conjugate models. Real-world data often require more sophisticated models to reach realistic conclusions. This course aims to expand our “Bayesian toolbox” with more general models, and computational techniques to fit them. In particular, we will introduce Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, which allow sampling from posterior distributions that have no analytical solution. We will use the open-source, freely available software R (some experience is assumed, e.g., completing the previous course in R) and JAGS (no experience required). We will learn how to construct, fit, assess, and compare Bayesian statistical models to answer scientific questions involving continuous, binary, and count data. This course combines lecture videos, computer demonstrations, readings, exercises, and discussion boards to create an active learning experience. The lectures provide some of the basic mathematical development, explanations of the statistical modeling process, and a few basic modeling techniques commonly used by statisticians. Computer demonstrations provide concrete, practical walkthroughs. Completion of this course will give you access to a wide range of Bayesian analytical tools, customizable to your data.

Status: Bayesian Statistics
Status: Statistical Methods
IntermediateCourse30 hours

Featured reviews

RC

5.0Reviewed May 10, 2020

Great course. The instructor provided detailed code examples and clear explanations for model intuitions. The final capstone project is a plus.

ML

5.0Reviewed Dec 1, 2024

Very good instructor, knowledgeable and thorough, touching the right level of details with big picture in mind, and providing practical guide for hands-on Bayesian data analysis.

KD

5.0Reviewed Jan 9, 2020

Excellent teacher and very well taught. Right amount of theory and programming combination. Made the subject easy to learn. Enjoyed it very much. Thank you very much.

CW

5.0Reviewed Nov 2, 2020

I really enjoy taking this course. I have taken Bayesian course before so this is more like a systematic review for me and I still learned a lot!

IK

5.0Reviewed Aug 27, 2024

This course seems to cover its material clearly, and the material is explained clearly. The quiz/homeworks help to reinforce the lectures.

CB

5.0Reviewed Feb 15, 2021

The course was really interesting and the codes were easy to follow. Although I did take the previous course for this series, I still found it hard to grasp the concepts immediately.

MV

5.0Reviewed Jun 19, 2018

Brilliant course! Very well organized and with useful study cases.Suggestion: It would be nice to have the same examples in Python using, e.g. Stan or PyMC.

MS

5.0Reviewed Aug 20, 2020

Excellent course for introducing yourself to Monte Carlo Methods applied to Bayesian statistics. Highly recommended!

RR

5.0Reviewed Sep 1, 2020

One of the best practical math courses present in coursera. Loved the course and will surely look upto the next course eagerly.

SK

5.0Reviewed Nov 17, 2019

One of the best designed courses. The material and videos are very precise and informative. The quiz questions and assignment are very enjoyable. Thank you !

EK

5.0Reviewed Dec 14, 2020

A thorough and comprehensive overview of applied Bayesian modelling which will give you the confidence to start applying Bayesian tools in your own work.

EG

4.0Reviewed Jan 21, 2021

Very comprehensive and challenging course. The explanations/rationale could be done better In the statistical programming parts.

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