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There are 7 modules in this course
This course describes Bayesian statistics, in which one's inferences about parameters or hypotheses are updated as evidence accumulates. You will learn to use Bayes’ rule to transform prior probabilities into posterior probabilities, and be introduced to the underlying theory and perspective of the Bayesian paradigm. The course will apply Bayesian methods to several practical problems, to show end-to-end Bayesian analyses that move from framing the question to building models to eliciting prior probabilities to implementing in R (free statistical software) the final posterior distribution. Additionally, the course will introduce credible regions, Bayesian comparisons of means and proportions, Bayesian regression and inference using multiple models, and discussion of Bayesian prediction.
We assume learners in this course have background knowledge equivalent to what is covered in the earlier three courses in this specialization: "Introduction to Probability and Data," "Inferential Statistics," and "Linear Regression and Modeling."
This short module introduces basics about Coursera specializations and courses in general, this specialization: Statistics with R, and this course: Bayesian Statistics. Please take several minutes read this information. Thanks for joining us in this course!
What's included
1 video5 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
Introduction to Statistics with R•2 minutes
5 readings•Total 37 minutes
About Statistics with R Specialization•10 minutes
About Bayesian Statistics•10 minutes
Pre-requisite Knowledge•10 minutes
Special Thanks•2 minutes
Report a problem with the course•5 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduce Yourself•10 minutes
The Basics of Bayesian Statistics
Module 2•6 hours to complete
Module details
<p>Welcome! Over the next several weeks, we will together explore Bayesian statistics. <p>In this module, we will work with conditional probabilities, which is the probability of event B given event A. Conditional probabilities are very important in medical decisions. By the end of the week, you will be able to solve problems using Bayes' rule, and update prior probabilities.</p><p>Please use the learning objectives and practice quiz to help you learn about Bayes' Rule, and apply what you have learned in the lab and on the quiz.
What's included
9 videos4 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 41 minutes
The Basics of Bayesian Statistics•2 minutes
Conditional Probabilities and Bayes' Rule•2 minutes
Bayes' Rule and Diagnostic Testing•7 minutes
Bayes Updating•3 minutes
Bayesian vs. frequentist definitions of probability•4 minutes
Inference for a Proportion: Frequentist Approach•4 minutes
Inference for a Proportion: Bayesian Approach•8 minutes
In this week, we will discuss the continuous version of Bayes' rule and show you how to use it in a conjugate family, and discuss credible intervals. By the end of this week, you will be able to understand and define the concepts of prior, likelihood, and posterior probability and identify how they relate to one another.
In this module, we will discuss Bayesian decision making, hypothesis testing, and Bayesian testing. By the end of this week, you will be able to make optimal decisions based on Bayesian statistics and compare multiple hypotheses using Bayes Factors.
What's included
14 videos3 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
14 videos•Total 75 minutes
Decision making•1 minute
Losses and decision making•3 minutes
Working with loss functions•7 minutes
Minimizing expected loss for hypothesis testing•5 minutes
Posterior probabilities of hypotheses and Bayes factors•6 minutes
The Normal-Gamma Conjugate Family•6 minutes
Inference via Monte Carlo Sampling•4 minutes
Predictive Distributions and Prior Choice•5 minutes
Reference Priors•7 minutes
Mixtures of Conjugate Priors and MCMC•6 minutes
Hypothesis Testing: Normal Mean with Known Variance•8 minutes
Comparing Two Paired Means Using Bayes' Factors•6 minutes
Comparing Two Independent Means: Hypothesis Testing•4 minutes
Comparing Two Independent Means: What to Report?•5 minutes
This week, we will look at Bayesian linear regressions and model averaging, which allows you to make inferences and predictions using several models. By the end of this week, you will be able to implement Bayesian model averaging, interpret Bayesian multiple linear regression and understand its relationship to the frequentist linear regression approach.
This week consists of interviews with statisticians on how they use Bayesian statistics in their work, as well as the final project in the course.
What's included
3 videos1 reading
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 23 minutes
Bayesian inference: a talk with Jim Berger•9 minutes
Bayesian methods and big data: a talk with David Dunson•9 minutes
Bayesian methods in biostatistics and public health: a talk with Amy Herring•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
About this module•10 minutes
Data Analysis Project
Module 7•4 hours to complete
Module details
In this module you will use the data set provided to complete and report on a data analysis question. Please read the background information, review the report template (downloaded from the link in Lesson Project Information), and then complete the peer review assignment.
What's included
2 readings1 peer review
Show info about module content
2 readings•Total 190 minutes
Project information•180 minutes
Share your learning experience•10 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Data Analysis Project•60 minutes
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AA
4·
Reviewed on Aug 24, 2017
An interesting and challenging course, would be better with more real examples and explanation as some of the material felt rushed
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5·
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2017
The course is compact that I've learnt a lot of new concepts in a week of coursework. A good sampler of topics related to Bayesian Statistics.
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SC
4·
Reviewed on Jan 29, 2018
The instructors have great expertise, but this course is pretty difficult for a Bayesian newbie. Additional study guides would be helpful (especially week 4).
We assume you have knowledge equivalent to the prior courses in this specialization.
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.