Statistical Learning
Classes
Wednesday 15 January - Wednesday 26 March 2025, 7.30pm-9pm
10 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
This short course introduces you to the techniques of statistical learning and to the mathematical and statistical basis of a variety of classification, regression and cluster analysis methods.
You will also gain computational experience in applying the relevant methods using a high-level programming language such as R.
We will explore some of the following:
- Linear regression and locally weighted linear regression
- Generalised linear models for binary and multi-class classification
- Discriminant analysis
- Support vector machines
- Neural networks
- Cross validation
- Classification and regression trees
- Cluster analysis
The methods covered on this short course are widely used for predicting outcomes of interest. Our students have applied statistical learning methods for predicting sports match results, stock and portfolio returns, customer conversion rates and health care resource utilisation. Other applications have included medical diagnosis, image recognition and machine translation. Anyone who is interested in these applications, or any other applications involving predictions, can benefit from this course.
Assessment is via coursework (20%) and a final examination (80%).
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
This short course is taught at postgraduate level. To fully engage with the class, you should have previous knowledge of generalised linear models. You will also need to have proficiency in R and you should already have knowledge of:
- multiple linear regression
- logistic regression
- Gaussian discriminant analysis
- the Newton-Raphson algorithm.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.