Graduate Course Offerings

utstat.toronto.edu/

The Department of Statistics offers a wide range of courses in theoretical and applied topics in
Statistics, Probability and Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance. Students are advised
that they should discuss their academic background with the instructor before or at the first
meeting of the course. Consult the timetable for the meeting information for each course.

Note: 1000 level courses cannot be taken for credit by graduate students in the
Department of Statistics.

Note: New 4500 level courses are 0.25FCEs and last 6 weeks

2018-2019 Graduate Winter Timetable

STA1001H – Methods of Data Analysis I (also offered as undergraduate

course STA302H1)
Introduction to data analysis with a focus on regression. Initial Examination of data.
Correlation. Simple and multiple regression models using least squares. Inference for
regression parameters, confidence and prediction intervals. Diagnostics and remedial
measures. Interactions and dummy variables. Variable selection. Least squares estimation and
inference for non-linear regression.
Prerequisite: STA248H1/261H1/ECO220Y1(70%)/ ECO227Y1/(STA257H1/(STA250H1,
STA255H1)) or equivalent

STA1002H – Methods of Data Analysis II (also offered as undergraduate

course STA303H1)
Analysis of variance for one-and two-way layouts, logistic regression, loglinear models,
longitudinal data, introduction to time series.
Prerequisite: STA1001H or equivalent

STA1003H – Sample Surveys Theory (also offered as undergraduate course

STA304H1)
Design of surveys, sources of bias, randomized response surveys. Techniques of sampling;
stratification, clustering, unequal probability selection. Sampling inference, estimates of
population mean and variances, ratio estimation., observational data; correlation vs. causation,
missing data, sources of bias.
Exclusion: STA322H1
Prerequisite: ECO220Y1/ECO227Y1/GGR270Y1 /
PSY202H1/SOC300Y1/STA221H1/STA255H1/261H1/248H1
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STA1004H – Elementary Experimental Design (also offered as undergraduate
course STA305H1)
This cross-listed course covers a number of topics used in the design and analysis of
experiments. The course is intended for students of statistics as well as students of other
disciplines (eg. engineering, experimental science, etc.) who will use experimental design and
analysis in their work.

The course will cover the following topics: randomization, blocking Latin squares, balanced
incomplete block designs, factorial experiments, confounding and fractional replication,
components of variance, orthogonal polynomials, response surface methods. Additional topics
will be covered based on students’ interest as time permits.

Prerequisite: STA302H/352Y/ECO327Y/ECO357Y or permission of instructor.

STA1007H – Statistics for Life and Social Scientists (also offered as

undergraduate course STA429H1)
Consult the instructor for further details.

Prerequisite: Consult the instructor concerning necessary background for this course

STA1008H -Applied Statistics

Vocabulary of data analysis, Tests of statistical significance, Principles of research design,
Introduction to unix, Introduction to SAS, Elementary significance tests, Multiple regression,
Factorial ANOVA, Permutation tests, Power and sample size, Random effects models,
Multivariate analysis of variance, Analysis of within-cases designs (repeated measures). If time
permits, Categorical data analysis.

Prerequisite: Any introductory statistics class, taught by any department.

STA2004H Design of Experiments

A second course in design of experiments. Topics include: experiments vs observational
studies, randomization and model-based inference, randomized blocks, Latin squares,
incomplete block designs, factorial and fractional factorial designs, cross-over designs,
confounding and aliasing, response surface designs and Taguchi methods, optimal design,
Bayesian design.

Prerequisite: STA332H or equivalent

STA2005H – Applied Multivariate Analysis (also offered as undergraduate

course STA437H1)
Practical techniques for the analysis of multivariate data; fundamental methods of data
reduction with an introduction to underlying distribution theory; basic estimation and
hypothesis testing for multivariate means and variances; regression coefficients; principal
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components and the partial multiple and canonical cor relations; multivariate analysis of
variance; classification and the linear discriminant function. The use of R software should be
expected.

Prerequisite: STA302H/352Y Recommended Preparation: MAT223H/240H

STA2006H Applied Stochastic Processes (also offered as undergraduate

course STA447H1)
Discrete and continuous time processes with an emphasis on Markov, Gaussian and renewal
processes. Martingales and further limit theorems. A variety of applications taken from some of
the following areas are discussed in the context of stochastic modeling: Information Theory,
Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Analyses of Stochastic Processes, Population Growth Models,
Reliability, Queuing Models, Stochastic Calculus, Simulation (Monte Carlo Methods).

Prerequisite: STA347H or equivalent knowledge of probability theory; and MAT235Y/237Y or

equivalent knowledge of multivariate calculus and basic real analysis.

STA2016H New! Theory & Methods for Complex spatial Data

Data acquisition trends in the environmental, physical and health sciences are increasingly
spatial in character and novel in the sense that modern sophisticated methods are required for
analysis. This course will cover different types of random spatial processes and how to
incorporate them into mixed effects models for Normal and non-Normal data. Students will be
trained in a variety of advanced techniques for analyzing complex spatial data and, upon
completion, will be able to undertake a variety of analyses on spatially dependent data,
understand which methods are appropriate for various research questions, and interpret and
convey results in the light of the original questions posed. (This unit is cross listed as
undergraduate unit STA465H1)

STA2047H Stochastic Calculus

Brownian motion, stochastic integrals, stochastic differential equations, diffusions, Cameron-
Martin-Girsanov formula, diffusion approximations, applications. The course will be
mathematically rigorous and self-contained.

Prerequisite: No explicit prerequisites, but to understand the material, it is necessary to have a

good understanding at the advanced undergraduate level of at least one of the following:
Probability, Real Analysis, Differential Equations, Mathematical Finance.

STA2080H Fundamentals of Statistical Genetics(.5 FCE)(also offered as

undergraduate course STA480H1)
Statistical genetics is an important data science research area with direct impact on population
health, and this course provides an INTRODUCTION to its concepts and fundamentals. We
start with an overview of genetic studies to have a general understanding of its goal and study
design. We then introduce the basic genetic terminologies necessary for the ensuing
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discussion of the various statistical methods used for analyzing genetic data. The specific
topics include population genetics, principles of inheritance, likelihood for pedigree data,
aggregation, heritability and segregation analyses, map and linkage analysis, population-based
and family-based association studies and genome-wide association studies. The flow of the
content generally follows that of the “The Fundamentals of Modern Statistical Genetics” by
Laird and Lange, and additional materials will be provided. Participating students do not need
formal training in genetics, but they are expected to have statistical knowledge at the level of
STA303 – Methods of Data Analysis or equivalent.

STA2101H Methods of Applied Statistics I (also offered as undergraduate

course STA442H1)
Advanced topics in statistics and data analysis with emphasis on applications. Diagnostics and
residuals in linear models, introductions to generalized linear models, graphical methods,
additional topics such as random effects models, split plot designs, analysis of censored data,
introduced as needed in the context of case studies.

Prerequisite: ECO374H1/ECO375H1/STA302H1; STA305H1

STA2102H Computational Techniques in Statistics (also offered as

undergraduate course STA410H1)
This course will study how statistical computations are done, and develop students’ abilities to
write programs for statistical problems that are not handled by standard packages. Students
will learn the capabilities of the R statistical computing environment, and learn to program new
statistical methods in that environment. R will be introduced as part of the course; no prior
knowledge of it is necessary.

Prerequisite: This course is designed for graduate and senior undergraduate students in
statistics, actuarial science, computer science or other fields where statistical computation is
important.

Students should have a basic background in statistical methods (eg. at the level of STA302),
and some prior experience with programming (eg. at the level of CSC108).

STA2104H Statistical Methods for Machine Learning and Data Mining (also
offered as undergraduate course STA414H1)
This course will consider topics in statistics that have played a role in the development of
techniques for data mining and machine learning. We will cover linear methods for regression
and classification, nonparametric regression and classification methods, generalized additive
models, aspects of model inference and model selection, model averaging and tree bassed
methods.

Prerequisite: Either STA302H or CSC411H

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STA2105H Nonparametric methods of inference (also offered as
undergraduate course STA412H1)
Modern methods of nonparametric inference, with special emphasis on bootstrap methods,
and including density estimation, kernel regression, smoothing methods and functional data
analysis.
Prerequisite: STA302H1, STA352Y1

STA2111H Graduate Probability I

STA 2111H is a course designed for Master’s and Ph.D. level students in statistics,
mathematics, and other departments, who are interested in a rigorous, mathematical treatment
of probability theory using measure theory. Specific topics to be covered include: probability
measures, the extension theorem, random variables, distributions, expectations, laws of large
numbers, Markov chains.

Students should have a strong undergraduate background in Real Analysis, including calculus,
sequences and series, elementary set theory, and epsilon-delta proofs. Some previous
exposure to undergraduate-level probability theory is also recommended.

STA2112H Mathematical Statistics I

This course is designed for graduate students in Statistics and Biostatistics.

Review of probability theory, distribution theory for normal samples, convergence of random
variables, statistical models, sufficiency and ancillarity, statistical functionals,influence curves,
maximum likelihood estimation, computational methods.

Prerequisite: Advanced calculus (eg. MAT237) and linear algebra (eg. MAT223, MAT224). A
previous course in probability and/or statistics is highly recommended.

STA2162H Statistical Inference I (also offered as undergraduate course

STA422H1)
Statistical inference is concerned with using the evidence, available from observed data, to
draw inferences about an unknown probability measure. A variety of theoretical approaches
have been developed to address this problem and these can lead to quite different inferences.
A natural question is then concerned with how one determines and validates appropriate
statistical methodology in a given problem. The course considers this larger statistical
question. This involves a discussion of topics such as model specification and checking, the
likelihood function and likelihood inferences, repeated sampling criteria, loss (utility) functions
and optimality, prior specification and checking, Bayesian inferences, principles and axioms,
etc. The overall goal of the course is to leave students with an understanding of the different
approaches to the theory of statistical inference while developing a critical point-of-view.

Necessary background: Mathematics-based course on the theory of statistics (e.g., at the level
of STA352Y).
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STA2201H Methods of Applied Statistics II
The course will focus on generalized linear models (GLM) and related methods, such as
generalized additive model involving nonparametric regression, generalized estimating
equations (GEE) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for longitudinal data. This
course is designed for Master and PhD students in Statistics, and is REQUIRED for the
Applied paper of the PhD Comprehensive Exams in Statistics. We deal with a class of
statistical models that generalizes classical linear models to include many other models that
have been found useful in statistical analysis, especially in biomedical applications. The course
is a mixture of theory and applications and includes computer projects featuring R (S+) or/and
SAS programming.

Topics: Brief review of likelihood theory, fundamental theory of generalized linear models,
iterated weighted least squares, binary data and logistic regression, epidemiological study
designs, counts data and log-linear models, models with constant coefficient of variation,
quasi-likelihood, generalized additive models involving nonparametric smoothing, generalized
estimating equations (GEE) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for longitudinal
data.

Prerequisite: Advanced Calculus, Linear Algebra, STA 347 and STA 422 (upper-division
courses on probability and statistical inference) or equivalent, STA 302 (linear regression),
Statistical Computing using R (S+) or/and SAS (alternative softwares are allowed). However,
please be advised that I may not be familiar with the software of your choice resulting in limited
assistance.

STA2202H Time Series Analysis (also offered as undergraduate course

STA457H1)
An overview of methods and problems in the analysis of time series data. Topics include:
descriptive methods, filtering and adjustment, spectral estimation, bivariate time series
models.

The course will cover the following topics:

Theory of stationary processes, linear processes

Elements of inference in time domain with applications
Spectral representation of stationary processes
Elements of inference in frequency domain with applications
Theory of prediction (forecasting) with applications > ARMA processes, inference and
forecasting
Non-stationarity and seasonality, ARIMA and SARIMA processes

Further topics, time permitting: multivariate models; GARCH models; state-space models

STA2209H Lifetime Data Modeling and Analysis

Students interested in this may wish to take the course, Survival Analysis, offered by the
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Department of Public Sciences, Biostatistics program.

STA2211H Graduate Probability II

STA 2211H is a follow-up course to STA 2111F, designed for Master’s and Ph.D. level
students in statistics, mathematics, and other departments, who are interested in a rigorous,
mathematical treatment of probability theory using measure theory. Specific topics to be
covered include: weak convergence, characteristic functions, central limit theorems, the
Radon-Nykodym Theorem, Lebesgue Decomposition, conditional probability and expectation,
martingales, and Kolmogorov’s Existence Theorem.

STA2212H Mathematical Statistics II

This course is designed for graduate students in Statistics and Biostatistics.

A continuation of STA2112. Topics include: Bayesian methods, minimum variance estimation,

asymptotic efficiency of maximum likelihood estimation, interval estimation and hypothesis
testing, linear and generalized linear models, goodness-of-fit for discrete and continuous data.

Prerequisite: STA2112

STA2453HY Statistical Consulting

This course is designed to provide graduate students with experience in statistical consulting.
Students are active participants in research projects brought to the Statistical Consulting
Service (SCS) of the Department of Statistics.

The course is offered over the two sessions, fall (September-December) and winter (January-
April). The overall workload is approximately equivalent to a half graduate course and students
receive a half credit.

Students are not expected to have had any experience as consultants. The purpose of the
course is to provide this experience so that graduates will be better able to function in such an
environment when they have completed the course. The course also provides students with
the opportunity to become familiar with statistical software packages such as The SAS
System. There is supervision and assistance to novice consultants.

Content: There is some classroom instruction at the start of the term, an d meetings
occasionally are called to discuss special topics and for students to compare experiences.
Students serve as apprentice statisticians and work under the guidance of the instructor and
the SCS Coordinator on individual projects. Projects are assigned to students as they come in
to the SCS. There are periods of inactivity when there are no projects and other times are very
busy. The pattern of work is more like that associated with a business or working environment
than a traditional course. While some consideration is taken of other academic demands on
students, those enrolling must be aware that work on projects may require precedence at
times.

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Evaluation: Students will be graded on the quality of their work as stati stical consultants. This
involves the ability to do work in a timely fashion, the quality of advice provided and the quality
of the presentation of advice and written work to clients.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken some applied sta tistics courses such as an
undergraduate regression course. Also undergraduate courses in applied statistics, sample
survey, design of experiments and time series analysis are recommended but these are not
required. Also taking some of the other 2000 level applied statistics courses is recommended
as this course will serve as an excellent opportunity to put the content of these courses to
work.

STA2500H Loss Models (also offered as undergraduate course ACT451H1)

Parametric distributions and transformations, insurance coverage modifications, limits and
deductibles, models for claim frequency and severity, models for aggregate claims,stop-loss
insurance, risk measures.

Prerequisite: Consult the instructor concerning necessary background for this course

STA2501H Mathematical Risk Theory

Consult the instructor for further details.

Prerequisite: Consult the instructor concerning necessary background for this course

STA2502H Stochastic Methods for Actuarial Science and Finance (also

offered as undergraduate course ACT460H1)
This course is an introduction to the stochastic models used in Finance and Actuarial Science.
Students will be exposed to the basics of stochastic calculus, particularly focusing on
Brownian motions and simple stochastic differential equations. The role that martingales play
in the pricing of derivative instruments will be investigated. Some exotic equity derivative
products will be explored together with stochastic models for interest rates.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of undergraduate probability theory is necessary. Knowledge of basic

financial modeling (e.g., binomial trees and log-normal distributions) is useful, but not
completely necessary.

STA2503H Applied Probability for Mathematical Finance

This course features studies in derivative pricing theory and focuses on financial mathematics
and its applications to various derivative products. A working knowledge of probability theory,
stochastic calculus (see e.g., STA 2502), knowledge of ordinary and partial differential
equations and familiarity with the basic financial instruments is assumed. The tentative topics
covered in this course include, but is not limited to: no-arbitrage and the fundamental theorem
of asset pricing, binomial pricing models; continuous time limits; the Black-Scholes model; the
Greeks and hedging; European, American, Asian, barrier and other path-dependent options;
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short rate models and interest rate derivatives; convertible bonds; stochastic volatility and
jumps; volatility derivatives; foreign exchange and commodity derivatives. Course Website
STA 2503

Prerequisite: Knowledge of undergraduate probability theory is necessary. Knowledge of

basic financial modeling (e.g., binomial trees and log-normal distributions), introductory
stochastic calculus and financial products is useful, but not necessary. This course moves at a
faster pace, is more advanced and contains a higher workload than STA2502, only students
who are well prepared will be allowed to take this course. It is also distinct from STA 2047
which instead focuses on the mathematics of stochastic analysis.

STA2505H Credibility Theory & Simulation Methods (also offered as

undergraduate course ACT466H1)
Limited fluctuation or American credibility, on a full and partial basis. Greatest accuracy or
European credibility, predictive distributions and the Bayesian premium, credibility premiums
including the Buhlmann and Buhlmann-Straub models, empirical Bayes nonparametric and
semi-parametric parameter estimation. Simulation, random numbers, discrete and continuous
random variable generation, discrete event simulation, statistical analysis of simulated data
and validation techniques.

Prerequisite: Consult the instructor concerning necessary background for this course

STA2542H Linear Models

This is an advanced graduate course. The emphasis is on linear mixed models and
generalized mixed models. Inference requires numerical optimization methods Newton-
Raphson and EM algorithms) as well as Monte Carlo sampling methods (importance sampling,
accept-reject, Metropolis-Hastings, Gibbs) and these will be taught in class.

Prerequisite: Strong background in Statistics is required.

STA2555H Information Visualization

In this course we will study techniques and algorithms for creating effective data visualizations
based on principles from graphic design, visual art, perceptual psychology, and cognitive
science.This course is targeted both towards students interested in using visualization in their
own work, as well as students interested in building better visualization tools and systems.

STA2600H NEW! Teaching Statistics

This course provides an introduction to a scholarly approach to teaching statistics in higher
education. Emphasis is placed on the use of statistics education research, effective
communication of fundamental statistical concepts typically encountered in introductory
statistics, alignment of learning outcomes, course activities and assessments, recognition of
common misconceptions and how to address them, and effective integration of educational
and statistical technologies. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
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STA2700H Comput Inference & Graphical Models
This is a reading course primarily meant to sequentially follow a modular course offered in the
Department. Its purpose is to offer further supervised study of an advanced topic covered for
the ambitious student.

STA3000Y Advanced Theory of Statistics “Note that STA3000Y F & S can

ONLY be taken by PhD students in the Department of Statistical Sciences.”
This is the Department’s core graduate course in statistical theory. It covers the basic
principles of statistical inference, their application to a variety of statistical models, and some
generalizations to more complex settings.

Prerequisite: STA2112H and STA2212H or equivalent. (STA2111H and STA2211H may be co-
requisites). Some familiarity with measure theory is very useful. The text includes some
supplementary material on this.

STA3431H Monte Carlo Methods

This course will explore Monte Carlo computer algorithms, which use randomness to perform
difficult high-dimensional computations. Different types of algorithms, theoretical issues, and
practical applications will all be considered. Particular emphasis will be placed on Markov
chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The course will involve a combination of methodological
investigations, mathematical analysis, and computer programming.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of statistical inference and probability theory at the advanced

undergraduate level, and familiarity with basic computer programming techniques.

STA4246H Research Topics in Mathematical Finance

This course focuses on advanced theory and modeling of financial derivatives. The topics
include, but are not limited to: HJM interest rate models, LFM and LSM market models; foreign
exchange options; defaultable bonds; credit default swaps, equity default swaps and
collateralized debt obligations; intensity and structural based models; jump processes and
stochastic volatility; commodity models. As well, students are required to complete a project,
write a report and present a topic of current research interest.
Prerequisite: STA 2503 or equivalent knowledge.

STA4247H Point Processes, noise and stochastic analysis

Introduction to the theory of point processes – Poisson and compound processes, point
provesses with repulsion and attraction. Brownian motion, white noise. Stochastic intergration
and stochastic differential equtions. Prerequisite: Consult the instructor concerning necessary
background for this course

STA4273H S/CSC2547H S: Learning Discrete Latent Structure

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David Duvenaud (this is a full semester course)
Recently, new inference methods have allowed us to train learn generative latent-variable
models. These models let us generate novel images and text, find meaningful latent
representations of data, take advantage of large unlabeled datasets, and even let us do
analogical reasoning automatically. However, most generative models such as GANs and
variational autoencoders currently have pre-specified model structure, and represent data
using fixed-dimensional continuous vectors. This seminar course will develop extensions to
these approaches to learn model structure, and represent data using mixed discrete and
continuous data structures such as lists of vectors, graphs, or even programs. The class will
have a major project component.

Prerequisites:This course is designed to bring students to the current state of the art, so that
ideally, their course projects can make a novel contribution. A previous course in machine
learning such as CSC321, CSC411, CSC412, STA414, or ECE521 is strongly recommended.
However, the only hard requirements are linear algebra, basic multivariate calculus, basics of
working with probability, and basic programming skills. https://duvenaud.github.io/learn-
discrete/

STA4412H Topics in Theoretical Statistics Modular Courses

Description: This course will introduce students to the topics under discussion during the
thematic program on Statistical Inference in Big Data, with a mix of background lectures and
guest lectures. The goal is to prepare students, postdoctoral fellows, and other interested
participants to benefit from upcoming workshops in the thematic program, and to provide a
venue for further discussion of keynote presentations after the workshops.

These courses will be streamed using FieldsLive, and students are welcome to attend online.
Students interested in obtaining credit for these courses need to arrange with their home
department to have them approved as reading or research courses. We will make available
the timetable and requirements for the course by September 2014.

STA4500H Statistical Dependence: Copula Models and Beyond (0.25 FCE)

The course discusses modern developments in modeling statistical dependence. Emphasis
will be placed on copula models, particularly on conditional copula models that can be used in
regression settings. Tentative topics include:
– Random Effects
– Copula Models for Continuous Data
– Dependence measures
– Types of Dependence
– Conditional copulas for Continuous Data
– Copula Models for Discrete/Mixed Data
– Conditional Copula Models for Discrete/Mixed Data
– Vines

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STA4501H Functional Data Analysis and Related Topics (0.25 FCE)
Functional data analysis (FDA) has received substantial attention in recent years, with
applications arising from various disciplines, such as engineering, public health, finance etc. In
general, the FDA approaches focus on nonparametric underlying models that often assume
the data are observed from realizations of stochastic processes with smooth trajectories. This
course will cover general issues in functional data analysis, such as functional principal
component analysis, functional regression models, curve clustering and classification. An
introduction to smoothing methods will also be included at the beginning of class to provide a
basic view of nonparametric regression (kernel and spline types) and serve as the basis of
FDA approaches. The course will involve some computing and data analysis using R or
matlab.

STA4502H Topics in Stochastic Processes (0.25 FCE)

This course will focus on convergence rates and other mathematical properties of Markov
chains on both discrete and general state spaces. Specific methods to be covered will include
coupling, minorization conditions, spectral analysis, and more. Applications will be made to
card shuffling and to MCMC algorithms.

STA4503H Advanced Monte Carlo Methods and Applications (0.25 FCE)

This course will examine how advanced Monte Carlo methods can be applied to problems in
statistical inference. Methods discussed may include use of auxiliary variables, use of
Hamiltonian dynamics for Markov chain Monte Carlo updates, use of tempering or annealing to
handle multimodal distributions and estimate normalizing constants, and ways of exploiting
parallel computation. Practical issues such as verifying that a method has been implemented
correctly, assessing convergence of Markov chain methods, assessing the error in estimates,
and tuning the parameters of methods will also be discussed. Assignments will involve both
the use of available software packages for Monte Carlo estimation and programming of custom
methods for particular statistical problems.

STA4504H An Introduction to Bootstrap Methods (0.25 FCE)

The course gives an introduction to some modern methods of nonparametric inference with
special emphasis on bootstrap methods. Through a series of data analysis problems involving
the bootstrap students are exposed to methods for density estimation, robust and flexible
regression. Many fundamental concepts in mathematical statistics are revisited and viewed
from the lens of bootstrap simulation providing an important experimental perspective. The
course is computationally intensive and requires knowledge of the programming environment
R, or some equivalent language. A dominant theme of the course is the expansion of the
toolbox of the statistical practitioner through the use of computation in technically complex
problems.

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STA4505H Applied Stochastic Control : High Frequency and Algorithmic
Trading (0.25 FCE)
With the availability of high frequency financial data, new areas of research in stochastic
modeling and stochastic control have opened up. This 6 week course will introduce students to
the basic concepts, questions and methods that arise in this domain. We will begin with the
classical market microstructure models, understand different theories of price formation and
price discovery, identify different types of market participants, and then move on to reduced
form models. Next, we will investigate some of the typical algorithmic trading strategies
employed in industry for different asset classes. Finally, we will develop stochastic optimal
control problems for solving optimal liquidation and high frequency market making problems
and demonstrate how to solve those problems using the principles of dynamic programming
leading to Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations. Students will also have a chance to work with
historical limit order book data, develop Monte Carlo simulations and gain a working
knowledge of the models and methods. Tentative topics include:
-Market Microstructure
-Overview of Stochastic Calculus
-Dynamic Programming & HJB
-Dynamics of LOB
-Optimal Liquidation
-Market Making
-Risk Measures

STA4506H Non-stationary Time Series Analysis (0.25 FCE)

The course will cover modeling, estimation and inference of non-stationary time series. In
particular, we will deal with statistical inference of trends, quantile curves, time-varying spectra
and functional linear models related to non-stationary time series. With the recent advances in
various fields, a systematic account of non-stationary time series analysis is needed.

STA4507H Extreme Value Theory and Applications (0.25 FCE)

Modeling the behaviour of extreme values is important in a variety of disciplines, from finance
to environmental science, since catastrophes almost inevitably arise from extreme conditions.
This course will cover both theoretical and applied aspects of extreme value modeling. Some
of the topics to be covered are: extreme value types, point process methodology, the Hill and
other estimators of the tail index, estimating extreme quantiles, multivariate extremes,
estimators of tail dependence.

STA4508H Topics in Likelihood Inference (0.25 FCE)

Inference based on the likelihood function has a prominent role in both theoretical and applied
statistics. This course will introduce some of the more recent developments in likelihood-
based inference, with an emphasis on adaptations developed for models with complex
structure or large numbers of nuisance parameters. Special emphasis will be given to the
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theoretical and applied aspects of composite likelihood, and to the use of quasi-likelihood and
generalized estimating equations. Tentative topics to be covered include: review of likelihood
inference and asymptotic results; adjustments to profile likelihood; misspecified models —
composition likelihood; partially specified models — quasi-likelihood; properties and limitations
of penalized likelihood.

STA4509H Insurance Risk Models 1 (0.25 FCE)

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to advanced insurance risk theory. This
course covers frequent and severity models, aggregate losses and compound distributions,
EM algorithm, Model selection and estimation.

STA4510H Insurance Risk Models 11 (0.25 FCE)

It covers topics in ruin theory including the classical compound Poisson risk model, ruin
probabilities, surplus prior to ruin and deficit at ruin, connection to queuing models, Gerber-
Shiu discounted penalty function, associated integro-differential equation and defective
renewal equation, risk models with dividend barrier and dividend strategies.

STA4511H Statistical Issues in Number Theory (0.25 FCE)

We will provide a broad overview of selected areas in analytic number theory (mainly without
proofs) leading to a variety of problems and questions involving probability and statistics. The
statistical and probabilistic properties of the family of zeta distributions will be discussed in
detail. Known and conjectured results about the distribution of (high) primes will be discussed
with reference to testing poisson-ness, and applications to testing pseudorandom number
generators. The probabilistic heuristic introduced by Cramer (as well as its limitations) will be
explored, using such results as the `zero-one laws’ and law of the iterated logarithm. If there is
time, statistical properties and modeling of the high zeros of the zeta function will be
considered in conjunction with time series and point processes methods.

STA4512H Logical Foundations of Statistical Inference (0.25 FCE)

The general mathematics and logical foundations for statistical inference: geometric, algebraic
and topological symmetries that arise naturally in the solution to the inference problem,
including rigorous comparison of the bayesian and frequentist approaches, and the group
theoretic considerations of invariance (algebraic and logical symmetry), both on the sample
space as well as on the parameter space (and both either implicit or manifest) that must be
taken into account in the analysis. Unusual for the development, but fundamental to the
inherent logic of such considerations, the finite-finite case is given special attention in respect
of both sample space and parameter space.

New! STA4514H Modelling and Analysis of Spatially Correlated Data (.25

FCE)

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This is an advanced course in models and methods for spatial data, with an emphasis on data
which are not normally distributed. The course will cover different types of random spatial
processes and how to incorporate them into mixed effects models for normal and non-Normal
data, with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference used for the two types of data
respectively. Spatial point processes, where dare are random locations rather than
measurements at fixed locations, will be dealt with extensively. Following the course, students
will be able to undertake a variety of analyses on spatially dependent data, understand which
methods are appropriate for various research questions, and interpret and convey results in
the light of the original questions posed.

New! STA4515H Multiple Hypothesis Testing and its Applications (.25 FCE)
A central issue in many current large-scale scientific studies is how to assess statistical
significance while taking into account the inherent multiple hypothesis testing issue. This
graduate course will provide an in-depth understanding of the topic in the context of data
science with a focus on statistical `omics’. We start with an insightful revisit of single
hypothesis testing, the building block of multiple hypothesis testing. We then study the
fundamental elements of multiple hypothesis testing, including the control of family-wise error
rate and false discovery rate. We will also touch upon various more advanced topics such as
data integration, selective inference and fallacy of p-values. The course will provide both
analytical arguments and empirical evidence.

Students are evaluated based on class participation and one final research report on a
suggested or self-selected project related to multiple hypothesis testing.

New! STA4516H Nonstandard Analysis and Applications to Statistics and

Probability (.25 FCE)
Basic concepts in nonstandard analysis, including infinitesimal and infinite numbers, and
descriptions of basic concepts like continuity and integration in terms of these notions.
Advanced topics, including Loeb measure theory. Applications to stochastic processes and
statistics.

New! STA4517H Information Visualization

This course introduces the research area of causal inference in the intersection of statistics,
social science and artificial intelligence. A central theme of this course will be that without a
formal theory of causation, intuition alone can be misleading for drawing causal conclusions.
Topics include: potential outcomes and counterfactuals, measures of treatment effects, causal
graphical models, confounding adjustment, instrumental variables, principal stratification,
mediation and interference. Concepts will be illustrated with applications in a wide range of
subjects, such as computer science, social science and biomedical data science.

New! STA4522H The Measurement of Statistical Evidence

The concept of statistical evidence is central to the field of statistics. In spite of many
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references to “the evidence” in statistical applications, it is fair to say that there is no definition
of this that achieves broad support in the sense of serving as the core of a theory of statistics.
The course will examine the various attempts made to measure evidence in the statistical
literature and why these are not entirely satisfactory. A proposal to base the theory of
statistical inference on a particular measure, the relative belief ratio, is discussed and how this
fits into a general theory of statistical reasoning.

Master’s Research Project Course

A limited number of Supervised Research Project courses, normally taken as half-courses, will
also be made available, based on faculty availability. These courses will provide students with
a first exposure to research-level topics and thinking. Students will normally be required to
write a substantial report about their work, plus perhaps give a brief oral presentation. Projects
may be proposed either by faculty or by students; information about faculty-proposed projects
will be provided in September.

To enroll in such a course, a student must first obtain permission from the supervising faculty
member and from the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies. There is no guarantee that
enrollment can be provided for all interested students. For further details, please consult the
Associate Chair, Graduate Studies.

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