2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

OMAT5203M Statistical Learning

15 Credits Class Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Seppo Virtanen
Email: s.virtanen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Mar to 30 Apr, 1 Mar to 30 Apr (2mth)(adv yr) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

N/A

Pre-requisites

OMAT5101M Statistical Methods

Module replaces

N/A

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Statistical learning is at the core of the modern world. Online advertising, automated vehicles, stock market trading, transport planning all use statistical models to learn from past data and make decisions about the future. Statistical learning is a way to rigorously identify patterns in data and to make quantitative predictions. It is how we translate data into knowledge.

Objectives

This introduces key concepts and techniques in statistical learning which are relevant to a number of practical applications. These techniques include statistical machine learning for classification and regression.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Explain the classification and regression problem;
2. Assess the error of a fitted model and explain the fitting algorithm;
3. Understand the statistical foundations of different classification and regression methods;
4. Understand the importance of uncertainty and evaluate the uncertainty in simple model predictions; and
5. Perform classification and regression tasks using real-world data.

Skills outcomes

Skills developed in this module include:

- Self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations.
- Interpreting data and making decisions based on that interpretation.- Communicating the outcome of data analysis.

Syllabus

Indicative content for this module includes:

- Introduction to classification and regression
- Statistical decision theory, loss functions
- Optimisation, gradient descent, local & global optima
- Regression methods
- Tree models
- Ensemble methods e.g. Boosting, Random forests

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
On-line Learning 1 1.5 1.5
On-line Learning 5 1 5
Discussion forum 6 2 12
Independent online learning hours 42
Private study hours 89.5
Total Contact hours 18.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Online Assessment MCQ test and short answer questions 20
Assignment Project Report 80
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Students will resit by completing the Assignment (which covers all learning outcomes) at the next running of the module.

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 3/7/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team