An introduction to the Bayesian approach to statistical inference, its theoretical foundations and comparison to classical methods. Topics include parameter estimation, testing, prediction and computational methods (Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation). Emphasis on concepts, methods and data analysis. Extensive use of the R programming language and examples from the social, biological and physical sciences to illustrate concepts.

Prerequisites: PSTAT 126 with a minimum grade of C.

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
These majors only finms actsc stsds stsap stats
FRANKS A
Alexander Franks
4.8
6 reviews
PHELP1445
W
14:00 PM - 14:50 PM
27 / 27 Full

NH 1109
W
15:00 PM - 15:50 PM
27 / 27 Full

ILP 3314
W
16:00 PM - 16:50 PM
28 / 27 Full

ILP 4211
W
18:00 PM - 18:50 PM
24 / 25

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Fall 2025 . Franks A
LSB 1001
M W
12:30 PM - 13:45 PM
Spring 2024 . Wainwright B
HSSB 1174
M W
12:30 PM - 13:45 PM
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PSTAT 115 Franks A Winter 2024 Total: 96
PSTAT 115 Franks A Winter 2023 Total: 70
6
4.8
PSTAT115 . Franks A 3 Months Ago

(For PSTAT 100) Professor Franks is very open-minded and approachable, with concise and detailed lectures to boot. He always explained concepts in a simple and engaging manner, with the course content being more application-based with no exams. But he's not always the most punctual, and lab assignments did feel all too frequent and dense at times.

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 1 Year, 3 Months Ago

Fantastic Professor. PSTAT 115 is certainly difficult, but the homework and tests are all do-able and he actually applies the concepts to interesting data (like baseball, basketball, and lord of the rings). You will actually enjoy his class.

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 2 Years Ago

Professor Franks was by far the most engaging and inspirational professor I've had. Although his homework assignments were challenging, working through them further interested me in the topics of the class. He was very personable and approachable while making lectures fascinating using real-world examples.

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 4 Years Ago

Professor Franks is probably the best in the statistics department. He's a great explainer and clearly passionate about the subject. The homeworks are extremely hard and you probably won't finish them if you wait until the last day to start. The tests however are pretty fair and much easier than homeworks.

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 4 Years Ago

A king among kings. Franks' knowledge of Bayesian statistics is unending and enchanting. Fun (albeit difficult) homework assignments, fair tests and grading criteria, and a generally pleasant experience. If he's teaching a course, you should be in it.

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 5 Years Ago

I'm not sure why Professor Franks doesn't have a page on here. But I made one just to say that he is probably the single best stats professor I've ever had at UCSB. Although his class was a bit challenging, he really made an effort to make it fair and interesting. He is funny, knowledgable, and overall a very engaging professor. 10/10!

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