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Fundamentals of the Bayesian inference, including the likelihood principle, the discrete version of Bayes theorem, prior and posterior distributions, Bayesian point and interval estimations, and predictions. Bayesian computational methods such as Laplacian approximations and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation.

Prerequisites: PSTAT 207A or PSTAT 220A (may be taken concurrently).

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
FRANKS A
Alexander Franks
4.6
8 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors
Winter 2026 . Franks A
ILP 3211
M W
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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PSTAT 215A Franks A Winter 2025 Total: 16
PSTAT 215A Franks A Winter 2024 Total: 13
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8
4.6
PSTAT115 . Franks A 3 Months Ago

PSTAT 115 is a tough course, but Professor Franks doesn't make it any easier. His tests are difficult and long (the final did in fact take up the 3hrs) and his lectures are all over the place. Also, he's extremely vague when talking about topics that will appear on the exams, saying, "it might be on there."

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PSTAT115 . Franks A 3 Months Ago

Absolutely GOAT in the PSTAT department! Prof Franks is very nice, and he explains things very well in detail. As long as you attend class and do homework, easy A

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PSTAT115 . Franks A 1 Year, 5 Days 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 2 Years 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 3 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 5 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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See all 8 reviews
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