Only one application needs to be completed for all courses desired during the quarter.

Deadline:

01/19/2027

Format:
In-person
Term Offered:
Winter

Overview

This course provides an introduction to Bayesian statistics, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling, and Gaussian Processes. The first two units cover the fundamentals of Bayesian methods and MCMC, and the final optional unit explores Gaussian processes. Students will gain practical skills in applying these techniques to real-world problems using R, STAN, and JAGS.

Course Details

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the foundational principles of Bayesian statistics.
  • Apply Bayesian methods to parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.
  • Implement MCMC algorithms for complex Bayesian models using STAN and JAGS.
  • Apply Gaussian processes for regression and classification problems using R.

Basic knowledge of probability and statistics (BIOSTAT 200 and BIOSTAT 208 equivalent). Programming skills in R (DATASCI/BIOSTAT 213 and DATASCI/BIOSTAT 214 equivalent). Some familiarity with calculus and linear algebra (especially for the extra Gaussian processes unit).

Weekly lectures with demonstration and hands-on exercises.

All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

None

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 2-unit course is $2,100; the fee for the 3-unit course is $2,500

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 2-unit course is $3,200; the fee for the 3-unit course is $3,800

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the foundational principles of Bayesian statistics.
  • Apply Bayesian methods to parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.
  • Implement MCMC algorithms for complex Bayesian models using STAN and JAGS.
  • Apply Gaussian processes for regression and classification problems using R.

Basic knowledge of probability and statistics (BIOSTAT 200 and BIOSTAT 208 equivalent). Programming skills in R (DATASCI/BIOSTAT 213 and DATASCI/BIOSTAT 214 equivalent). Some familiarity with calculus and linear algebra (especially for the extra Gaussian processes unit).

Weekly lectures with demonstration and hands-on exercises.

All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

None

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 2-unit course is $2,100; the fee for the 3-unit course is $2,500

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee for the 2-unit course is $3,200; the fee for the 3-unit course is $3,800

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

Meet the Faculty

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Professional headshot of John Kornak
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John Kornak, PhD

Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

How to Enroll

Whether you're exploring the field, enhancing your skills, or working toward a larger academic goal, most individual courses are open to everyone. Current learners enrolled in DEB Education programs have priority in enrollment for this course. Any extra spaces are available to non-DEB Education learners (i.e., those from the Institute for Global Health Sciences, School of Nursing, external groups, etc).

You’ll find details on course fees, how to apply and pay, and the full course schedule on the Course Enrollment & Payment page. Be sure you understand the enrollment policies and payment process before completing the enrollment form.

And remember: you only need to submit one form for all the new courses you want to take.

Course Enrollment & Payment Instructions