Bayesian Statistics

25-26 BAYST

Engels

Description

This course provides an introduction to Bayesian methods with an emphasis on the intuitive ideas and applications. The course treats the basic concepts of the Bayesian approach, such as the prior and posterior distribution and their summary measures (mean, median, credible interval, etc), the posterior predictive distribution. In addition, Bayesian methods for model selection and model evaluation will be treated. The Bayesian approach will also be compared, both conceptually as well as practically, with the classical frequentist approach. Sampling algorithms such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques are introduced and exemplified with a variety of practical applications.

The Bayesian approach is illustrated with examples using primarily medical examples such as in clinical trials, epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, diagnostic testing, agreement studies, etc. JAGS will be used as Bayesian software. This software is called from R using the package R2jags.

Course format

In the first two and halve days of the course the Bayesian concepts will be explained and illustrated. Theory and exercises will then be mixed depending on the topic. The final two and halve days will be devoted to the use of the Bayesian approach in particular application areas and have largely a practical flavor. For the last afternoon we plan a group assignment to be completed at the teaching site.

Objectives

- Understanding the Bayesian concepts, able to read literature that make use of the Bayesian approach.
- Be able to write a JAGS program for some basic statistical models making use of the R2jags package

Target Audience

Anyone interested in an alternative approach to analyze data from experimental or observational research. It is strongly recommended that the participant has a good knowledge in classical statistics, including regression models. Experience with R is also recommended.

Type of course

This is an on campus course. Interactive lectures, Quiz questions, practical exercises

Schedule

29/01/2026: from 10 am until 5 pm
30/01/2026: from 10 am until 5 pm
02/02/2026: from 10 am until 5 pm
03/02/2026: from 10 am until 5 pm

Venue

Faculty of Science, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent,

Course material

Access to slides

Fees

The participation fee is 1560 EUR for participants from the private sector. Reduced prices apply to students and staff from non-profit, social profit, and government organizations.

Industry, private sector, profession*: € 1560
Non profit, government, higher education staff, (Doctoral) students, unemployed: € 600

*If two or more employees from the same company enrol simultaneously for this course a reduction of 20% on the course fee is taken into account starting from the second enrolment.

Registration

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UGent PhD students

Doctoral School pays for your course on the condition that you sign the attendance list for each lesson. If you are absent, please notify our academy in advance by email and provide the necessary documents.

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