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MATH4341: Spatio-Temporal Statistics

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • Advanced Statistical Modelling (MATH3411) OR Bayesian Computation and Modelling (MATH3421)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce the theory, computation and practice of the statistical analysis of problems involving aspects of space and time.

Content

  • Spatial statistics: introduction to regionalized statistical concepts (variable, stationarity, random functions, variograms); geostatistics, (co-)kriging; spatial models on lattices; aerial data analysis; point pattern data analysis; and computations with INLA.
  • Temporal statistics and time series: components and properties of time series; local and moving-average methods; ARMA models; spectral anlaysis; forecasting and inference; state-space models.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Be able to identify, explain, and theoritise spatial and temporal dependencies in statistical problems.
  • Be able to explain, apply, and generalize appropriate statistical methodology to address spatio-temporal problems.
  • Be able to design, explain, interpret, and extend statistical models appropriate for spatial and/or temporal data sets, as well as make inferences and draw conclusions from the analysis of such models.
  • Have a coherent understanding of the theory, computation and application of the mathematics underlying the introduced statistical models and methods.
  • Be able to use appropriate software to facilitate spatio-temporal statistical analysis.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Students will have specialised statistical skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance: modelling, use of software, analysis of datasets on different domains (space/time).

Key Skills:

  • Students will have advanced skills in the following areas: statistical modelling, problem formulation and solution, critical and analytical thinking.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Computer practicals consolidate the studied material, explore theoretical ideas in practice, enhance practical understanding, and develop practical data analysis skills.
  • Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
  • Formative assessments provide feedback to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills in preparation for the summative assessment.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures422 per week for 21 weeks1 hour42 
Computer practicals8Four in each of terms 1 and 21 hour8 
Preparation and reading150 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination2 hours100 
Component: Practical AssessmentComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Computer-based test2 hours50 
Computer-based test2 hours50 

Formative Assessment

Eight assignments to be submitted.

More information

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