EP 219 - Data Analysis and Interpretation, Autumn 2016-17

Instructor Name Vikram Rentala

Course Type Core for EP students

Course overview

Probability axioms and theorems ;  Probability distributions - Mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, moments, characteristic function, cumulants ; Transformation of variables ; Multivariate probability distribution ; Detailed discussion of Gaussian, Poisson, Binomial and Multinomial, Chi-squared distributions ; Statistical and Systematic errors ; Error propagation ; Error ellipses ; Parameter Inference ; Confidence Intervals ; Hypothesis Testing ;  Likelihoods ;  Goodness of Fit Test ; p-value.

Brief look at other distributions like exponential, gamma, Lorentz/Cauchy/Breit-Wigner, log-normal ; Generalised approach for distributions : n-dimensions ; Likelihoods associated with histograms

Prerequisites

No formal or informal prerequisites.

Credit distribution

2 quizzes (10% each), midsem (25%), endsem (45%), assignment (10%).

Feedback on Lectures

Attendance not compulsory. Classes exclusively on blackboard. Good quality lectures, with a lot of material covered per lecture. Becomes tough to catch up if you lose track.

Feedback on tutorials, assignments and exams

Just one tutorial in the first half of the semester but it was not graded. It proved to be extremely crucial for quiz 1 and midsem.

3 programming assignments were to be done in groups of 4. Roles of web manager, coder, report writer and group leader switch between the 4 every week. Assignments are a bit time consuming, getting used to LATEX for the report takes a bit of time, coding to be done in Python and results to be uploaded on a website, typically made on google sites or wordpress.

Relevant References

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for Physicists- Bohm and Zech

Pro-tips

Get used to LATEX. Don't bunk lectures. Read Bohm and Zech.

Respondent Harikrishnan K.P

Note: This is a review to help you make a more informed choice about how to study for this course and/or choosing this course. While we've tried to keep it objective and complete, one must keep in mind that students have varying interests, methods of study, and the course itself changes from year to year.