**Apologies for cross posting**
Course: Introduction to graphical models and Bayesian networks for
social scientists
8-9 June 2009
Roger Bannister Lecture Theatre, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College,
London
This 1.5 day course has two components. Day 1 covers the basics of
graphical models, also known as causal diagrams, focusing on directed
acyclic graphs. Day 2 is a half-day introduction to Bayesian networks
and expert systems with Hugin software which used graphical models to
inform decision making processes.
The lecturers are Dr Sara Geneletti of the Imperial College department
of Epidemiology and Public Health and the BIAS II project funded by the
National Centre for Research Methods, and Dr Gianluca Baio of University
College London department of Epidemiology and Public Health.
Day 1: Diagrams are often used to express belief about the relationships
between variables in complex problems. By formulating such diagrams as
graphical models and in particular directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) it is
possible to formalise these diagrams and use them for statistical and
causal inference. Also, by representing complex problems using DAGs it
is possible to build a bridge between researchers in different fields.
Day 2: We cover the basics of Bayesian inference, with specific
reference to social sciences and its relationships and possible
applications with the technology of Probabilistic Expert Systems
(Bayesian Networks). The main general issues are discussed in a tutorial
form with worked examples in Hugin, one of the main computer softwares
used in the field.
This course is aimed at introducing graphical modelling concepts to
social scientists with a basic understanding of statistical methods
(e.g. hypothesis testing, regression).
Tentative schedule:
Day 1:
10:30-11:00 Registration + Coffee
11:00-12:30 Lecture: Basic definitions
12:30-13:15 Lunch
13:15-14:45 Lecture: Drawing DAGs
14:45-15:00 Coffee break
15:00-16:15 Lecture: Confounding and other bias
16:15-17:00 Lecture: Overview of software and discussion
Day 2:
9.30-10.30 Lecture: Introduction to Bayesian inference and the
use of Probabilistic Expert Systems
10.30-11.00 Coffee Break
11.00-12.00 Exercise/Tutorial with examples in Hugin
12.00-12.30 Conclusions/Discussion
*) Booking and course fees:
* £25 per day for postgraduate students registered at UK academic
institutions
* £50 per day for staff at UK academic institutions, ESRC funded
researchers
and registered charity organisations
* £195 per day for all other participants
This includes the course materials, refreshment and lunch.
*) In order to book a place for the course, you should contact Sara
Geneletti ([log in to unmask]).
REGISTER: email Sara Geneletti: [log in to unmask]
How to get to the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=526841&y=181421&z=106&sv=526841,181421&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=860&ax=526841&ay=181421&lm=0
By Car
St Mary's is situated outside of the congestion charge zone but please
note that there are no College parking spaces available.
By Underground/Rail
Paddington tube stations (Bakerloo, District, Circle and
Hammersmith/City line) are two minutes walk from St Marys Campus
Paddington Railway Station is also a two minute walk away.
By Bus
Buses 7, 15, 23, 27 and 36 stop directly outside St Mary's campus.
