STAT 840Computational Inference

Units: 0.50
Level: Graduate
Faculty: Mathematics
Subject: Statistics
Cross-listed: CM 761

When it runs

Ran in 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 1 lecture section. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Introduction to and application of computational methods in statistical inference. Monte Carlo evaluation of statistical procedures, exploration of the likelihood function through graphical and optimization techniques. Topics include expectation-maximization, bootstrapping, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and other computationally intensive methods.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- CM461
- STAT440

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	5564	0 / 25	TTh 11:30–12:50

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

7 posts and comments in 6 threads mention STAT 840, February 2015 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Sep 26, 2024 Course selection: should I take STAT 441/841 and 444/844 in the same term? 3 points, 5 comments

u/Not_So_Deleted: “… I'm also looking at STAT 440/840 and STAT 442/842, but for what I'm doing, the statistical learning courses make most sense to take.”

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Winter 2021

Apr 24, 2021 Would anyone share their experiences with CS486/686, STAT440/840, or STAT444/844? 3 points, 4 comments

u/BEWARETHEAVERAGEMAN: “All of them appear to be useful courses on statistical learning, and all are being offered this spring term.”

u/stoutcholera867: “STAT440/840: I had Martin Lysy (it seems it's either him or Ryan teaching that course) and this was one of the most rewarding yet time-consuming courses I ever had. …”

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Apr 13, 2021 STAT 840 & 844. 1 point, 2 comments

u/enkidugh: “Hey anyone took STAT 840 and 844 with profs Brown and Ramezan resp? Feedback on the course and the instructors? What's the theory and implementation ratio in homework?”

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Winter 2020

Jan 13, 2020 Based on a true story 397 points, 16 comments

[deleted]: “Man I'm taking a crosslisted undergrad course this term (STAT444/844) bc I heard it was a easy course to take to be able to say I do ML on my resume and I'm still like this.”

u/snake_32p: “Similar vibes from STAT 440/840”

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Fall 2019

Dec 25, 2019 What courses are you taking next term? 7 points, 40 comments

u/boolgogi: “STAT840, 854, 932, 935. RIP me :)”

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Winter 2015

Feb 20, 2015 Which courses use R? 6 points, 17 comments

“I'm nearly done my course requirements for my masters, so I am looking for classes to audit. I really want to learn R, so I am wondering if the Stats department offers an intro to data analysis with …”

u/MiddleSheep: “STAT 440/STAT 840 uses a lot of R to code simulations and stuff. Might be worth taking a look at.”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Graduate Calendar, Fall 2026The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them

Calendar versions

Graduate Calendar

Older Graduate Calendars

In 42 terms, Fall 2006 to Winter 2024