F25/W26 Course Selection: Topic Course Descriptions
As course selection has opened for both the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 semester, the topics that will be covered in STAT*4060/STAT*6920 and STAT*4150 are now available!
Winter 2026 - STAT*4060 & STAT*6920 (Nonparametric Function Estimation)
This course, led by Dr. Elif Acar, examines the principles and techniques of nonparametric function estimation—a key area in modern statistical inference. In contrast to parametric methods that impose a specific form for the underlying model, nonparametric approaches provide greater flexibility by allowing the data to determine the model structure.
Topics in the course include classical methods such as kernel smoothing, local polynomial regression, spline smoothing, and wavelet estimation. The course will also provide a selective overview of contemporary developments, such as applications in high-dimensional data analysis, ensemble approaches, and connections to machine learning. Emphasis will be placed on both theoretical aspects and practical implementation of the methods, with applications from a variety of scientific fields.
The first part of the course will be instructor-led to establish foundational concepts. Subsequently, the course will transition to a seminar format with student-led readings and presentations. Through this structure, students will gain experience in reading technical literature, presenting complex material clearly, and participating in critical scholarly discussion.
Students are expected to have strong programming skills in R, along with a solid understanding of statistical theory and inference. Graduate students will be assigned additional responsibilities. Please contact Dr. Elif Acar (eacar@uoguelph.ca) directly for any inquiries.
Prerequistes: STAT*3110 and STAT*3240
Winter 2026 - STAT*4150 (Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials)
This course will be taught by Dr. Gary Umphrey.
This course focuses on the experimental design and statistical analysis of clinical trials. Topics will include: ethical and other challenges in conducting a clinical trial; clinical trial protocols; randomization schemes; measuring treatment effects; Analysis of Covariance and stratified analysis; crossover designs; regression analysis of survival data; proportional hazards modelling; Cox regression analysis; sequential designs; adaptive sample size designs; longitudinal data analysis; missing data; multiplicity and controlling Type I error rate.
Information on Textbooks:
- Statistical Design, Monitoring, and Analysis of Clinical Trials: Principles and Methods, 2nd edition, by Weichung Joe Shih and Joseph Aisner. CRC Press/Chapman & Hall, 2022.
- Statistical Thinking in Clinical Studies, by Michael A. Proshan and Julian Barreiro-Gomez. CRC Press/Chapman & Hall, 2022.
- Note: Both textbooks are available online to registered students for no charge through the University of Guelph Library
Prerequisites: STAT*3110 and STAT*3240. For the Winter 2026 semester, STAT*3110 may be taken as a co-requisite with permission of the instructor. Please contact Dr. Gary Umphrey (umphrey@uoguelph.ca) directly for any inquiries.
Please note our other topics courses that are cross-listed:
- Fall 2025 - MATH*4150 and NANO*4700 (Concepts in Quantum Computing) - Dr. David Kribs
- Winter 2026 - STAT*4050 and STAT*6802 (Linear Models & Extensions) - Dr. Khurram Nadeem