STAT 548 - 2010/2011

Choosing a Paper

• Students must choose 5 papers (approximately one per month) and submit timely reports.
• The selection of papers begins in the second week of classes in September.
• Students are expected to complete at least 2 papers in the first term and 3 in the second term.
• Students must complete this course in their first two terms in the program. For instance, if a student begins the program in January, he/she must complete the course the next Fall.
• Grades will be submitted in each term.
• Papers are chosen sequentially. For example, paper 2 cannot be chosen before the report on paper 1 has been submitted.
• Papers are chosen on a "first come first serve" basis.
• Students should refrain from choosing two papers on the same topic.
• To choose a paper, a student makes an appointment with the corresponding faculty member (e.g. use email). During this appointment the professor's expectations regarding the report are discussed and clarified.
• Students should tell the professor what papers they worked on before, in the first meeting concerning the possible choice of a paper.
• Students may request additional appointments with the professor (typically one or two additional meetings) to discuss progress and clarify outstanding issues.
• Students are expected to work independently and refrain from seeking help from other students and/or professors.

Grades

• Each report will receive a percentage grade. The grade will depend on the professor assessment of the degree to which the report met his/her expectations.
• Students can ask the Graduate Secretary for a copy of the Faculty Assessment of their submitted reports.
• Some important skills/abilities to be assessed in this course are
  • Mathematics / Statistics theory: fill in math/stat details if relevant
    - avoid incorrect math derivations
    - strive for completeness (convince faculty member of your understanding of the details)

  • Writing: consider proper use of notation, referencing, etc.
    - always define a symbol before using it, or just after using it
    - use different notation for different objects (e.g. do not use the same f for different densities)
    - use consistent notation
    - use proper logic/organization when writing proofs/derivations
    - avoid LaTeX/TeX errors (greater familiarity with LaTex/Tex will be expected throughout the year)

  • Computing: computer implementation, if relevant. Code should be well-documented, efficient, easy to modify, easy for someone else to use.

  • Innovation/initiative: taking ideas on new directions and discussing additional comparisons beyond paper
    - suggest possible novel developments
    - identify critical limitations of the method and suggest possible ways to overcome them
    - find errors and correct them

  • Sensible approach to data and modelling

Students are encouraged to take a close look at the different sections of the "Faculty Assessment Form".

Ph.D. Qualifying

• If the student obtains an A average (83%) in this course and performs satisfactorily in their other course work, he/she will be considered to have qualified. The next major step in his/her Ph.D. program will be the comprehensive exam.