Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - STAT 851 G100

Generalized Linear Models and Discrete Data Analysis (4)

Class Number: 4621

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    STAT 830 and STAT 850 or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The theory and application of statistical methodology for analyzing non-normal responses. Special emphasis on contingency tables, logistic regression, and log-linear models. Other topics can include mixed-effects models and models for overdispersed data.

COURSE DETAILS:


Course Outline:

1. Analysis of contingency tables
2. Generalized linear models (GLMs)
      a. The exponential family      
      b. Link functions
      c. Relationship to linear models
      d. Iterated reweighted least-squares estimation
3. Models for overdispersed data
      a. Quasi-likelihood
      b. Introduction to estimating functions
4. Linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models
5. Models for multinomial data
      a. Log-linear models
      b. Ordinal responses

Grading

  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm 40%
  • Final Project 20%

NOTES:

Above grading is subject to change.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Categorical Data Analysis, Alan Agresti, 3rd ed., Wiley
ISBN: 978-0470463635

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.