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Introduction to Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling

Learn Bayesian hierarchical modelling with R, JAGS & Stan. A 24 hour on-demand course ideal for scientists and analysts working with complex structured data.

  • Duration: 24 Hours
  • Format: Recorded ‘on-demand’ Format

£350Registration Fee

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from 200+ reviews

Course Description

This 24 hour course will cover introductory hierarchical modelling for real-world data sets from a Bayesian perspective. These methods lie at the forefront of statistics research and are a vital tool in the scientist’s toolbox. The course focuses on introducing concepts and demonstrating good practice in hierarchical models. All methods are demonstrated with data sets which participants can run themselves. Participants will be taught how to fit hierarchical models using the Bayesian modelling software Jags and Stan through the R software interface. The course covers the full gamut from simple regression models through to full generalised multivariate hierarchical structures. A Bayesian approach is taken throughout, meaning that participants can include all available information in their models and estimates all unknown quantities with uncertainty. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets for discussion with the course tutors.

What You’ll Learn

During the course will cover the following:

  • Hierarchical regression models
  • Hierarchical models for non-Gaussian data
  • Hierarchical models vs mixed effects models
  • Multivariate and multi-layer hierarchical models
  • Advanced hierarchical models
  • Shrinkage and variable selection
  • Hierarchical models and partial pooling

Course Format

Flexible Learning Structure

Learn through a carefully structured mix of lecture recordings and guided exercises that you can pause, revisit, and complete at your own pace—ideal for busy professionals or those balancing multiple commitments.

Access Anytime, Anywhere

All course content is available on-demand, making it accessible across all time zones without the need to attend live sessions or adjust your schedule.

Independent Exploration with Support

Engage deeply with course topics through self-directed study, with the option to reach out to instructors via email for clarification or deeper discussion.

Comprehensive Learning Resources

Gain full access to the same high-quality materials provided in live sessions, including code, datasets, and presentation slides—all available to download and keep. Please note recordings can only be streamed.

Work With Your Own Data, On Your Terms

Apply what you learn directly to your own data projects as you go, allowing for a personalized and immediately practical learning experience.

Continued Guidance and Resource Access

Receive 30 days of post-enrolment email support and unrestricted access to all session recordings during that time, so you can review and reinforce your learning as needed.

Who Should Attend / Intended Audiences

This course is designed for anyone interested in using R for data science or statistical analysis. R is a widely adopted tool across academic research, as well as in the public and private sectors, valued for its flexibility and robust statistical capabilities. Participants should have a basic understanding of regression methods and generalised linear models, along with prior experience using R. Specifically, they should be comfortable importing and exporting data, manipulating data frames, fitting basic statistical models, and generating simple exploratory and diagnostic plots.

Equipment and Software requirements

A laptop or desktop computer with a functioning installation of R and RStudio is required. Both R and RStudio are free, open-source programs compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

While not essential, using a large monitor—or ideally a dual-monitor setup—can significantly enhance your learning experience by allowing you to view course materials and work in R simultaneously.

All necessary R packages will be introduced and installed during the workshop.

Download R Download RStudio Download Zoom

Prof. Andrew Parnell

Prof. Andrew Parnell

Andrew is a statistician and professor working at the intersection of statistics, machine learning, and real-world scientific applications. His research focuses on developing and applying statistical methods for large, structured datasets, with applications spanning climate science, 3D printing, bioinformatics, and more. He works with a wide array of techniques, including Bayesian hierarchical models, time series analysis, and modern machine learning tools.

Andrew holds the Hamilton Professorship of Statistics at the Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University. He has co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Science, Nature Communications, and PNAS, as well as in leading statistical journals including Statistics and Computing, The Annals of Applied Statistics, JCGS, and JRSS Series C. He has extensive experience teaching Bayesian statistics, statistical learning, and applied modelling across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

 

Education & Career
• Hamilton Professor of Statistics, Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University
• PhD in Statistics (Bayesian Methods for Complex Data)
• Internationally published researcher with over 90 peer-reviewed papers
• Active collaborator with interdisciplinary teams in science and engineering

 

Research Focus
Andrew’s work is centred on statistical methodology and its integration with machine learning for complex, structured data. He is particularly interested in how Bayesian inference and scalable modelling techniques can enhance data-driven research in the natural sciences, engineering, and public policy.

 

Current Projects
• Hierarchical Bayesian models for environmental and ecological datasets
• Machine learning methods for analysing high-dimensional, structured data
• Time series modelling for dynamic systems in science and industry
• Statistical approaches to reproducible, transparent modelling practices

 

Professional Consultancy
Andrew collaborates widely across disciplines, providing expert statistical advice on model development, uncertainty quantification, and data analysis pipelines. His applied consulting includes climate modelling, bioinformatics, additive manufacturing, and data-driven public health initiatives.

 

Teaching & Skills
• Instructor in Bayesian statistics, time series modelling, and machine learning
• Strong advocate for reproducibility, open-source tools, and accessible education
• Skilled in R, Stan, JAGS, and statistical computing for large datasets
• Experienced mentor and workshop leader at all academic levels

 

Links
ResearchGate
Google Scholar
ORCID
LinkedIn
GitHub

Session 1 – 03:00:00 – Simple hierarchical regression models

Session 2 – 03:00:00 – Hierarchical models for non-Gaussian data

Session 3 – 02:00:00 – Practical: Fitting hierarchical models

Session 4 – 03:00:00 – Hierarchical models vs mixed effects models

Session 5 – 03:00:00 – Multivariate and multi-layer hierarchical models

Session 6 – 02:00:00 – Practical: Advanced examples of hierarchical models

Session 9 – 03:00:00 – Shrinkage and variable selection

Session 9 – 03:00:00 – Hierarchical models and partial pooling

Session 9 – 02:00:00 – Practical: Shrinkage modelling

Testimonials

PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.

Rolando O. Santos

PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University

Courses attended

SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07

Testimonials

PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.

Rolando O. Santos

PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University

Courses attended

SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07

Testimonials

PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.

Rolando O. Santos

PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University

Courses attended

SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.

When will I receive instructions on how to join?

You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.

Do I need administrator rights on my computer?

Yes — administrator access is recommended, as you may need to install software during the course. If you don’t have admin rights, please contact us before the course begins and we’ll provide a list of software to install manually.

I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?

Yes. All participants will receive access to the recordings for 30 days after the course ends.

I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?

Absolutely. You’re welcome to join the live sessions you can and use the recordings for those you miss. We do encourage attending live if possible, as it gives you the chance to ask questions and interact with the instructor. You’re also welcome to send questions by email after the sessions.

I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?

We aim to upload recordings on the same day, but occasionally they may be available the following day.

I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?

You can email the instructor with any questions. For more complex topics, we’re happy to arrange a short Zoom call at a time that works for both of you.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. All participants receive a digital certificate of attendance, which includes the course title, number of hours, course dates, and the instructor’s name.

When will I receive instructions on how to join?

You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.

Do I need administrator rights on my computer?

Yes — administrator access is recommended, as you may need to install software during the course. If you don’t have admin rights, please contact us before the course begins and we’ll provide a list of software to install manually.

I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?

Yes. All participants will receive access to the recordings for 30 days after the course ends.

I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?

Absolutely. You’re welcome to join the live sessions you can and use the recordings for those you miss. We do encourage attending live if possible, as it gives you the chance to ask questions and interact with the instructor. You’re also welcome to send questions by email after the sessions.

I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?

We aim to upload recordings on the same day, but occasionally they may be available the following day.

I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?

You can email the instructor with any questions. For more complex topics, we’re happy to arrange a short Zoom call at a time that works for both of you.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. All participants receive a digital certificate of attendance, which includes the course title, number of hours, course dates, and the instructor’s name.

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IBHMPR RECORDED
IBHMPR RECORDED
£ 350.00
Unlimited
£350.00
23rd May 2036 - 25th May 2036
Recorded, United Kingdom
Neptune