The primary goal of the course is to systematically learn about the many issues in model fitting and comparison, from the basics of parameter estimation and computer techniques for function minimization, to sophisticated issues of model selection and comparison.
Our main route through the material will be the textbook, Morgan, B. J. T. (2000). Applied Stochastic Modelling. New York: Oxford University Press. We will frequently take side roads in the form of specific articles that provide alternative perspectives or more information on specialized topics.
Because this is a seminar course with a relatively small enrollment, the exact topics and timing will be very responsive to the interests and comprehension of the students (and the instructor!).