https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/X_432631In this course the student learns how to estimate the parameters of a mathematical model that describes the measurements. The statistical theory is illustrated by simulations of parametric models, and practised by solving inverse problems. The goal of the course is to provide insight into the theory of parameter estimation and to develop a critical attitude towards its application and interpretation in order to avoid inconsistent and improper use of the theory.Case studies are taken from medical and biological sciences, in particular describing the dynamics of molecular systems with the help of time-resolved spectroscopy and brain imaging kinetics. Linear and non-linear regression analysis are treated, as well as confidence intervals and significance testing. Topics are Occam's razor, the maximum likelihood principle, linear and non-linear models with single or multiple responses, experimental design, orthogonal polynomials, separable nonlinear least squares, and the Singular Value Decomposition.Lecture and exercises with RStudio.Report of the practical exam (100%).A syllabus will be provided by the lecturer.mBMTP, mPhysics and Astronomy, mComputationalScienceStatistics, linear algebra and calculus on BSc level.