This document outlines key concepts in linear models and estimation that will be covered in the STA721 Linear Models course, including:
1) Linear regression models decompose observed data into fixed and random components.
2) Maximum likelihood estimation finds parameter values that maximize the likelihood function.
3) Linear restrictions on the mean vector μ define a subspace and equivalent parameterizations represent the same subspace.
4) Inference should be independent of the parameterization or coordinate system used to represent μ.