Environmental Statistics

Brief Description:

This course will introduce you to the statistical methods used in environmental analysis. Many of these methods would be covered in a standard course on statistics, but some of the topics that are covered here would not be included in such a course.

Instructor(s):
Level: Intermediate

Who Should Take This Course:

Environmental scientists and managers.

Dates:
October 12, 2012 to November 09, 2012October 11, 2013 to November 08, 2013
environmental Click here to be reminded of future sessions of this course.

Registration:
Please read the syllabus tab, noting the prerequisites, text and software requirements.

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Environmental Statistics

Aim of Course:

This course will introduce you to the statistical methods used in environmental analysis. Many of these methods would be covered in a standard course on statistics, but some of the topics that are covered here would not be included in such a course. For example, the tests of bioequivalence are adapted for use in assessing land reclamation, the use of CUSUM charts in environmental monitoring is illustrated, and censored data is reviewed from the perspective of (for example) testing for contamination.

Prerequisite(s):
A wide variety of standard statistical techniques are illustrated, and the pace of the course assumes familiarity with standard statistical methods (as above). Participants would be able to learn and explore in some depth one or two of the techniques presented in the course, but some prior knowledge of most of them is assumed.
Course Program:

SESSION 1: Background and Sampling

• Examples illustrating the role of statistics in environmental science.
• Optional review of basic statistical concepts for those who need it.
• Environmental sampling strategies and the analysis of the data obtained: random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic sampling, ratio estimation, double sampling, choosing sample sizes, the Data Quality Objectives (DQO) process

SESSION 2: Environmental Data Analysis

• Models for data: standard statistical distributions, the linear regression model, analysis of variance, generalized linear models for non-normal data
• Statistical inference: different types of study (observational and experimental), quasi-experiments, design-based and model-based inference, tests of significance and confidence intervals, computer-intensive methods, avoiding pseudoreplication, multiple testing procedures, meta analysis, Bayesian methods
• Using analysis of variance with environmental monitoring data

SESSION 3: Monitoring and Impact Assessment

• Using control charts and CUSUM charts with monitoring data
• Designs and analyses for impact assessment: BACI designs, impact-control designs, before-after designs, impact gradient designs, possible inferences. Assessing site reclamation: problems with usual tests of significance, testing for bioequivalence
• Introduction to time series analysis: components of time series, serial correlation, test for randomness, detection of change points and trend, more complicated time series models.

SESSION 4: Spatial and Censored Data, and Monte Carlo Risk Assessment

• Spatial data analysis: types of spatial data, analysis of count data, randomness in where points are located, the Mantel randomization test for spatial correlation, the geostatistical methods (variograms and kriging), correlation between variables in space
• Censored data: estimation of the population mean and variance from a single sample, estimation of quantiles, comparing the means of two or more samples, regression
• Principles of Monte Carlo risk assessment
• Using Resampling Stats for Excel for risk assessment.

Organization of the Course:

This course takes place over the internet, at statistics.com for 4 weeks. During each course week, you participate at times of your own choosing - there are no set times when you must be online. Course participants will be given access to a private discussion board. In class discussions led by the instructor, you can post questions, seek clarification, and interact with your fellow students and the instructor.

The course typically requires 15 hours per week. At the beginning of each week, you receive the relevant material, in addition to answers to exercises from the previous session. During the week, you are expected to go over the course materials, work through exercises, and submit answers. Discussion among participants is encouraged. The instructor will provide answers and comments, and you will receive individual feedback on your homework answers.

Credit:
Students come to The Institute for a variety of reasons:

1. You may be interested only in learning the material presented, and not be concerned with grades or a record of completion.
2. You may be enrolled in PASS (Program in Advanced Statistical Studies) that requires demonstration of proficiency in the subject, in which case your work will be assessed for a grade.
3. You may require a "Record of Course Completion," along with professional development credit in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEU's).

As you begin the class, you will be asked to specify your category.

This course offers continuing education units (CEU's). For those successfully completing the course (generally this means marks of 50% or better on the homework), 5.0 CEU's and a record of course completion will be issued by Statistics.com, upon request.

Course Text:

The required text is Statistics for Environmental Science and Management, Second Edition by Bryan Manly (2009 by Chapman and Hall/CRC). This text can be purchased directly from CRC Press using this form. CRC typically offers a 25% discount by individuals enrolled in this course who use the above form. PLEASE ORDER YOUR COPY IN TIME FOR THE COURSE STARTING DATE.

Software:

You will get the most out of this course if you have access to a full-featured professional package for doing general statistics. Click here for a list of software packages that offer free or nominal cost versions that may be used in statistics.com courses.

Register Now

Yes, I want to register for:

Environmental Statistics

Instructor(s):
Dates:
October 12, 2012 to November 09, 2012October 11, 2013 to November 08, 2013
Course Fee: $499
Academic Discounted Rate: $399

Before registering, please read the syllabus tab, noting the prerequisites, text and software requirements. When you click the register button, you will be taken to our secure transaction page.

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