Ecological and Environmental Sampling

Brief Description:

This course covers sampling methods and analyses used to study of the density and abundance of animals and plants, and other important biological variables.

Instructor(s):
Level: introductory/intermediate

Who Should Take This Course:

Environmental scientists, ecologists and other field scientists working with population and density data. Statisticians and biometricians called upon to work on environmental studies, who are not already familiar with the wide variety of specific sampling methods used to estimate populations and densities.

Dates:
February 24, 2012 to March 23, 2012
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Registration:
Please read the syllabus tab, noting the prerequisites, text and software requirements.

Register Online -$499
Register Online -$399 (you must be affiliated with a college, university or high school)

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Ecological and Environmental Sampling

Aim of Course:

This course covers sampling methods and analyses used to study of the density and abundance of animals and plants, and other important biological variables. It starts with classic random sampling methods and their extensions (systematic sampling, stratified sampling and more), and goes on to cover methods (such as adaptive sampling, mark recapture, line transects, and more) that have particular applicability to estimating population sizes. The theoretical basis behind methods is discussed, but the emphasis of the course is on understanding how to use methods effectively rather than the derivation of the equations used.

Prerequisite(s):
The equivalent of Introduction to Statistics 1: Inference for a Single Variable, and Introduction to Statistics 2: Working with Bivariate Data (and, if necessary before these courses, Introduction to Statistics for Beginners or Survey of Statistics for Beginners).
Course Program:

SESSION 1: Standard Survey Sampling Methods

• Simple random sampling for the estimation of population means, totals and proportions
• Stratified sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Ratio estimation, regression estimation, and double sampling to adjust for visibility bias
• Unequal probability sampling

SESSION 2: Adaptive Sampling

• Thompson's adaptive cluster sampling
• Francis' two phase adaptive stratified sampling
• Two phase adaptive stratified sampling of several animal or plant species at the same time in several geographical locations

SESSION 3: Some Specialized Methods for Estimating Population Sizes

• Line transect sampling
• The removal method
• The change in ratio method
• Distance sampling and the T-square method

SESSION 4: Mark-Recapture Methods

• Classical closed population methods including the Peterson-Lincoln index and the Otis et al. models
• Recent advances in the analysis of data from closed populations
• The Jolly-Seber method and related approaches
• Analyses for data on the recovery of dead animals
• The use of radio-tagged animals
• The flexible modeling procedures introduced by Lebreton et al
• Recent advances in the analysis of data from open populations

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:

"Introduction to Ecological Sampling and Analysis" by Bryan Manly. This book is in the pre-publication process, and will be provided to course participants in electronic form.

Software:

The instructor will provide acces to two mark-recapture programs for student use.  Excel will also be used.

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Yes, I want to register for:

Ecological and Environmental Sampling

Instructor(s):
Dates:
February 24, 2012 to March 23, 2012
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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