Ecological and Environmental Sampling

Ecological and Environmental Sampling

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

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

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Overview

This course covers sampling methods and analyses used to study 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, and line transects that have particular applicability to estimating population sizes. The theoretical basis behind methods is discussed, but the emphasis is on understanding how to use methods effectively rather than how equations are derived.

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this course you will be familiar with sampling methods and analyses used to study animals, plants and other important biological variables. You will study classic random sampling methods and methods particularly applicable to estimating population sizes.

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.

Instructors

dr-bryan-manly

Dr. Bryan Manly

Dr. Bryan Manly is a consultant with Western EcoSystem Technology, Inc. in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Before that, he was Chair of Statistics and Director of the Center for Applications of Statistics and Mathematics at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Bryan specializes in applications of statistics in ecology and environmental science. He has particular expertise in the design and analysis of biological sampling programs, multivariate analysis, population modeling, computer-intensive methods, and the design and analysis of studies on resource selection by animals.
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Course Syllabus

Week 1

Standard Survey Sampling Methods

  • Introduction to ecological sampling methods
  • Simple random sampling for the estimation of population means, totals and proportions
  • Stratified sampling
  • Systematic sampling
  • Other specialized sampling strategies

Week 2

Other Specialized Sampling Methods

  • Adaptive sampling methods
  • Line transect sampling
  • Removal and change in ratio methods

Week 3

Plotless Sampling and Mark-Recapture Methods

  • T-square, wandering-quarter and related sampling methods
  • Closed population methods
  • Introduction to methods for open populations

Week 4

Occupancy Models, Environmental Monitoring and Trend Analyses

  • Occupancy
  • Environmental monitoring designs
  • Models for trend analyses

Class Dates

2020

No classes scheduled at this time.

2021

No classes scheduled at this time.

2022

No classes scheduled at this time.

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Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Introductory Statistics

We assume you are versed in statistics or have the equivalent understanding of topics covered in our Statistics 1 and Statistics 2 courses. but do not require them as eligibility to enroll in this course. Please review the course description for each of our introductory statistics courses, estimate which best matches your level of understanding of the material covered in these courses, then take the short assessment test for that course. If you can not answer more than half of the questions correctly, we suggest you take our Statistics 1 and Statistics 2 courses prior to taking this course.

What Our Students Say​

This was a great class. I learned a lot and enjoyed the format. The lessons, assignments, feedback, and discussions were all informative.  I appreciate Professor Unwin's efforts to include references to web sites, journal articles, and books that will be very useful in the future. Thank you!

Frank Voss
United States Geological Survey

The Instructor, Dave Unwin, was great.  I have to admit that I had my reservations about taking an online course, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Dave obviously put a lot of thought and effort into creating the materials for the course as well as structuring the assignments to give students thoughtful work. He responded to each and every question and was very hands-on.

Joleen Beltrami
Department Chair and Associate Professor, University of the Incarnate Word

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer or withdraw from a course?

We have a flexible transfer and withdrawal policy that recognizes circumstances may arise to prevent you from taking a course as planned. You may transfer or withdraw from a course under certain conditions.

  • Students are entitled to a full refund if a course they are registered for is canceled.
  • You can transfer your tuition to another course at any time prior to the course start date or the drop date, however a transfer is not permitted after the drop date.
  • Withdrawals on or after the first day of class are entitled to a percentage refund of tuition.

Please see this page for more information.

What type of courses does the Institute offer?

The Institute offers approximately 80 courses each year. Topics include basic survey courses for novices, a full sequence of introductory statistics courses, bridge courses to more advanced topics. Our courses cover a range of topics including biostatistics, research statistics, data mining, business analytics, survey statistics, and environmental statistics.

Please see our course search or knowledge center for more information.

Do your courses have for-credit options?

Our courses have several for-credit options:

  • Continuing education units (CEU)
  • College credit through The American Council on Education (ACE CREDIT)
  • Course credits that are transferable to the INFORMS Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®)

Please see our knowledge center for more information.

Is the Institute for Statistics Education certified?

The Institute for Statistics Education is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). For more information visit: http://www.schev.edu

Please see our knowledge center for more information.

Are courses eligible for college credit?

Many of the courses at The Institute for Statistics Education have been recommended for academic credit by The American Council on Education (ACE). ACE-accredited courses can be transferred to another educational institution that accepts ACE credit.

Visit our knowledge base and learn more.

FAQs + Knowledge Base

Related Courses

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Topic: Statistics, Analytics, Data Exploration, Statistical Modeling, Using R | Skill: Intermediate | Credit Options: ACE, CAP, CEU
Class Start Dates: Jun 5, 2020, Oct 23, 2020

Additional Course Information

Organization of Course

This course takes place online at The Institute 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.

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 at the end of the week, you will receive individual feedback on your homework answers.

Time Requirements

This is a 4-week course requiring 10-15 hours per week of review and study, at times of your choosing.

Homework

Homework in this course consists of short answer questions to test concepts, guided data analysis problems using software, and guided data modeling problems using software. In addition to assigned readings, this course also has discussion tasks.

Course Text

This course is based the text “Introduction to Ecological Sampling“.

Please order a copy of your course textbook prior to course start date.

Software

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

This course does not have a software requirement.

Course Fee & Information

Enrollment
Courses may fill up at any time and registrations are processed in the order in which they are received. Your registration will be confirmed for the first available course date unless you specify otherwise.

Transfers and Withdrawals
We have flexible policies to transfer to another course or withdraw if necessary.

Group Rates
Contact us to get information on group rates.

Discounts
Academic affiliation?  In most courses you are eligible for a discount at checkout.

New to Statistics.com?  Click here for a special introductory discount code.  

Invoice or Purchase Order
Add $50 service fee if you require a prior invoice, or if you need to submit a purchase order or voucher, pay by wire transfer or EFT, or refund and reprocess a prior payment.

Options for Credit and Recognition

This course is eligible for the following credit and recognition options:

No Credit
You may take this course without pursuing credit or a record of completion.

Mastery or Certificate Program Credit
If you are enrolled in mastery or certificate program that requires demonstration of proficiency in this subject, your course work may be assessed for a grade.

CEUs and Proof of Completion
If you require a “Record of Course Completion” along with professional development credit in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), upon successfully completing the course, CEU’s and a record of course completion will be issued by The Institute upon your request.

Supplemental Information

There is no supplemental content for this course.

Miscellaneous

There is no additional information for this course.

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Ecological and Environmental Sampling
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