Statistical Analysis in Population Ecology

This course aims to provide the theoretical and applied basis for statistical analyses of population dynamics. By providing an inferential background in likelihood and an introduction to Bayesian inference, students will be equipped to analyse the oftentimes complicated experimental and observational data that arise in population ecology. It will develop students understanding of population ecology and accompanying statistical methodology and provide for student independence through a thorough understanding of the open-source R statistical environment. Finally, it will equip students to run Bayesian analyses through an introduction to applied Bayesian inference via WinBUGS.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the underpinnings of statistical inference

2. Apply R programming skills

3. Describe the theory  of population dynamics

4. Develop and apply advanced statistical models to population dynamics data

5. Draw inference from population dynamics

6. Describe Bayesian inference as applied to population dynamics