- BI5009/BI5509 - Experimental Design and Analyses
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr David Lusseau; Dr Rene Van der Wal
Pre-requisites
An undergraduate statistics course.
Notes
BI5509 is the code for students starting their programme in January.Overview
The module will be divided in themed weeks during which students will gain skills in sampling design (through practicals) and analytical technique (through lecture and computer labs).
Week 1: introduction to biostatistics
Students are introduced to simple sampling design, core statistical concepts, and statistical software.
Week 2: introduction to statistical modelling
Students continue their progression in statistical analyses and are introduced to complex sampling design.
Week 3: generalised Linear Models
Students learn about generalised linear models and the interpretation of models (model fitting, model selection, and model validation) and are exposed to more advanced models. Students carry out sampling in groups for their report.
Week 4: categorical data
Students learn about statistical techniques for categorical data. They also learn about power analyses to understand the influence of sample size on tests results.
Week 5: multivariate statistics
Students cover multivariate statistical techniques and are given the opportunity to go over material covered in previous weeks.
Week 6: student-lead teaching
Students are given the opportunity to go over previous material to reinforce learning and are given time to prepare their report.Structure
Three 3-hour lectures per week. One 8-hour practical session each week including field trip and computer lab.
Assessment
The module will be assessed based on 2 graded practicals (20% each) and an independent report (60%)
- BI5010 - Statistics for Complex Study Designs
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- Credit Points
- 7.5
- Course Coordinator
- Drs David Lusseau, Rene van der Wal and Alex Douglas
Pre-requisites
BI5009 or equivalent
Overview
The module will be divided into themed weeks during which students will gain skills in sampling design (through practicals) and analytical techniques (through lecture and computer labs).
Week 1: introduction to complex study design - students are introduced to nested and repeated sampling and random effects.
Week 2: dealing with complex design in linear models - students learn to account for complex sampling and effects in linear models using linear mixed effect models, generalised least squares models and generalised additive models.
Week 3: correlated data structure - students are introduced to spatial and temporal autocorrelation in lectures and in practicals and learn ways to deal with it in linear models.Structure
Three 2-hour flexible lecture/tutorial slots each week (thread II)
One eight-hour practical session each week including field trip and computer lab (thread II)Assessment
The module will be assessed based on an independent report.
- BI5504 - Foundations in Environmental Governance
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- Credit Points
- 7.5
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Ben Davies
Pre-requisites
Available to all MSc and MRes students in Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology; Ecology, and Environmental Sustainability; Soil Science; Environmental Microbiology and Environmental Science.
Overview
The course will be based around three themes:
- The bio-economic modelling of fisheries
- The analysis and design of governance institutions
- The role of human values and valuation in environmental decision making
These themes will be addressed through study of a series of core concepts:
- Rationality and behavioural assumptions in economic analysis
- The dynamics of resource exploitation and human behaviour
- Coupling of models of socio-economic and biological (fisheries) systems
- The assessment of institutional structures and functions
- Governance approaches to the management of complex systems
- The meaning and interpretation of concepts of 'value'
- Ethical foundations and environmental decision making criteria
- Strengths and weaknesses of methods of resource valuation
- Practical and policy issues in managing socio-ecological systems
Structure
- Three 1-hour lectures each week (thread II)
- Three 2-hour tutorials each week (thread II)Assessment
The module will be assessed based on one short (30%) and one long (70%) written assignment.
- BI5802 - Ecological & Environmental Modelling
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Jo Smith
Pre-requisites
N/A
Overview
Aims: To provide the student with the skills to understand and learn how to use techniques for Ecological and Environmental modelling, including model design and evaluation.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course you should be able to:
1. understand the criteria for design or choice of models, and the use of models in relation to selected policy issues;
2. use Excel for model development, use a number of dedicated models, and apply statistical methods to evaluate models;
3. choose appropriate models for a given application; develop a model and use it to critically assess and ecological/environmental issue; critically assess limitations reliability and applicability of models; and, formulate scientific concepts in a mathematical form.Structure
A total of 7 one-hour lectures, 3 three-hour computer classes and 3 one-hour tutorials.
Assessment
Continuous assessment by written problem-solving assignments.
- BI5901 - Research Project Planning
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- Credit Points
- 7.5
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Michelle Pinard
Pre-requisites
x
Overview
How to plan a project; how to write a research proposal
Structure
There will be one 3-hour session in each of the three weeks where the class meets with the co-ordinator. The other contact time will be arranged with project supervisors within the School. These contact hours with staff occur informally currently; this course would only serve to formalise the arrangements and provide a structured assessment to assist the students to progress with their project planning.
Assessment
100% continuous assessment in the form of a proposal