300368 UE Practical data analysis in ecology, biodiversity and zoology (2022S)

Some basic theory, but mostly practical application, of a range of statistical tests and methods that are frequently used in ecology, zoology and biodiversity research. Participants are required to work on their own computer!

This course aims at familiarizing MSc students with an interest in organismal biology with a range of statistical concepts and tools. Methods to be covered include linear models, correlation and regression, analysis of contingency tables, constrained and unconstrained ordinations, some non-parametric alternatives to classic linear models, or species diversity statistics. The focus is on practical solution of common problems, using freely available software packages (e.g. PAST), and on acquiring expertise which methods to be used with what types of data, but without the need to dwell into programming codes like in the widely used R language.