Universität Wien

300452 VO Multivariate statistical methods in ecology (2016W)

2.00 ECTS (1.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie

Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes

Blocked course (1 week) in February 2017, exact dates will be fixed with students during preliminary meeting (Oct 5 2016, 15:00, KR Ökologie). Course language is English. Note combination with UE delivered by Robert Ptacnik (300325).


Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Statistical data analysis in ecology: descriptive statistics, univariate statistical tests (t-tests, U-test, analysis of variance), bivariate data analysis (correlation, linear and non-linear regression), selected regression models (multiple linear regression, ANCOVA, GLM, GAM), commonly used classic unconstrained and constrained ordination methods: principal component analysis (PCA), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), redundancy analysis (RDA), distance/dissimilarity-based unconstrained and constrained ordination methods: metric and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS, NMDS), canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP), multivariate hypothesis tests (PERMANOVA, permutation tests based on ordinations).

Assessment and permitted materials

Presence throughout the course is not necessary, but strongly recommended to allow following the practical courses in the afternoons. The lecture mark is based on a written examination. No materials are permitted during examination.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Successful participants will gain a working understanding of the mathematical and computational mechanics behind the most commonly used statistical methods in ecology. They will understand how to interpret graphical and tabular output from univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses of ecological datasets as presented in scientific papers and reports. The lecture also explains backgrounds of statistical thinking, hypothesis testing, study planning and experimental design.

Examination topics

The course is scheduled as one block (1 week, 9:00-12:00) in February 2017. The lecture should be attended in combination with the practical course (UE) with the same title and taking place in the same period in the afternoons.

Reading list

Quinn, G. P. & M. J. Keough. 2002. Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 537 pp.

A course handout will be provided.

Association in the course directory

MEC-5, UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04,

Last modified: Sa 22.10.2022 00:30