Ordination and Gradient Analysis

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course introduces some multivariate statistical tools for analysing and interpreting ecological data. It consists of lectures and datalabs covering direct and indirect ordination, cluster analysis, and regression trees. The course is followed by a home exam which covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the course.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

- Explain why the statistical properties of ecological data mean it can needs appropriate methods

- Explain why parsimonious models and methods should be preferred

- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different numerical methods

- Choose and apply appropriate techniques for analysing data

- Interpret diagnostics

- Build parsimonious models

- Generate and interpret relevant plots

- Have some of the statistical skills necessary for their thesis projects

ECTS Credits

5 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Spring

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.

Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Biology, or equivalent.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
BIO300B - Biostatistics (5 ECTS), or equivalent.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Teaching and learning methods
Practical Exercises
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
None
Forms of Assessment
Home exam
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses,
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Science and Technology by the Department of Biological Sciences has the responsibility for the course and study programme.