2008 Paleobiology Database Summer Course in Analytical Paleobiology Since 2005 the Paleobiology Database has conducted a five-week intensive course in analytical paleobiology at the University of California's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara. The course runs next during late June and July 2008, and will be supported by NESCent, the Palaeontological Association, the Paleontological Society, and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Topics will include community paleoecology, quantitative biochronology, diversity curves, speciation and extinction, phylogenetics, phenotypic evolution, and morphometrics. Both simulation modelling and data analysis methods will be employed. The course will combine lectures and labs. Students will be given hands- on instruction in programming using R and trained in other analytical software. In addition to the course coordinator, each week a new instructor will be present. The instructors are expected to be John Alroy, Gene Hunt, Tom Olszewski, Pete Wagner, and Mark Webster. There is no fee for registration, and students will be housed for free in apartments on the UCSB campus. Students are urged to apply for travel funds from their home institutions. If such funds are not available, travel expenses may be reimbursed for up to $400 if coming from the United States or $1200 if coming from other countries. Students are responsible for meal expenses. There are no other charges of any kind, and no other major expenses are likely. Participating students should be in the early stages of their own research in any area related to paleontology. They should have a background in basic statistics, and preferably also programming. The course is open to undergraduates and advanced graduate students, but first or second year graduate students are particularly encouraged to apply. We also strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, and international students. Applications from professionals who have completed their studies will be considered, but strong preference will be given to students. Applications should be submitted in PDF format to John Alroy ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). The review process will begin on 15 February, and applications received by midnight Pacific time on that day will receive priority. Applications should consist of a one page statement. Do not include separate documents such as a curriculum vitae. No form needs to be filled out. The statement should include a brief description of current research plans, a list of degrees earned stating the year of graduation in each case, a brief list of relevant classes taken, and an account of the student's background in statistics and programming. Applicants are encouraged to explain why the topics addressed by the course are of special interest to them, and which of these subjects are taught at their home institutions. Applications must be accompanied by a recommendation letter, also in PDF format, written by the student's academic advisor and e-mailed separately. Obtaining a recommendation from anyone who is not an advisor must be explained. It is important that the recommendation give details about the applicant's personal character and abilities, not just credentials and descriptions of research projects. Recommendation letters also must be received by the end of the due date. John Alroy National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis 735 State Street, Suite 300 Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3351 phone: (805) 892-2070 FAX: (805) 892-2510 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
