Course Announcement
Likelihood Methods in Ecology
June 2nd – 13th, 2008
Instructors: Dr. María Uriarte (Columbia University) and Dr. Charles
Canham (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies)
Columbia University and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will offer
an intensive two-week course in the use of likelihood methods in ecology
from June 3rd – 13th, 2008. The methods provide a powerful tool for
linking models and data, and provide a flexible alternative to
traditional, parametric statistical analyses. Labs will be based on use
of the R statistical computing package. The course fee will include an
optional 1-day introduction to the use of R on June 2nd. The course will
be co-taught by Dr. María Uriarte (Columbia University), and Dr. Charles
Canham (Cary Institute).
Location and fees: The course will be taught on the campus of Columbia
University, in New York City. The $450 tuition fee includes the optional
1-day R tutorial. Housing for the two weeks of the course is available in
double rooms in a Columbia University dormitory for $700. Students will
be responsible for their travel expenses and meals. The tuition fee and
housing costs (if applicable) must be submitted by April 15, 2008. The
fees will be non-refundable for cancellations after May 1, 2008. Details
on how to submit the fees will be sent after initial registration.
Course description: The goal of the course is to introduce
students to the concepts and methods of use of likelihood and information
theory in data analysis and statistical modeling. The labs will focus on
the use of software tools in R that allow the students to construct their
own analyses and models. Students will be encouraged to bring their own
datasets for use in individual projects during the course. Most of the
examples used in the course will be drawn from forest ecology.
Course Website: More information can be found at
www.ecostudies.org/lmfe.html
Target audience and prerequisites: The course is intended for
graduate students, post-docs, and practicing scientists. An undergraduate
or graduate level background in statistics is desired, but the course will
teach the basic principles of probability theory required for the methods.
Registration and class size: Class size will be limited to 18
students. To register, send an e-mail to Charles Canham at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] containing your name, mailing address, e-mail
address, phone number and a brief statement of your research interests.
Please put “2008 Likelihood Course Registration” in the subject line of
the message.
