Movement Ecology (MOVEPR)
1st January 2030
£450.00
COURSE FORMAT
Pre Recorded
About This Course
The course will cover the concepts, technology and software tools that can be used to analyse movement data (from ringing/CMR to VHF/GPS) in ecology and evolution. We will cover elementary and advanced analysis and modelling techniques broadly applicable across taxa, from micro-organisms to vertebrates, highlighting the advantages of a unified Movement Ecology framework. We will provide the necessary bases in ecology (especially behavioural ecology), physics and mathematics/statistics, to be able to identify for any specific research question the most appropriate study species, logging technology (incl. attachment methods), and statistical/mathematical modelling approach. We will specifically address the challenges and opportunities at each of the steps of the proposed ‘question-driven approach’, combining theory with computer-based practicals in R. We will also address the challenges of applying the results of the analyses to applied management problems and communicate the findings to non-experts.
Intended Audiences
Research postgraduates, practicing academics and primary investigators in ecology and management and environmental professionals in government and industry. The course will also be of interest to researchers in geography, mathematics and computer science working on movement analyses.
Course Details
Last Up-Dated – 17:03:2023
Duration – Approx. 40 hours
ECT’s – Equal to 3 ECT’s
Language – English
Teaching Format
Introductory lectures on the concepts and refreshers on R usage. Intermediate-level lectures interspersed with hands-on mini practicals and longer projects. Data sets for computer practicals will be provided by the instructors, but participants are welcome to bring their own data.
Assumed quantitative knowledge
A basic understanding of statistical, mathematical and physical concepts. Specifically, generalised linear regression models, including mixed models; basic knowledge of trigonometry, basic knowledge of calculus; basic knowledge of physics as relevant for biological systems.
Assumed computer background
Good familiarity with R. Ability to import/export data, manipulate data frames, fit basic statistical models (up to GLM); generate simple exploratory and diagnostic plots. Knowledge of more advanced models, such as mixed models, will be helpful, as will a basic recollection of mathematical analysis.
Equipment and software requirements
A laptop computer with a working version of R or RStudio is required. R and RStudio are both available as free and open source software for PCs, Macs, and Linux computers. R may be downloaded by following the links here https://www.r-project.org/. RStudio may be downloaded by following the links here: https://www.rstudio.com/.
All the R packages that we will use in this course will be possible to download and install during the workshop itself as and when they are needed, and a full list of required packages will be made available to all attendees prior to the course.
A working webcam is desirable for enhanced interactivity during the live sessions, we encourage attendees to keep their cameras on during live zoom sessions.
Although not strictly required, using a large monitor or preferably even a second monitor will improve he learning experience
PLEASE READ – CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations/refunds are accepted as long as the course materials have not been accessed,.
There is a 20% cancellation fee to cover administration and possible bank fess.
If you need to discuss cancelling please contact oliverhooker@prstatistics.com.
If you are unsure about course suitability, please get in touch by email to find out more oliverhooker@prstatistics.com
COURSE PROGRAMME
Day 1 – approx. 8 hours
Movement Fundamentals
Conceptual component: Introduction to movement ecology, movement and behaviour, spatial and movement path analysis.
Practical component: Movement path analysis I – from steps and turns to movement path segmentation; Movement path analysis II – movement modes (home rage, dispersal, migration, nomadism) and the squared displacement method.
Day 2 – approx. 8 hours
Home Range Analysis
Conceptual component: Ecological definitions and interpretations of home ranges, home range estimation, comparisons between estimators and the question-driven approach.
Practical component: Utilization distribution; comparison of contrasting kernel home range estimation methods, isopleth creation, core area & home range overlap.
Day 3 – approx. 8 hours
Dynamic Interactions and Temporal Metrics of Movement
Conceptual component: Movements of interacting animals – static and dynamic interactions; scales of movement – first-passage and residence time analysis.
Practical component: Static and dynamic interaction indices; estimation of first-passage and residence time metrics
Day 4 – approx. 8 hours
Introduction to Resource Selection, and Effects of Scale
Conceptual component: Theories of resource and habitat selection, history of approaches, and current methodologies and caveats including definitions of availability and scale effects for RSF and other movement metrics
Practical component: Data projections and R as a GIS; Scale-integrated models of movement, availability sampling, and RSF estimation and interpretation
Day 5 – approx. 8 hours
Step-Selection Functions and Instantaneous Availability
Conceptual component: Introduction to step selection, decision-making processes, null and alternative models for definitions of availability within SSF, movement-integrated step-selection analysis
Practical component: Creation of available step data, estimation of SSF using multiple packages and approaches, simulation of utilization and occurrence distributions.
Course Instructor
Prof. Luca Borger
Teaches:
- Movement Ecology (MOVE)
Personal website
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Luc Borger…
Course Instructor
Dr. Jarrett Street
Teaches:
- Movement Ecology (MOVE
Personal website
Work Webpage
GoogleScholar
Garrett Street…