Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling

Learn how to fit and compare ecological models in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, which separates the observation process from the ecological process when estimating spatial and/or temporal variation in parameters such as abundance, density, and survival.

• A good understanding of probability and statistical methods

• Experience with fitting models in R (e.g., Introduction to Ecological Statistics and Modeling and Generalized Linear, Additive, and Mixed Models)

• Experience with fitting Bayesian models in R (e.g., Introduction to Bayesian Modeling)

TOPICS

• What is a hierarchical model?

• Random effects and hyperparameters

• Separating the observation process from the ecological process

• Observation-process models for data from studies involving mark-recapture, distance sampling, occupancy, sightings of unmarked individuals, and citizen-science

• What is a state-space model?

• Spatial modelling of abundance/density, occupancy, and survival

• Spatio-temporal modelling of abundance/density, occupancy, and survival

• Allowing for spatial and/or temporal autocorrelation

• Use of spatial and/or temporal covariates

• Choice of priors

• Checking model-fit

• Comparing two or more models

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand how to separate the observation-process from the ecological-process

• Understand which type of observation-process model is appropriate for your data

• Gain experience fitting spatio-temporal models to your data in R

• Understand how to check the fit of a spatio-temporal model in R

• Be aware of the potential need to allow for spatial and/or temporal autocorrelation

• Know how to compare the predictive ability of different spatio-temporal models

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $275 student / $375 professional

*Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $425 student / $525 professional

*Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Applied Quantitative Ecology with CWS

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project

• Go to our Academic Credit Page for details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Dec 2 - Feb 23 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $575 professional / $675 student

*Early bird saves $75