Analysis of Field Data

About this programme

The course will review the analytic methods applied in field studies . The course aims to achieve basic knowledge and training in the design and planning of field experiments, the capability to handle statistical analysis, and the graphical presentation of field data with modern statistical software. The course includes project work, in which students will analyze and write a report based on a real dataset. Section 1: Introduction, 2 ECTS This section introduces the software used throughout the course and covers the basics of designing and planning field experiments, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, and graphical presentation. Section 2: Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation of Field Data, 7 ECTS This section addresses how the design, analysis, and interpretation of a study are influenced by the type of data used. It covers the design, analysis, and presentation of experiments, discussing the selection of parameters concerning statistical analysis and the ecological interpretations that can be drawn. The construction of methods based on variance analysis, such as regression analysis, ANOVA, ANCOVA, variance component analysis, and contrasts, are covered. Basic concepts and applications of Generalized Linear Models and Contingency Tables are also included. The use of various types of analyses in scientific articles is critically examined. In computer lab sessions, discussions will cover how to present analyses in scientific articles and how to translate analysis results into relevant interpretations.