NTRES 4120 - Wildlife Population Analysis: Techniques and Models

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: NTRES 3100 or NTRES 4100 (or equivalent or permission of instructor). Co-meets with NTRES 6120.

C. Davis.

This course will explore the theory and application of statistical methods used in the conservation and management of wildlife and fish populations, including capture-mark-recapture and occupancy modeling as well as other cutting-edge methodologies. This course will focus on estimating population parameters, such as survival, recruitment, movement, and abundance, as well as the dynamics associated with temporal changes in these parameters. Individual modules will integrate hypothesis development, data analysis, and inference to reinforce concepts discussed throughout the course. Students will become fluent in the R programming language and be exposed to a wide variety of real-world applications.

Outcome 1: Apply appropriate tools and methods of scientific inquiry to wildlife and fisheries research.

Outcome 2: Articulate the role of parameter estimation in the development and application of statistical models as used in the conservation and management of biotic resources.

Outcome 3: Use fundamental statistical methods to describe structure and dynamics of populations and communities.

Outcome 4: Critically read, interpret and critique peer-reviewed literature on the estimation of population parameters.

Outcome 5: Articulate the importance of accounting for detection uncertainty in the analysis and interpretation of change in wildlife and fish populations over space and time.