REG-32306 Ecological Methods II

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Practical extensively supervised43
Practical intensively supervised65
Tutorial17
Course coordinator(s)dr. WF de Boer
Lecturer(s)dr. WF de Boer
dr. J Limpens
dr. M Holmgren
dr. ir. MR Jonker
dr. ir. FJ Sterck
Examiner(s)prof. dr. HHT Prins

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Ecological Methods I (REG-31806)

Continuation courses:

Thesis FEM, NCP or REG

Contents:

Students learn how to design, plan, carry out, and analyse ecological field research projects, with particular emphasis on the experimental design, and the appropriate choice and application of statistical techniques for ecological data analysis. The student field research projects are hypothesis-driven.

Learning outcomes:

Following this course, students will be able to:
- design, plan, and carry out ecological field research projects on plants, animals, or their interactions;
- determine the minimum sample size required for a research project;
- critically evaluate the experimental design of ecological research projects;
- write a concise and comprehensive research proposal;
- apply a variety of appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing the data collected during their own field or lab research project;
- present the outcome of their fieldwork to a professional audience.

Activities:

- the design of research proposals will be addressed: background of ecological theory, formulation of objectives and hypotheses, choice of sampling design (sample size, replicates, block-design), sampling techniques (samples, transects, observations). Emphasis is put on the choice and application of sampling design and sampling techniques, as a logical sequence to the statistical techniques mastered in the preceding course, Ecological Methods I;
- knowledge will be acquired of various ecological field methods: their applications, use and restrictions. These methods include the sampling of forests, herbaceous vegetation and animal populations. They will be presented in introductory lectures, illustrated in field practicals, and applied in a practical situation. Data thus obtained will then be statistically analysed and interpreted;
- students will design a research proposal in close consultation with staff. The proposal includes a clear problem definition, hypothesis, justified methods and sampling techniques, proposed statistical data analyses, and a time schedule;
- students will carry out their proposed research in small groups in or around Wageningen, including the application of research methods, logistical organisation, solving problems in the field, and data collection. Supervisors will back-up, advise, and monitor research progress;
- students will analyse and interpret their own data, using appropriate (univariate and multivariate) statistical methods and software (SPSS, Canoco). Research findings will be presented during a plenary session with an emphasis on the choice and application of field methods, and of statistical techniques for hypothesis testing.

Examination:

- the knowledge of experimental design and methodological issues will be tested prior to the research project;
- the research project will be evaluated by the supervisors. Criteria for the evaluation are based on the clarity of the proposal, choice of field methods and techniques, hypothesis testing, fieldwork progress, data analysis, interpretation of the results, the use of literature in the research, and presentation skills.

Literature:

Book. Ruxton & Colegrave (2006). Experimental Design for the Life Science. Oxford Univ. Press.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MFNForest and Nature ConservationMScC: Ecology6WD