MAOK4006 Biostatistics II

    • Number of credits
      2,5
    • Teaching semester
      2025 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Evenstad
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      Biostatistics.

Course content
  • Maximum Likelihood Estimation, information theory
  • Extending the Generalized Linear Models (Overdispersion, Zero-Inflation, Generalized Additive Models)
  • Generalized Linear (Mixed) Models, hierarchical models for longitudinal, clustered, or nested data
  • Hierarchical (ie “mixed”) models
  • General concepts of Bayesian inference
  • Advantages and challenges of the Bayesian approach over the conventional Frequentist approach to data analysis
  • Building complex hierarchical models by blocks
  • Fitting, understanding, and interpreting regression models in the Bayesian framework

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the course, the student will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competence. 

Knowledge

The student

  • Has a thorough understanding of (some of) the statistical modelling approaches most prominently used in Ecology research.
  • Has a thorough knowledge of the advantages and drawbacks of the Bayesian and Frequentist approaches to data analysis.
Skills

The student

  • Can plan and carry out advanced data analyses within the field of applied ecology.
  • Can evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of different statistical methods for a given study.
  • Can interpret advanced statistical methods stemming from hierarchical models.
General competence

The student

  • Can carry out research with scholarly integrity.
  • Can make an informed decision regarding which statistical approach is the most suitable to address a given scientific problem.
  • Can participate in professional discussions relying on (bio)statistics literacy.
Teaching and working methods

One-week intensive course together with a PhD-level course. Lectures and computer lab.

Required coursework

Minimum 80% attendance.

Form of assessment

One individual written report about an assigned or chosen problem in applied ecology, graded pass/fail.

Assessments
VurderingsordningKarakterskalaGruppe/individuellVarighetHjelpemidlerAndelKommentar
Written assignment
Passed - not passed
100

Reading list

Faculty
Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology
Department
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management