Forest Ecosystem Monitoring and Data Analysis

Catalog description

Quantitative approaches for characterization, monitoring, and comparison of forest ecosystems. FOR 350 Forest Ecosystem Monitoring and Data Analysis (3) The overall goal of this course is to provide students with opportunities to develop a quantitative approach to the management and conservation of forest ecosystems. The course Comprises three sections, each of a different length. The first section reviews descriptive statistics and basic concepts needed to understand sampling design in the context of forest ecosystem monitoring and data analysis. The second section addresses concepts and steps for designing a monitoring plan, and sampling designs for forest ecosystem monitoring. Sampling designs discussed include (but are not limited to): simple and stratified random sampling, double sampling, and cluster sampling. The third section covers data analysis and modeling tools. Students are expected to know two-sample inference, correlation analysis, analysis of variance and linear regression. The focus of this third section is on the application of these to forest ecosystem issues. The course also covers concepts of statistical model development, selection, and evaluation. Students will develop an understanding of strengths and limitations of using statistical models for forest ecosystem management and conservation. Finally, a broad overview of spatial statistical analysis will be offered. The objective is for the students to know about available tools and be able to look for more information. Major emphasis is placed on case studies and real-world data.