Data Analysis Methods unit (QMS517)

Introduction

This unit presents a range of advanced statistical and data analysis techniques used in the marine sciences for students with an existing background in quantitative analysis. The course covers concepts of generalised linear models (GLMs), generalised additive models (GAMs), Bayes rules, bayesian versus frequentist interpretation, Markov chain Monte Carlo fundamentals, hierarchical models, bootstrap, permutation and cross validation tests. An introduction to time series and spectral analysis is given covering correlation, lags, interpolation and filtering techniques, spatial analyis methods (principal component analysis, empirical orthogonal functions, optimal interpolation). The lecture material is complemented by practical sessions primarily using the software package R, with exercises using ecological, oceanographic, fisheries, and other relevant data sets.

Summary

Unit name	Data Analysis Methods
Unit code	QMS517
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Ecology and Biodiversity|Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Doctor Jan Jansen
Delivered By
Level	Postgraduate

Learning Outcomes

• Explain advanced statistical analysis concepts and principles
• Select and apply appropriate data analysis techniques to problems in marine and Antarctic science.
• Critically interpret and report the output of marine and Antarctic science related statistical data analyses.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
			not applicable

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	The unit is taught as an 8 week semi-intensive, with 4 weeks of face-to-face delivery followed by 4 weeks to complete assessment tasks. The face-to-face period consists of online lectures, in-person workshops and in-person practical presentations twice per week.
Assessment	Introductory presentation (10%)|Short report: Test a method (20%)|Quiz (30%)|Main report: Defend a method (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	There is no compulsory reading for the unit. For some topics supplementary reading material with be provided in addition to the lecture slides, for those that seek a deeper understanding of the material.
Recommended	No single text covers all the material in this course, but the possible supplemental texts for some topics will be suggested throughout the laboratories.

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