Bayesian Capture-Recapture Workshop
Introduction
A Workshop on Bayesian Analysis of Capture-Recapture Data will be held in the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), University of St Andrews, from 8th-10th September 2010.
Overview
Bayesian methods are making an enormous impact in the area of population ecology. In this workshop participants will be given instruction on the underlying ideas associated with Bayesian methods and computational algorithms, applied to the area of population ecology, with particular focus on mark-recapture-recovery data. Note that this workshop immediately follows the workshop on “Capture-Recapture”, which considers a classical approach for analysing such data.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to Bayesian methods and the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm before considering more advanced topics, including, for example, random effects models, state-space models, dealing with missing data, model selection (including posterior model probabilities and model averaging) and the reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Theory and methods will be motivated and illustrated using a range of ecological capture-recapture examples. The workshop will make use of (and provide) the published book "Bayesian Analysis for Population Ecology" by King, Morgan, Gimenez and Brooks. The computer packages WinBUGS and R will be demonstrated and used, making use of programs written by the course organisers. The workshop will combine lectures with hands-on computer practical sessions using and adapting the computer programs provided by the organisers. Computers will be available for use in the practical sessions, but participants may use their own laptops if they wish. If bringing your own laptop it would be easiest to install both R and WinBUGS (with registration key installed) before arrival at the workshop.
The target audience for the workshop is statistical ecologists who wish to learn about Bayesian methods and/or apply these methods to their problems of interest. We anticipate that this may include a number of research students. No prior knowledge of Bayesian methods will be assumed, however, we will assume that delegates will either have attended the “Capture-Recapture” workshop immediately prior to this workshop or have knowledge or experience of capture-recapture data and the Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model. Workshop participants will acquire new statistical tools for answering important questions relevant to the conservation and management of wild animal populations.
Note that places are limited on the workshop and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instructors
Draft Schedule
A schedule can be viewed here.
Location and Travel Information
For location and travel information please follow this link.
Enquiries
For further information, please contact:
Rhona Rodger
Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling
University of St Andrews
The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens
St. Andrews
Scotland KY16 9LZ
Tel:+44 1334 461842
Fax: +44 1334 461800
Email: rhona@mcs.st-and.ac.uk