Course Syllabus
Abundance
estimation
NRES 896 Module #1 (1 cr)
Course homepage:
http://snr.unl.edu/powell/teaching/nres896/abundance/nres896.htm
Spring 2008
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
School of Natural Resources
Location
TR 3:00-4:15 (January 15-February 14)
141 Hardin Hall
Instructor
Larkin Powell, Associate Professor
Office: 419 Hardin Hall
Phone: 402.472.6825
Email: lpowell3@unl.edu
Course
description
Introduction to the estimation of density and abundance from surveys. Course will review a variety of theories and techniques used to rigorously estimate parameters. Empahsizes analysis and computer skills, as well as practical applications to research. Graduate-only course.
Grading
Exams (1): 30%
Homework: 70%
(Explanation of grading system)
Suggested primary resources:
Introduction
to Distance Sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations
S. T. Buckland et al. (2001)
Oxford University Press
Other suggested reading:
Krebs, C. J. 1999. Ecological methodology, 2nd edition. Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, CA.
Thompson, W. L., G. C. White, and C. Gowan. 1998. Monitoring vertebrate populations. Academic Press, San Diego.
Williams, B. K., J. D. Nichols, and M. J. Conroy. 2001. Analysis and management of animal populations. Academic Press, San Diego.
Course objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Estimate density from point counts and transect data.
2. Compare relative abundance between samples with rigorous methods.
3. Design and implement a research project using density and/or abundance analyses.
4. Discuss the quantitative theory behind the estimators used in this course.