The aim of this course is to provide participants with skills to assist them in working with animal movement data including data management and organization, working with large tracking datasets, data exploration, visualization, annotating track data with environmental data and analysis of movement data. The course is also a great opportunity to develop your research network in the field of movement ecology. The course content is relevant for participants studying movement in a broad range of taxa and environments, however there is an emphasis on birds in the course exercises as most exercises use an existing bird tracking dataset. Participants will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different tracking technologies for diverse taxa. The course will combine several guest lectures from international experts in the field of animal movement ecology, predominantly hands-on computer work, field experiments with GPS trackers, presentations given by participants and focal workshops on the last day of the course. During the course different software packages will be used with most of the work conducted in R, and participants will learn some basic programming and database skills. Course participants are expected to familiarize themselves with R before the beginning of the course, and materials for self-tuition will be provided in advance.
Target Group | The course is aimed at scientists at PhD level, with a background in ecology, however MSc students and Postdocs or other researchers interested in attending are welcome to contact us. |
Group Size | Min. 25, max. 35 participants (in case of too many applications, candidates will be selected according to the following criteria a) scientific motivation and research topic(s), b) time of application, and c) geographic distribution. |
Course duration | 5 days |
Language of instruction | English |
Frequency of recurrence | Every two years |
Number of credits | 1.5 ECTS |
Lecturers | Judy Shamoun-Baranes, Willem Bouten, Emiel van Loon and Bart Nolet (Theoretical and Computationaly Ecology, University of Amsterdam) |
Prior knowledge | Basic knowledge of R |
Location | University of Amsterdam |
Options for accommodation | Accommodation is not included in the fee of the course, but can be arranged in Casa 400 for a subcharge of €350 (2-persons room) or €625 (1-person room). |
Programme | The programme of the latest edition of this course can be downloaded here. This should provide you with an indication of the general build-up of this course. The precise structure of the next edition of this course, may of course differ somewhat. |
Dr Claudius van de Vijver (PE&RC)
Phone: +31317485414
Email: claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl
Registration of interest
At this moment, this course is not yet open for registration. However, if you register your interest in this activity below, we will inform you as soon as the registration of participation is opened.