BIO9021 – Methods of Gradient Analysis
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course provides a theoretical background for the methods used for analysis of species-gradient relationships. Ordination and constrained ordination methods are particularly emphasised, and an introduction to geostatistical methods (methods for analysis of spatial structure) is given. Theory is accompanied by practicals. The participants are encouraged to bring their own data.
Learning outcome
To give the participants sufficient knowledge of gradient analysis techniques to enable them to understand and critically evaluate methodlogical usage in published papers, and to be able to analyse own data.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
The courses BIO4021 and BIO9021 have common admission. Applicants are ranked by the following criteria:
1. PhD students and master students at the MN faculty who have the course as part of the approved curriculum.
2. Other PhD students and visiting PhD students.
3. Students with admission to single courses on master’s level and exchange students
4. Applicants are ranked by credits in each group; all applicants within 1st rank before applicants in 2nd etc. If admission is limited to a fixed number of participants, admission will be decided by drawing lots for students who are ranked equally
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Mandatory courses in the biology bachelor programme, especially BIO2150 – Biostatistics and Study Design (discontinued), or corresponing basic knowledge of biostatistics. Practical experience with R statitical software is an advantage.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with BIO4021 – Methods of Gradient Analysis (continued)
- 10 credits overlap with BIOS5210 – Methods of Gradient Analysis
- 10 credits overlap with BIOS9210 – Methods of Gradient Analysis
Teaching
This is an intensive course. You have to meet on at least 80% of the lectures. 9000-students have more pensum litterature than 4000-students. They also have to give a 15 minutes long presentation on their own science project with main focus on methods of gradient analysis (Pass/Fail).
First lecture is mandatory. If you can not attend the first lecture, please send a note to studieinfo@ibv.uio.no, before the first lecture.
Examination
One oral exam at the end of the course.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: BIO4021 – Methods of Gradient Analysis (continued), BIOS5210 – Methods of Gradient Analysis and BIOS9210 – Methods of Gradient Analysis
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.