Introduction to Ecological Statistics and Modeling

Learn a variety of essential quantitative skills in R to be successful in analyzing, presenting, and publishing your research findings. The examples used during the course are tailored to the needs of students, researchers, and professionals in ecology-and wildlife-related disciplines.

Learn at your own pace with or without instructor support (see Online Course Format Chart below for details).

Summer: Jun 1 – Sept 6, 2026

Fall: Sept 8 – Dec 20, 2026 (Early bird ends August 9)

*Early bird saves $75 for Basic and Standard, $85 for Premium

Basic statistics and introductory R training (e.g., R Boot Camp for Ecologists and Wildlife Biologists).

Module 1: R Boot Camp (Refresher)

• Import and tidy datasets effectively in R. 

• Transform and mutate datasets to meet analytical needs. 

• Combine and visualize datasets clearly using R graphics and visualization libraries. 

Module 2: Normal Populations

• Apply the Central Limit Theorem to determine sampling distributions. 

• Calculate confidence intervals and p-values for statistical analyses.

• Conduct one- and two-sample t-tests to statistically compare populations.

• Interpret statistical outputs clearly and accurately. 

Module 3: Nonparametric Tests

• Perform loops in R

• Conduct permutation tests

• Demonstrate the ability to conduct hypothesis testing and compare groups using nonparametric tests

• Explain the difference between sampling with and without replacement

Module 4: Simple Linear Regression

• Measure correlation between variables

• Demonstrate the ability to carry out simple linear regression

• Interpret regression outputs for continuous predictors

Module 5: Multiple Regression

• Include categorical predictors in linear modeling

• Interpret regression outputs for continuous & categorical predictors

• Demonstrate the ability to carry out multiple linear regression using a variety of datasets

Module 6: ANOVA

• Explain when to use ANOVA instead of other parametric tests

• Demonstrate the ability to run ANOVA in R and interpret the output

Module 7: Model Selection

• Diagnose and address multicollinearity

• Compare competing models

• Combine information from more than one model

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Ecologist (at any level) with Ecological Society of America

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Ecologist (at any level) with Ecological Society of America

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Applied Quantitative Ecology with CWS

ACADEMIC CREDIT:

• Earn 1 academic credit (go to our Academic Credit Page for details)

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project