Generalized Linear, Additive, & Mixed Models

This course provides you with the ability to analyze a wide variety of ecological data in R, including counts, proportions, and continuous measurements, such as length and weight. Much of the course is concerned with fitting generalized linear models (GLMs), as these are a basic requirement for modern quantitative ecology and wildlife management. We cover Poisson and binomial models in detail, and extensions of these when the data are overdispersed and/or zero-inflated. We also cover the use of generalized additive models (GAMs) to fit flexible, non-linear curves to model the relationship between a response variable and a numerical predictor, such as distance or depth. We discuss model-checking and residual diagnostics, to see how well our model fits the data, and model comparison using AIC in order to see which terms should be included. Repeated measurements data, in which the response variable is measured at several points in time, are also considered in detail. We explain the distinction between fixed and random effects and show how to fit models that involve random effects.

This is a 1-credit equivalent academic course (16 contact hrs + additional work) where you learn at your own pace over 3 months.

Learn at your 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

A basic understanding of probability and statistical methods, and some experience with fitting models in R (e.g., Introduction to Ecological Statistics & Modeling).

TOPICS

• Generalized linear models (GLMs)

• Poisson and binomial models plus their extensions

• Use of generalized additive models (GAMs) to fit flexible, non-linear curves

• Model-checking

• Residual diagnostics

• Models that allow for overdispersion and zero-inflation

• Model comparison and averaging using AIC

• Repeated measurements data

• Profile analysis

• Fixed and random effects

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand which type of GLM or GAM is appropriate for your data

• Gain experience fitting GLM or GAM to your data in R

• Understand overdispersion and zero-inflation

• Understand how to check the fit of a model using R

• Know how to compare (and average over) different models using AIC

• Gain experience in analyzing repeated measurements data in R

• Understand the difference between fixed and random effects

• Gain experience in fitting models with fixed and random effects in R

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 1-hr 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 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 1-hr 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 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