Research Design

from $295.00

Dates:
Participant:
Course Formats (see details below):

 

  • A good understanding of sampling and experimental design techniques is vital when planning a research study in ecology and wildlife management. Good design leads to effective use of research money, time and effort, whereas poor design can lead to a study of little use, and hence a waste of these resources. Sampling techniques are useful when planning an observational study, such as a survey, whereas experimental design techniques are of use when planning an experiment. In the sampling modules, we will cover random vs. systematic sampling, stratification, hierarchical sampling, use of covariates, trend analysis, and introduce specialized techniques such as capture-mark-recapture and distance sampling. In the experimental design modules, you will learn about randomization, replication and pseudo-replication, controls, blocking, use of covariates, factorial treatments, before-after control-impact (BACI) designs, and trend analysis. In both sections of the course, we will show you how to perform power/precision analysis in order to assess what sample sizes might be required for the study to provide useful information.

    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 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 using R (e.g., R Boot Camp for Ecologist and Wildlife Biologists)

  • TOPICS

    • Defining the Objectives

    • Spatial, Temporal and Sampling Variability

    • Detectability

    • Bias and Variance

    • Statistical Population and Sampling Frame

    • Systematic vs Random Sampling

    • Stratified Random Sampling

    • Double Sampling

    • Multi-Stage Sampling

    • Distance Sampling

    • Mark-Recapture Sampling

    • Sample Size Calculations

    • Large-Scale Monitoring

    • Trend Estimation

    • Randomisation and Replication

    • Pseudo-Replication

    • Scale of Inference

    • BACI Designs

    • Blocking and Covariates

    • Factorial Treatments

    • Use of Error Degrees of Freedom

    • Precision and Power Analysis

    • Repeated Measures Experiments

    • Change-Over (Cross-Over) Designs

    • Internal and External Validity

    • Quasi-Experiments

    • Propensity Scores

    LEARNING OUTCOMES

    • Understand the key concepts involved in planning a research study

    • Gain practice in applying these concepts using ecological examples

    • Understand the pros and cons of different designs

    • Understand the concepts of power and precision

    • Gain experience in performing power/precision analysis using R

    • Gain an overview of specialist techniques such as mark-recapture and distance sampling

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COURSE OPTIONS & INFORMATION (Review chart above, then click below)

  • 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:

  • 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:

    ACADEMIC CREDIT:

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. David Fletcher

 
TESTIMONIALS

“Undertaking the Research Design course proved to be an invaluable experience. While I had covered experimental design in my undergraduate biostatistics courses, this course was specifically tailored to sampling in the context of wildlife research, an area that had not been addressed in my previous studies. Dr. Fletcher, our instructor, was outstanding. His expertise and guidance were evident throughout the course, and he consistently provided valuable feedback and advice. What truly set this course apart were the examples and exercises, which were not only relevant but also practical, allowing me to apply the concepts directly to my field of interest. I came to realize just how critical appropriate sampling and experimental design are in ensuring the reliability of estimates for wildlife management. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their research planning skills and produce robust, dependable results in ecological studies.”

Jai Thomas

Ecologist, Mount Gibson Iron Limited, Koolan Island Operations

“David Fletcher’s Research Design course draws on a wide variety of real-world ecological research to illustrate how sampling strategies, treatment allocation, and other design considerations affect the scale of inference, precision, and power of scientific study. I learned to avoid the pitfall of pseudoreplication from a clam density survey in New Zealand; how to control for natural variation between experimental units through a cross-over design study of puma attacks on alpacas in Chile; how to work with repeated measures data from an investigation of turkey poult growth in Iowa; and much more. By taking this course, I have identified ways I can tighten up my own research, improved my competency in the R programming language, and will be a more critical consumer of ecological literature.”

Josh Morris

Urban Conservation Officer, Birds Connect Seattle

“Dr. Fletcher’s Research Design course covers a variety of topics. An overview of Sampling, Experimental, and Quasi-Experimental designs leads to a deeper understanding of the types of considerations that should be taken into account before any research project. Determining the proper sample size for statistically significant results, avoiding pseudoreplication, weighing the pros and cons of stratification and blocking, and achieving the desired scale of inference are just a few of the valuable skills that can be gained from this course. These topics are presented in such a way that transferring them from this class to a real world project should be seamless. I would strongly recommend this class to those looking to gain a strong knowledge base for creating and implementing powerful ecological studies.”

Patrick Pruitt

Secondary Math Teacher, St. Joseph's Catholic School

As a novice researcher who has felt a bit “intimidated” by statistics at times, I found Dr.

Fletcher’s Research Design course at CWS to be an excellent introduction to the topic.

The key principles and techniques of ecological field sampling and experimental design

were presented in a clear and logical manner. Diverse examples from the ecological

literature were used throughout the course, which made the material more engaging

and relevant. But what really set this course apart was Dr. Fletcher’s command of the

subject, especially when addressing the unique design challenges that arise when

studying wildlife and other ecological phenomena. His insight and perspective on these

challenges, as well as the practical tools he provided to help overcome them were

particularly valuable. Thanks to this course, I no longer feel intimidated by the thought of

designing my own ecological field study – in fact, I am looking forward to it!

John Sullivan

Principal Ecologist at Resilient Ecology, New Preston, Connecticut

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Full scholarships are available to participants from countries designated as “lower income” and “lower middle income” in the World Bank List of Economies. Please see our CWS World Scholars Program page for details.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations 30 days or more before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations <30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds once the course begins.

QUESTIONS?