[R-sig-eco] Introduction to Bayesian hierarchical modelling

[Oliver Hooker]

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Parnell

This course will run from 23rd – 26th August 2016 at SCENE (the 
Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment), Loch Lomond 
National Park, Glasgow.

Course overview:
This course will cover introductory hierarchical modelling for 
real-world data sets from a Bayesian perspective. These methods lie at 
the forefront of statistics research and are a vital tool in the 
scientist’s toolbox. The course focuses on introducing concepts and 
demonstrating good practice in hierarchical models. All methods are 
demonstrated with data sets which participants can run themselves. 
Participants will be taught how to fit hierarchical models using the 
Bayesian modelling software Jags and Stan through the R software 
interface. The course covers the full gamut from simple regression 
models through to full generalised multivariate hierarchical structures. 
A Bayesian approach is taken throughout, meaning that participants can 
include all available information in their models and estimates all 
unknown quantities with uncertainty. Participants are encouraged to 
bring their own data sets for discussion with the course tutors.

Day 1
Basic concepts
•	Class 1: Introduction to Bayesian Statistics
•	Class 2: Linear and generalised linear models (GLMs)
•	Practical: Using R, Jags and Stan for fitting GLMs
•	Round table discussion: Understanding Bayesian models

Day 2 Hierarchical modelling
•	Class 1: Simple hierarchical regression models
•	Class 2: Hierarchical models for non-Gaussian data
•	Practical: Fitting hierarchical models
•	Round table discussion: Interpreting hierarchical model output

Day 3 Complex Models
•	Class 1: Hierarchical models vs mixed effects models
•	Class 2:  Multivariate and multi-layer hierarchical models
•	Practical: Advanced examples of hierarchical models
•	Round table discussion: Issues of continuous vs discrete time

Day 4 Shrinkage and Selection models
•	Class 1: Shrinkage and variable selection
•	Class 2: Hierarchical models and partial pooling
•	Practical: Shrinkage modelling
•	Round table discussion Bring your own data set

The cost is £450 (+VAT) including lunches and course materials. An 
all-inclusive option is also available at £580 (+VAT); this includes 
breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, accommodation and course 
materials. Participants will need a laptop with a recent version of 
LINUX installed.

Please send inquiries to oliverhooker at prstatistics.com or visit the 
website www.prstatistics.com

Please feel free to distribute this information anywhere you think 
suitable.

Upcoming courses - email for details oliverhooker at prstatistics.com
ADVANCES IN SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF MULTIVARIATE ECOLOGICAL DATA: THEORY AND 
PRACTICE (July)
ADVANCES IN DNA TAXONOMY USING R (August)
INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS USING LINUX (August)
GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (August)
MODEL BASED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (October)
PHYLOGENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (October)
LANDSCAPE (POPULATION) GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (October)
APPLIED BAYESIAN MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGISTS (October)
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGIC AL DATA USING R (November)
ADVANCING IN STATISTICAL MODELLING USING R (December)

Dates still to be confirmed - email for details 
oliverhooker at prstatistics.com
STABLE ISOTOPE MIXING MODELS USING SIAR, SIBER AND MIXSIAR USING R
INTRODUCTION TO R AND STATISTICS FOR BIOLOGISTS
BIOINFORMATICS FOR GENETICISTS AND BIOLOGISTS

Oliver Hooker
PR~Statistics
3/1
128 Brunswick Street
Glasgow
G1 1TF

+44 (0) 7966500340

www.prstatistics.com
www.prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/