PPSD courses brochure - NERC

1 

Natural Environment Research Council 

2013-2014 

Postgraduate and professional skills development 

courses for environmental sciences PhD students 

and early career researchers

2 

Training calendar 

PAGE 

5 

November 2013 

26 – 29 November Survey, taxonomic and data analysis skills in aquatic ecology – freshwater 

taxonomy and surveying 

6 

7 

8 

9 

December 2013 

2 December Agri-informatics: applications of Big Data in delivering food security (virtual 

lectures begin. Course workshop to be held in March) 

2 – 6 December Soil matters 

11 – 12 December Statistics for environmental evaluation: quantifying the environment 

(advanced workshop) 

17 – 19 December NCAS training for environmental sciences: advanced statistics training for climate 

research 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

January 2014 

6 – 10 January Statistics for environmental evaluation: quantifying the environment course 

8 – 10 January Understanding uncertainty in environmental modelling 

9 – 15 January Data analysis with R statistical software 

13 – 17 January Introduction to mathematical modelling for the environmental and biological 

sciences 

17 – 18 January MDIBL environmental genomics: a short course to guide genomics research 

applied to environmental sciences 

20 – 24 January Insect taxonomy and field sampling skills 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

February 2014 

10 – 14 February Understanding and communicating environmental risk and uncertainty 

3 – 4 February Spatio-temporal modelling workshop 

3 – 14 February Keystone skills in bioinformatics 

4 – 6 February Modelling structure and dynamics in complex networks 

9 – 15 Feburary Scientific diving: techniques and technologies 

7 – 14 February Re-boot camp: statistical methods in ecology and evolution 

16 – 20 February Practical use of mini- and micro-unmanned aerial vehicles for the environmental 

sciences 

17 – 20 February Multivariate ecological statistics: exploring tools for ecologists 

17 – 21 February Molecular techniques for taxonomy 

24 – 27 February Data analysis for aquatic ecologists 

Provisional dates are listed in italics. Please check the individual 

course entries for application closing dates as these vary.

3 

Training calendar 

PAGE 

26 

27 

28 

24 – 28 February Field techniques in the coastal margin: in co-operation with CBESS and MASTS 

25 – 27 February Bayesian methods to fit statistical models in environmental science 

25 February – 6 March Population genomics and metagenomics short-course 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

March 2014 

1 – 7 March Geophysical skills development for environmental scientists 

3 – 6 March Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for environmental management 

3 – 7 March Understanding the soil underfoot: a soil science training school for postgraduate 

researchers 

3 – 7 March Molecular techniques for taxonomy 

3 – 14 March Plant taxonomy, identification and field skills 

10 – 14 March Taxonomic principles and tools in botanical research 

10 – 16 March Sea ice field training: deployment of sensor and implement technology for data 

collection and monitoring in a critical and vulnerable environment 

11 – 12 March Agri-informatics: applications of Big Data in delivering food security 

(2 day workshop) 

11 – 13 March Ecosystem based management using Ecopath with Ecosim 

11 – 14 March Marine taxonomy and habitat survey 

17 – 18 March Core and advanced environmental statistics training: functional data analysis 

workshop 

17 – 20 March NCAS training for environmental sciences: introduction to scientific computing 

17 – 21 March CATSCI: Multidisciplinary training in soil and freshwater catchment 

17 – 21 March Taxonomic skills and field techniques for freshwater ecology and quality 

18 – 20 March Developing your own mathematical models in R 

25 – 26 March NCAS training for environmental sciences: modelling Unified model (UM) course 

27 – 28 March NCAS training for environmental sciences: modelling UKCA course

4 

Introduction 

The Natural Environment Research Council is pleased to announce the training 

courses for 2013/14 funded as part of the pilot Postgraduate and Professional 

Skills Development Awards initiative. Inside this brochure you will find details of 

39 courses covering a wide range of topics within the environmental sciences, 

developed and delivered by experts from the UK and leading academic institutions 

from across the world. We are delighted to offer more than 500 fully-funded places 

available for both NERC-funded PhD students and early-career environmental 

science researchers. 

In today’s knowledge-based economy, economic success relies on the availability of a 

highly skilled workforce. In particular, the future prosperity of the UK environmental 

sciences sector depends on a healthy supply of people with the right skills to tackle 

the diverse and dynamic challenges we face. The training on offer here will directly 

address some of the current skills gaps identified by NERC and our partners in 

the environmental sector 1 , and includes courses covering fieldwork, modelling, 

taxonomy, numeracy and multi-disciplinarity. 

We are grateful to the environmental science community for their support and 

enthusiasm for this pilot scheme, and hope that we will be able to continue with 

this and similar initiatives in the future. We are confident that participants will not 

only gain the expertise essential to their current research projects, but also the 

transferrable skills needed for developing their future careers in academia or across 

the whole of the environmental sector. 

Eligibility 

Please note that unless otherwise stated, places will be allocated preferentially 

to current NERC-funded PhD students and early career researchers in the 

environmental sciences. However, depending on demand, a limited number of 

the funded places on offer may be available to applicants who do not meet these 

criteria. 

1 

LWEC Skills Review ‘Most Wanted Report’ 

www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/skillsreview/review2012.asp

5 

Survey, taxonomic and data analysis skills in aquatic 

ecology – freshwater taxonomy and surveying 

Dates 

Venue 

26 - 29 November 

Freshwater Biological Association, Windermere, Cumbria, UK. 

Number of places 15 

Course leader(s) 

Course partner(s) 

Course outline 

John Davy-Bowker, Dr Melanie Fletcher and Simon Pawley (Freshwater Biological 

Association), and Dr Genoveva Esteban (Bournemouth University). 

Bournemouth University and the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA). 

This four day course will introduce participants to the field collection and identification 

of freshwater macro-invertebrates, meiofauna, micro-fauna and microalgae (including 

diatoms), from both running and still water habitats. There will be a focus on imparting 

transferrable skills, and this classical taxon based training will be complemented by access 

to a variety of field sites and excellent laboratory facilities and equipment at the FBA, 

Windermere. Practical work will be supplemented by lectures on macroinvertebrates and 

on the functional diversity and role of small-sized organisms (i.e. meiofauna, microfauna, 

microalgae), so that participants can place their newly-acquired taxonomic skills into an 

ecological context. 

By the end of the course participants will have: 

• the skills and the confidence to sample and identify freshwater macro-invertebrates, 

micro-fauna, micro-algae and meiofauna 

• a clear understanding of the functional role of the smaller freshwater organisms in 

natural environments 

• key practical field and laboratory experience in survey design and taxonomy of a wide 

range of freshwater groups 

• the ability to identify and understand freshwater organisms, from micro-algae to macroinvertebrates, 

in an ecological context 

• understanding of appropriate health and safety issues. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 

Course website 

Course contacts 

Environmental scientists with an interest in aquatic ecology. 

To book a place, please go to the course website or contact the FBA. 

Email: events@fba.org.uk, telephone: 01539 442468 

Closing date: 8 November. 

www.fba.org.uk/training-events 

Please contact Dr Melanie Fletcher for further information. 

Email: events@fba.org.uk, telephone: 01539 442468

6 

Agri-informatics: applications of Big Data in 

delivering food security 

Dates 

Venue 

2 December: virtual lectures begin. 

11 – 12 March: two day workshop. 

The workshop will be held at Cranfield University Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK. 

Number of places 15-20 




Dr Ron Corstanje, Dr Toby Waine and Dr Steve Hallett (Cranfield University). 

Cranfield University. 

This training course will provide students interested in informatics driven applications for 

agricultural systems with a set of practical applications and tools for developing, managing 

and analysing ‘Big Data’, to better deliver food security. The proposed course will introduce 

and develop core skills in data acquisition, data and information management, using 

numerical and statistical modelling approaches that form the basis of information driven 

sustainable agriculture. It will incorporate ground, aerial and space borne sensing and sensor 

techniques for predictive mapping within the context of modelling agricultural ecosystems 

goods and services. 

The course will consist of a set of webinars combined with supporting, self-paced case 

studies that the students can complete in a bespoke web environment. It will be capped 

with a two-day intensive tutorial at Cranfield University. This will work through a set of case 

studies based on existing projects and datasets utilising the computing facilities on campus; 

these case studies will reflect key industry partnerships at the university. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students carrying out research in ecology, earth sciences, physical geography, modelling, 

agriculture, food, plant and soil sciences. 

Please complete the application form available on the course website. 

Closing date: 10 March. 

www.cranfield.ac.uk/study/professional-development/short-course-listings/professionaldevelopment-in-environment.html 

Please contact Ron Corstanje for further information. 

Email: roncorstanje@cranfield.ac.uk

7 

Soil matters 

Dates 

Venue 

2 – 6 December 

Cranfield University Campus, Bedfordshire, UK. 





Dr Jacqueline Hannam, Professor Karl Ritz, Professor Jane Rickson, Professor Guy Kirk, and 

Dr Ron Corstanje (Cranfield Univeristy). 


This training course offers participants core skills in soil systems focusing on practical, 

experimental and field based science. The course provides a comprehensive context 

for all soil-related research work and also covers skills that are transferable to other 

environmental sciences. 

The course content includes: 

• characterising the key features of the soil environment (physical, biological and chemical 

properties) and their impacts on soil quality and functioning 

• designing statistically valid experimental work in the field and laboratory, using a range of 

methodologies and techniques 

• handling, analysing and interpreting large soil data sets 

• introducing modelling approaches in soil systems 

• linking soil science research to policy and regulation. 

This week long residential course (5 days) will consist of interactive learning, practicals, 

laboratory and field work. A webinar in March (TBA) will assimilate the training acquired 

during the week long course. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students and early career researchers in soil science, physical geography, agriculture, ecology 

and environmental sciences. 

Please apply through the course website. 



Please contact Jack Hannam for further information. 

Email: j.a.hannam@cranfield.ac.uk

8 

Statistics for environmental evaluation: quantifying the 

environment – Advanced workshop 

Dates 

Venue 


Mathematics Building, University of Glasgow. 


Course leader 

Course partner 


Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Claire Miller (University of Glasgow), UK. 

University of Glasgow. 

This workshop will introduce some of the theory and application of advanced 

regression models including non-linear, nonparametric and generalised additive models in 

environmental contexts. A variety of approaches for smoothing including local polynomial 

regression and regression splines will be explained and illustrated through a series of 

lectures and practical lab sessions. The workshop will illustrate the appropriate uses and 

restrictions of advanced regression models, using R. Participants will develop appropriate 

methods for the construction, selection and evaluation of advanced regression models, 

and will meet the application of advanced regression models in a variety of practical 

environmental contexts. The workshop will also discuss the problems created by data 

which are dependent, missing and above/below the limit of detection. 

This workshop is aimed at students in environmental sciences who have previously 

attended the one week Statistics for Environmental Evaluation: quantifying the environment 

course. Participants will have an opportunity to study this topic in more depth. 

By application form available from the course website. 


www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mathematicsstatistics/events/conferences/ 

Please contact Susan Christie for further information. 

Email: susan.christie@glasgow.ac.uk

9 

NCAS Training for Environmental Sciences : 

Statistics 

Dates 

Venue 


University of Exeter, UK. 





Professor David B. Stephenson (University of Exeter). 

National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), and the University of Exeter. 

This is an intensive short course on statistical modelling concepts for climate scientists. Since 

it is impossible in such a short course to go into any great depth, this course aims instead to 

convey the fundamental modelling concepts in statistics and an understanding and ability of 

how to use them correctly to interpret climate data. The course will consist of nine lectures 

interspersed with multiple hands-on computer sessions using the freely available R language. 

By the end of the course, participants will have: 

• A deeper appreciation of statistical modelling 

• Awareness of some relevant areas of advanced statistics 

• Ability to apply methods intelligently using the R statistical language. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



All environmental scientists expecting to perform some statistics. 

Please apply online through the course website. 


www.ncas.ac.uk/index.php/en/summer-schools 

Please contact Louise Whitehouse for further information. 

Email: training@ncas.ac.uk

10 

Statistics for environmental evaluation: quantifying the 

environment course 

Dates 

Venue 

6 – 10 January 

Mathematics Building, University of Glasgow, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Professor Marian Scott (University of Glasgow). 

University of Glasgow, Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland (BioSS), and the 

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). 

This residential one week long training course takes participants potentially new to 

statistics and provides core training in theory, modelling and computation. The course 

will cover a range of topics starting with basic statistical inference (estimation, confidence 

intervals, etc.) and including more advanced topics such as trend analysis and time series, 

modern adaptive regression, and Bayesian methods. Throughout the course, students will 

be immersed in modern statistical computation using R, which will provide transferrable 

skills in scientific computing. The overarching goal is to offer practical training, so that as 

well as covering specific skills, the students will also be trained in the actual implementation 

and interpretation of the analysis. The training course has a number of component parts: 

expository lectures, case studies, practical computer-based sessions and informal discussion 

sessions (including review of statistical analyses in the environmental literature) with the 

emphasis on problem solving. 

Students in all areas of environmental sciences. 


Closing date: 13 December. 


Please contact Susan Christie for further information. 


11 

Understanding uncertainty in environmental 

modelling 

Dates 

Venue 


London School of Economics, London, UK. 





Dr Erica Thompson (LSE), Dr Emma Suckling (LSE) and Dr Elizabeth Stephens 

(University of Reading). 

London School of Economics and the University of Reading. 

Modelling and simulation are an increasingly important part of modern science, especially 

in highly policy-relevant environmental disciplines such as weather, climate, and hydrology. 

Good practice in the use and interpretation of models is therefore vital, both for sound 

science and for informing evidence-based policy decisions. The workshop will present an 

overview of model evaluation methods, statistical inference for model output, and the use 

of models in risk management and decision-making, with the aim of exposing participants 

to a variety of methods and insights available in environmental modelling and encouraging 

critical evaluation of the approaches and methodologies used in their own research. The 

workshop will be structured around several themes, with facilitated discussion time and 

interactive problem-solving exercises, allowing participants to explore and understand the 

concepts presented by the expert lecturers. The workshop will be short but intense. 

By the end of the course, participants will: 

• have an overview of the key issues in environmental modelling 

• have an understanding of how this affects their own research methods 

• know where to find expert guidance and further information. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Environmental scientists interested in modelling and simulation. 

Please email Lyn Grove (l.grove@lse.ac.uk) with the following details: your name, contact 

email address; institution, position (e.g. PhD student, postdoc), name and address of your 

primary supervisor (if you are a PhD student), funding body (in particular what proportion 

of your funding, if any, comes from NERC), and approximately 200 words including a brief 

description of your own research topic and what you hope to get out of this workshop. 


www.lse.ac.uk/CATS/Events/NERC-Understanding-Uncertainty-in-Environmental-Modelling. 

aspx 

Please contact Lyn Grove for further information. 

Email: l.grove@lse.ac.uk

12 

Data analysis with R statistical software 

Dates 

Venue 

9 – 15 January (including one rest day) 

Cardiff University, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Rob Thomas, assisted by Dr Alex Pollard and Dr Renata Medeiros (Cardiff University). 

Cardiff School of Biosciences and Eco-explore Community Interest Company. 

Statistical analysis is an increasingly important and useful part of the toolkit of techniques 

that are available for understanding the environment. This one week residential course in 

Wales’ Capital City is designed to help environmental scientists to become familiar with the 

R statistical software package, and to explore its potential as a powerful tool for analysing 

their own data, whatever their specific field of research. The course is designed to develop 

competence and confidence in data analysis, encompassing the majority of statistical 

methods that most environmental scientists need to use in their day-to-day research, as 

well as a conceptual framework for learning more specialised methodologies for particular 

research fields. The course includes a series of 12 taught sessions, interspersed with informal 

workshop sessions in which participants can apply the methods to their own datasets and/ 

or class example datasets. Learning is supported by a course guidebook, template scripts, 

and through post-course support and networking. 

PhD students and post-doctoral researchers in environmental sciences. Datasets and 

examples are mainly from ecological contexts but we emphasise how these can be 

generalised to cover a wide range of topics in environmental science. 

Please email Dr Rob Thomas (ThomasRJ@Cardiff.ac.uk) with the following details: your 

name, contact email address, institution, position (e.g. PhD student, postdoc), funding body 

(in particular what proportion of your funding, if any, comes from NERC) and field of 

research. Please also provide a short (3-4 sentences) summary of your interest in joining 

this course. 


http://nercstatistics.wordpress.com/ and 

www.facebook.com/groups/308600982528221 

Please contact Dr Rob Thomas for further information. 

Email: thomasrj@cardiff.ac.uk

13 

Introduction to mathematical modelling for the 

environmental and biological sciences 

Dates 

Venue 

Number of places 




Suitable for 

How to apply 




Cottrell Building, University of Stirling, UK. 

20 fully funded places, plus 10 to pay travel, accommodation and subsistence only. 

Professor Rachel Norman, Dr Adam Kleczkowski, Dr Anthony O’Hare, Dr Darren Green, 

Dr Bruce McAdam and Dr Andy Hoyle (University of Stirling). 

University of Stirling. 

Students in the biological sciences are increasingly turning to mathematical modelling in the 

era of climate change, big data, the three Rs of animal testing, and remote sensing. However, 

they often lack the background necessary to create their own mathematical or statistical 

models. This one week course, run by mathematicians, physicists and ecologists with 

experience in epidemiology and terrestrial and marine ecology, aims to address this skills 

gap by providing an introduction to basic modelling concepts and a guide to using common 

skills. In the mornings, we will guide the students through the key steps of researching the 

question, formulating the model framework, parameterising the model, and model criticism. 

The practical afternoon sessions will put the principals into action using Matlab, R and 

generic modelling packages; culminating in a personal project and personalised advice on 

further study and collaboration. 

PhD students and early-stage researchers with a biological background who wish to 

develop interdisciplinary skills in mathematical modelling for the life sciences. 

Please email a one page document to Rachel Norman (r.a.norman@stir.ac.uk) with the 

following details: your name, institution, funding body (in particular what proportion of your 

funding, if any, comes from NERC), contact details; and a brief summary of your research 

area and a brief discussion of why this course would benefit you. 


Places will be confirmed by Friday 6 December. 

www.cs.stir.ac.uk/~ran/nerccourse.htm 

For further information, please contact Rachel Norman. 

Email: r.a.norman@stir.ac.uk

14 

MDIBL environmental genomics: a short 

course to guide genomics research applied to 

environmental sciences 

Dates 

Venue 


University of Birmingham, UK. 

Number of places 25 to 40 




Professor John Colbourne and Professor Mark Viant (University of Birmingham), Joseph 

Shaw and Ben King (Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory), and Xin Zhou (Beijing 

Genomics Institute). 

University of Birmingham (UK), BGI (Shenzhen, China), and Mount Desert Island Biological 

Laboratory (USA). 

This two day course trains PhD students and early career researchers to understand how 

gene function is influenced by environmental conditions while accounting for variation that 

exists within and among natural populations. 

Participants are taught Core Modules (CM) and Optional Modules (OM) using open-source 

analysis tools and existing OMICS data: (CM1) Acquiring Environmental OMICS Data; 

(CM2) Introduction to UNIX and R; (CM3) Visualization of sequence and metabolomics 

data for quality assurance; (CM4) Software solutions for the sequence and metabolomics 

data workflows & their applications; (CM5) Visualizing complex data; (CM6) Statistical 

considerations for analysing genome-scale data; (OM1) Sequence data analysis workshop 

using R to analyse Tuxedo output; (OM2) Biological inference using pathway analysis; (OM3) 

Exploring genome sequence variation; (OM4) Exploring transcriptional variation; (OM5) 

Exploring metabolomics variation; (CM7) Integrating omics data. 

Daphnia is used for training because of its growing use as a model system for environmental 

genomics and for improving environmental health protection, yet the skills learned during 

the course will be applicable to all study systems with mature genomics resources. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students and early career researchers. Priority is given to NERC-funded PhD students 

and attendees of the Daphnia Genomics Consortium (DGC) meeting held at University of 

Birmingham on 19 – 22 January. 

Apply online through the course website. 


www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/biosciences/conferences/mdibl-course/ 

For further information, please email DGC.birmingham@gmail.com

15 

Insect taxonomy and field sampling skills 

Dates 

Venue 





20 – 24 January (standard 5 day package) 

22 – 24 January (3 day package, excluding introductory days) 

Department for Continuing Education and Museum of Natural History, 

University of Oxford, UK. 

15 per taxonomic session, 45 in total. 

Mr Darren Mann, Mr Robert Aquilina and Mr Ivan Wright. 

University of Oxford. 

The workshop begins with an optional two-day introductory session providing an essential 

overview of taxonomic theory, identification skills and basic field sampling and specimen 

preservation techniques. This is followed by three days of sessions chosen from one of the 

specific taxonomic options: 

• Carabidae: ground beetles 

• Apidae: pollinators (social and solitary bees) 

• Coleoptera: freshwater macroinvertebrates 

Full board and accommodation in Oxford will be provided, along with a travel allowance. 

Delegates will be invited to bring their own samples on the final sessions for tailored help 

to address specific identification issues. 

The workshop offers an essential core grounding of transferrable skills in taxonomic theory, 

identification skills and surveying techniques. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



NERC-funded PhD students and early career researchers in the environmental sciences 

that are seeking training in insect taxonomy and field sampling skills. 

Please book online through the course website. 

Closing date for priority candidates: 17 December. Later deadline: 15 January. 

www.conted.ox.ac.uk/ 

For further information, please call 01865 286952 or email envman@conted.ox.ac.uk

16 

Understanding and communicating 

environmental risk and uncertainty 

Dates 

Venue 

10 – 14 February 

Cranfield University Campus, Bedfordshire, UK. 





Dr George Prpich and Dr Simon Jude (Cranfield University). 


This course covers the fundamentals of risk assessment, risk and uncertainty management, 

and environmental decision making. It will provide students with cross-disciplinary skills in 

assessing and understanding risk and uncertainty. Knowledge will be contextualised using 

practical examples from industry and academia pertaining to the integration of science into 

policy and decision-making. 


• understand the concept of risk and uncertainty across the environmental domain 

• use a number of quantitative and qualitative tools to measure risk 

• identify and apply the appropriate tool to any given risk 

• measure uncertainty 

• communicate risk and uncertainty 

• understand the role of risk-based evidence in policy making 

• identify evidence appropriate for supporting environmental policy 

• develop effective strategies for communicating risk and uncertainty. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students and researchers in environmental sciences, natural and physical sciences, 

engineering, and environmental policy. 

Please see the course website for details. 

Closing date: 31 January. 


Please contact George Prpich for further information. 

Email: g.prpich@cranfield.ac.uk

17 

Spatio-temporal modelling workshop 

Dates 

Venue 







Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Duncan Lee (University of Glasgow). 


This workshop will introduce statistical approaches to modelling data that have spatial 

and temporal structure. The workshop will first give in-depth discussions of purely spatial 

and purely temporal modelling, including: geostatistics (including Kriging), areal (lattice) 

models including Markov Random fields; point process models including homogeneous and 

inhomogeneous Poisson processes; autoregressive moving average models; trend detection 

and estimation and prediction. These will then be extended to introduce spatio-temporal 

modelling, dealing first with separable spatial and temporal correlation structures, before 

finally addressing a full spatio-temporal construction. All methods will be taught including 

both the relevant theory and the practical aspect of how to apply and implement these 

methods to real environmental data in R. 

PhD students in environmental sciences. 




For further information, please contact Susan Christie. 


18 

Dates 

Venue 

Keystone skills in bioinformatics 


Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Wallingford, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Professor Dawn Field (CEH), Professor Peter Kille (University of Cardiff), Dr Tracey Timms- 

Wilson (CEH), Professor Richard Nichols (Queen Mary University of London), Tim Booth 

(CEH), and Dr Norman Morrison (University of Manchester). 

Environmental Omics Synthesis (EOS) Centre. 

Students on this two-week residential course will learn foundational skills in bioinformatics 

and associated statistical innovations. The course is centred around the Bio-Linux 

computing platform. In addition to learning sound computing skills in a Linux environment 

we will also familiarize students with the use of cloud computing, programming (in two 

languages, Python and R) and workflows (with Taverna). This will give the students a 

rounded view of the use and creation of bespoke solutions for analysis of data. Students 

will use their own laptops in the course and return to their laboratories with all the 

software/materials as part of a working Bio-Linux distribution where they can continue to 

work on their own data. Successful applicants will receive an EOS training fellowship that 

covers food and accommodation for the duration of the course. 

PhD students and early career researchers in environmental sciences. 

Please see details on the course website. 


http://environmentalomics.org/foundations 

Please contact Tracey Timms-Wilson for details. 

Email: tmt@ceh.ac.uk

19 

Modelling structure and dynamics in 

complex networks 

Dates 

Venue 


Ross Priory, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. 

www.strath.ac.uk/rescat/rosspriory/ 





Professor Ernesto Estrada (University of Strathclyde). 

University of Strathclyde. 

The study of complex networks has become an important interdisciplinary field of research 

in the 21st Century. Its impact in biology, society, technology and ecology is expected to be 

a tremendous revolution. The interest is in developing statistical-mechanics concepts which 

enable us to understand the organization and function of complex networks. At the global 

scale this involves properties such as expansibility, topological and functional bottlenecks, 

organization of clusters, global communicability, “clumpiness” of nodes in a network, 

returnability, etc. In this course the basic concepts of network theory are introduced, such 

as small-worldness and scale-freeness. The study of node centrality for networks and its 

relevance for biological and ecological networks is also studied. Finally, we will study some 

models for analysing dynamical processes occurring on networks, such as synchronization, 

epidemic spreading and replication-mutation. 

By the end of the course, participants will be able to: 

• develop network models for their own analyses 

• understand the appropriate use of the models 

• critically assess published models. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students in environmental sciences. 

Email m.heath@strath.ac.uk with the following information: a short CV, details of your PhD, 

project funding body (in particular what proportion of your funding, if any, comes from 

NERC), and a one page personal statement detailing your academic background, existing 

ability with R and why you wish to attend the course. 

Closing date for applications: 15 December. 

www.strath.ac.uk/mathstat/cpdcourses/ 

Please contact Professor Ernesto Estrada for further information. 

Email: ernesto.estrada@strath.ac.uk

20 

Scientific diving: techniques and 

technologies 

Dates 

Venue 


Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Martin Sayer. 

Scottish Association for Marine Science, Heriott Watt University and the Marine Alliance for 

Science and Technology Scotland. 

This short course will examine some of the current and emerging techniques and 

technologies currently employed in scientific diving. The exact content of the course will 

be structured to suit the specific needs of the students supported. There will be generic 

sessions on existing and emerging underwater technologies, standard and advanced diving 

techniques, plus related health and safety, and relevant occupational legislation. The types 

of practical training offered could include: quantitative underwater imaging (including 

underwater 3-D techniques), methods for geo-referencing, constructing and conducting 

underwater surveys, responsible and sustainable sampling, and deploying and recovering 

scientific equipment. 

Students in any NERC-related scientific discipline that are using diving for their research. 

Application form available from request from the course organiser. 

Email: mdsj@sams.ac.uk. Closing date: 20 December. 

www.sams.ac.uk/martin-sayer 

For further information please contact Martin Sayer. Email: mdsj@sams.ac.uk

19 

Dates 

Venue 

Re-boot camp: statistical methods in ecology 

and evolution 


Porth-en-Alls, Prussia Cove, Cornwall, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Dave Hodgson and Dr Al Wilson (University of Exeter). 

University of Exeter. 

This is a week-long residential course in statistical methods for ecology and evolutionary 

biology, using software “R”. The course is designed to cope with problems of nonindependence 

in experimental or survey design. Ideally suited to PhD students with basic 

training in R and in general linear modelling. You will gain most from this course if you have 

your own dataset to work with. You will emerge from this course with an understanding of 

how to deal with spatial, temporal, phylogenetic and pedigree non-independence in your 

data. Topics covered: (1) getting comfortable with linear models in R, (2) spatial analyses, (3) 

time series analyses, (4) phylogenetic analyses, (5) the animal model, (6) next steps. We will 

focus on real-world case studies, and concentrate on solving your own data-analysis and 

model-representation issues. All this in a windswept, cliffside castle in Cornwall, and with a 

free surfing lesson! 

Second and third year PhD students in the life and environmental sciences, particularly 

ecology and evolutionary biology. 

By email to Dr Dave Hodgson (d.j.hodgson@exeter.ac.uk). 


http://cornwallrebootcamp.eventbrite.co.uk 

Please contact Dr Dave Hodgson for further information. 

Email: d.j.hodgson@ex.ac.uk

20 

Practical use of mini- and micro- unmanned aerial 

vehicles for the environmental sciences 

Dates 

Venue 


Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, UK. 





Professor Rob MacKenzie (University of Birmingham), Dr Phil Anderson (Scottish 

Association for Marine Science), Dr Rick Thomas (University of Birmingham), and Dr Keri 

Nicoll (University of Reading). 

The University of Birmingham, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), and the 

University of Reading. 

This comprehensive five-day course will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on, 

practical skills required to undertake an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) campaign safely, 

legally and successfully for NERC oriented science. 

Practical sessions will take the form of simulated mission scenarios, where you will have 

the chance to take an off-the shelf instrument, integrate it into a mini/micro UAV airframe 

(

23 

Multivariate ecological statistics: exploring 

tools for ecologists 

Dates 

Venue 

17 – 20 February (standard 4 day package) 

18 – 20 Feburary (3 day package, excluding introductory day) 

Rewley House, Department for Continuing Education, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, UK. 





Dr Thomas Hesselberg and Dr Ben Woodcock (University of Oxford). 


This workshop is aimed at NERC-funded PhD students and early career researchers that 

are seeking skills training in multivariate statistical approaches to ecology and environmental 

sciences. 

The workshop consists of an optional introductory refresher session in which the basis of 

inferential statistics is established including an introduction to the programming language R, 

followed by three days on advanced statistics. The advanced sessions will examine complex 

analytical approaches used in the exploration, analysis and interpretation of a wide range 

of experimental designs, data types and spatial/temporal scales including generalised linear 

models, mixed models and the principals of ordination (principal component analysis, 

discriminant component analysis and canonical correlation analysis). 

Full board and accommodation in Oxford will be provided, along with a travel allowance. 

The workshop will equip participants with core statistical and analytical skills essential to 

setting up landscape scale studies, evaluating ecosystem services and conducting ecological 

research. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 


Students in environmental sciences. 


Priority closing date: 17 December 2013. Later deadline of 15 January 2014. 

www.conted.ox.ac.uk/MES 

Course contacts Please contact envman@conted.ox.ac.uk, or telephone 01865 86952 

for further information.

24 

Molecular techniques for taxonomy 

Dates 

Venue 





17 – 21 February and 3 –7 March (two identical workshops). 

Molecular Laboratories, the Natural History Museum, London, UK. 

10 places per workshop 

Alex Aitken, Steve Russell and Andie Hall (Natural History Museum). 

The Natural History Museum. 

Day one: an overview of DNA, PCR principles for optimising experimental conditions; 

advice on specimen collection and storage; introduction to laboratory equipment; method 

selection; looking at the specimen type to determine the optimal protocols; following a 

protocol. 

Days two and three: DNA extractions with practical experiments involving zoological/ 

mammalian, entomological (non-destructive sampling critical for rare or limited material), 

botanical, and microbial (environmental) samples; DNA quantification and qualification by 

various methods. 

Day four: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); gel electrophoresis of PCR results; casting, 

loading and running a gel; interpretation of results. 

Day five: optimisation of PCR; theory of Sequencing (Sanger and Next Generation). 

Throughout the week there will be opportunities to meet with relevant museum 

researchers who work on specific specimen types or in specialist areas, and tours of 

collection spaces and science facilities (subject to availability). 


• have confidence in the use of molecular equipment for DNA extraction and analysis 

• have practical experience of working with different specimen types. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Environmental scientists who wish to learn or enhance their DNA extraction and analysis 

techniques. 

Please complete the application form available through the course website. 


www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/science-facilities/molecular-labs/services/training/trainingopportunities/index.html 

Please contact Alex Aitken for further information. 

Email: a.aitken@nhm.ac.uk or MolecularLabTeam@nhm.ac.uk

25 

Data analysis for aquatic ecologists 

Dates 

Venue 


Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University, UK. 





Dr Rick Stafford and Dr Duncan Golicher (Bournemouth University). 

Bournemouth University. 

This four day course will introduce participants to modern data analysis techniques, with 

specific relevance to methods used in aquatic ecology. It is expected that participants 

will have a basic level of statistical understanding, as developed in a typical undergraduate 

degree, but the course will provide an introduction to the ‘industry standard’ statistical 

software of R, and the benefits it provides in dealing with large aquatic datasets. The course 

will largely be run through interactive seminars dealing with real marine and freshwater 

ecology datasets. 


• be able to use R to analyse large datasets confidently, using the latest methods, including 

modern mixed methods approaches, multivariate techniques and informatics-based 

approaches for data exploration. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Ecology students wishing to develop their statistical knowledge. 

To book a place, please go to the course website, call 01202 961726 or email 

apscishortcourses@bournemouth.ac.uk. 


www.bournemouth.ac.uk/applied-sciences/study-with-us/short-courses.html 

For further information please telephone 01202 961726 or 

email apscishortcourses@bournemouth.ac.uk

26 

Field techniques in the coastal margin: in cooperation 

with CBESS and MASTS 

Dates 

Venue 


Arnside, Morecambe Bay, Cumbria, UK. 





Professor David Paterson (University of St Andrews). 

University of St Andrews, Bangor University, University of Southampton, and Queens 

University Belfast. 

This training course will take participants through the process of planning and conducting a 

major field campaign. We will focus on the experimental design, logistics and safety involved 

when collecting biological and socio-economic data in the field. 

The course will include on-line (e-learning) introductory tutorials/materials followed by a 

one week residential field course. This will involve data collection in the field, seminars and 

lectures. Salt marsh and mudflat habitats will be the focus of the course, but the knowledge 

that you gain could be applied in many fieldwork situations. 

Participants will have the opportunity to acquire skills and expertise in sampling, 

identification of species, ecological appraisal, environmental monitoring and management of 

marine and coastal environments. Evening seminars by local partners will put your training 

into a management/policy context. 


• have an enhanced knowledge of the field of coastal biodiversity and ecosystems, 

including interdisciplinary fields 

• master the key concepts in their ecological and socio-ecological functioning. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 

PhD and early career researchers in environmental science, coastal management, and 

environmental policy. 

An application form is available to download from the course website. 

Closing date: 2 December at 5.00 pm. 



http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/cbess/ 

Please contact Meriem Kayoueche-Reeve for further information. 

Email: mkr3@st-andrews.ac.uk

27 

Bayesian methods to fit statistical models in 

environmental science 

Dates 

Venue 








Dr Robin Cook, Dr Kim Kavanagh, and Professor Chris Robertson 

(University of Strathclyde). 


This course is based upon the premise that students have already been exposed to 

a course of elementary statistical methods. Bayesian model fitting methods will be 

introduced and compared to classical Likelihood approaches. Criteria for assessing 

convergence and model fit will be discussed. We will then demonstrate how to set up 

more complex structural models where Bayesian methods are necessary for model fitting. 

Extensions to the context of spatial and temporal smoothing such as in disease mapping 

will also be covered. The software R and Winbugs will be used in the practical sessions 

using the R2WinBUGS package. This course will focus on the application of the methods 

and modelling but will also cover sufficient theory to explain the modelling concepts. 

The course will assume existing familiarity with programming in R, and of basic statistical 

concepts including probability and Bayes’ Theorem. 


• be able to develop the models for their own analyses in R 

• understand the appropriate use of the models 

• critically assess published models. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students carrying out research in environmental science. 

Email m.heath@strath.ac.uk with a short CV, details of your PhD project and funding 

sources, and a 1-page personal statement detailing your academic background, existing 

ability with R and why you wish to attend the course. 



Please contact Professor Chris Robertson (chris.robertson@strath.ac.uk) 

for further information.

28 

Dates 

Venue 


Course leader 



Population genomics and metagenomics shortcourse 

25 February – 6 March 

Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, UK. 

30 funded places, plus 10 unfunded places. 

Dr Konrad Paszkiewicz (University of Exeter). 

University of Exeter, University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, University of Glasgow, 

University of Oregon, and University of Colorado. 

Population and metagenomics analysis are fields which have developed rapidly over the 

recent years and have opened up new methodologies to researchers in ecology, systematics, 

evolutionary development and ecotoxicology. 

The aim of this hands-on course is to provide training in the analysis of Restriction-site 

Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) and Meta-genomics data for individuals with little 

or no informatics background. Training in basic skills such as the linux command line will 

also be provided. We request that all participants bring their own laptops to the course as 

training will be done on the Amazon EC2 cloud. 

We have arranged for leading population genomic and metagenomic experts in the US and 

the UK to serve as instructors for this short-course. Instructors have either developed the 

molecular methods, the theory behind the analysis, or have actively developed the relevant 

software and training materials to perform the analysis. 

• Linux command line and Amazon cloud training 

• RAD-seq analysis training 

• Metagenomics training 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students and researchers working in environmental science, ecology, ecotoxicology, 

evolutionary development, and related areas. 

Please register your interest through the course website by 31 December. 

Participants will be notified if they have been selected for the workshop 

by 10 January. 

http://populationgenomics.eventbrite.co.uk 

For administrative enquiries, please contact Pete Hodges, Event Manager 

(p.j.m.hodges@exeter.ac.uk). For course-content related enquiries, please contact 

Konrad Pasziewicz (k.h.paszkiewicz@exeter.ac.uk).

29 

Geophysical skills development for 

environmental scientists 

Dates 

Venue 

1 – 7 March 

Keele University, Staffordshire and Castle Head field Centre, Cumbria, UK. 





Dr Nigel Cassidy and Dr Jamie Pringle (Keele University). 

Keele University. 

An intensive, seven-day residential skills development course that aims to equip PhD 

students and early career researchers with the essential knowledge, understanding, skills and 

real-world appreciation of modern, near-surface environmental geophysics. 

The course has two inter-linked, consecutive components: 

1) A two-day skills workshop at Keele University where attendees will learn the theory/ 

practice of a range of near-surface geophysical techniques commonly used in 

environmental research (e.g. Ground-Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity Imaging, 

Microgravity). 

2) A five-day, field-based programme of training and skills development in geophysical data 

collection, planning, processing, management, interpretation, visualisation, modelling and 

reporting/presentation. The fieldwork will take place near Grange-over-sands, Cumbria, 

UK. 

The course is designed around a practical environmental pollution problem so that 

participants will experience the complexities of data collection, analysis and interpretation 

under commercial conditions - a key skill for future research and/or commercial sector 

employment. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Environmental and natural scientists that have limited theoretical/practical experience of 

near-surface geophysics but wish (or intend) to use these techniques in their research or 

future career. 

Please contact Dr Nigel Cassidy (n.j.cassidy@keele.ac.uk) and/or download the application 

form from the course website. 

www.keele.ac.uk/envirogeophysics-training/ 

Please contact Dr Nigel Cassidy for further information. 

Email: n.j.cassidy@keele.ac.uk 

Telephone: 01782 733180

30 

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for 

environmental management 

Dates 

Venue 

3 - 6 March (standard 4 day package) 

4 – 6 March (3 day package, excluding introductory day) 

Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, UK.. 





Mr Chris Talbot. 


This workshop is aimed at NERC-funded PhD students and early career researchers 

that are seeking skills training in the theory and practical applications of GIS in ecology, 

environmental science and management. 

The workshop consists of an optional introductory refresher session covering the basic 

principles and concepts of GIS and a navigation through the open source software 

package Quantum GIS (QGIS), followed by three days dedicated to field data collection, 

manipulation and analysis, and the key spatial analysis techniques used in landscape scale 

case studies. On the final day delegates are invited to bring their own GIS data, enabling 

them to apply new techniques addressed during the workshop to their data with the 

support of the tutor. 

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with core transferrable GIS 

programming skills to: 

• undertake environmental research 

• map key consultancy data including phase 1 habitat data 

• undertake conservation planning and data recording 

• evaluate landscape connectivity and permeability to assess biodiversity offsetting. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students and early career researchers in fields related to ecology and environmental 

science and management. 


Priority closing date: 17 December 2013. Later deadline of 15 January 2014. 

www.conted.ox.ac.uk/GIS 

For further information please email envman@conted.ox.ac.uk.

31 

Understanding the soil underfoot: a soil science 

training school for postgraduate researchers 

Dates 

Venue 

3 – 7 March 

Lancaster University, UK. 





Professor Phil Haygarth, Professor John Quinton, Dr Helaina Black, and Dr Kathryn Alton. 

Lancaster University, The British Society of Soil Science, and the James Hutton Institute. 

The training school is an intense 5-day residential programme for ambitious and energetic 

students. The course is specifically designed for students who are striving to improve 

both their knowledge and skills in soil science and who are keen to develop skills in the 

dissemination of this knowledge through the production of short educational videos 


• obtain a critical understanding of functional soil science, from the fundamentals to the 

forefront 

• develop science communication skills to a wide array of differing audiences 

• gain certification by the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists through completion of the 

“Working with soils: Foundation skills in Soil Science” modules 1 and 2. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students studying environmental science subjects with a soils based component. 

To apply, delegates should register their interest in the course online at http://www.soils.org. 

uk/events/ clicking the “Book Now” link. 


www.soils.org.uk/events/event-199/ 

For further information please contact the British Society of Soil Science. 

Email: events@soils.org.uk. 

Telephone: 01234 752983

32 

Molecular techniques for taxonomy 

Dates 

Venue 





17 – 21 February and 3 –7 March (two identical workshops). 

Molecular Laboratories, the Natural History Museum, London, UK. 

10 places per workshop. 

Alex Aitken, Steve Russell and Andie Hall (Natural History Museum). 

The Natural History Museum. 

Day one: an overview of DNA, PCR principles for optimising experimental conditions; 

advice on specimen collection and storage; introduction to laboratory equipment; method 

selection; looking at the specimen type to determine the optimal protocols; following a 

protocol. 

Days two and three: DNA extractions with practical experiments involving zoological/ 

mammalian, entomological (non-destructive sampling critical for rare or limited material), 

botanical, and microbial (environmental) samples; DNA quantification and qualification by 

various methods. 

Day four: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); gel electrophoresis of PCR results; casting, 

loading and running a gel; interpretation of results. 

Day five: optimisation of PCR; theory of Sequencing (Sanger and Next Generation). 

Throughout the week there will be opportunities to meet with relevant museum 

researchers who work on specific specimen types or in specialist areas, and tours of 

collection spaces and science facilities (subject to availability). 


• have confidence in the use of molecular equipment for DNA extraction and analysis 

• have practical experience of working with different specimen types. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Environmental scientists who wish to learn or enhance their DNA extraction and analysis 

techniques. 

Please complete the application form available through the course website. 


www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/science-facilities/molecular-labs/services/training/trainingopportunities/index.html 

Please contact Alex Aitken for further information. 

Email: a.aitken@nhm.ac.uk or MolecularLabTeam@nhm.ac.uk

33 

Plant taxonomy, identification and field skills 

Dates 

Venue 

3 –14 March, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK. 


Course leader 



Dr Tim Utteridge and Dr Gemma Bramley (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew). 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

This course combines the expertise of Kew’s scientists to provide lectures and practicals 

on the identification of common plant families, field survey and analytical techniques, plant 

taxonomy and nomenclature, and molecular and anatomical methods in systematics. 


• be able to identify c. 30 plant families (focus on temperate regions; some also tropical) 

using key characters and relevant identification tools 

• correctly interpret scientific names and classifications 

• make botanical specimens of high scientific value 

• have a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of mapping and navigation 

using GPS, survey skills and sampling design, selecting appropriate field tools and 

technologies to use 

• understand the role of molecular, phytochemical and anatomical data in systematic 

studies 

• be aware of the importance of linking taxonomic, identification and survey skills with 

conservation initiatives 

• gain access to useful contacts and after-course support. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 

Course webpage 


Students in environmental sciences, particularly in Ecology, Botany and Conservation. 



www.kew.org/learn/specialist-training/courses-a-z/plant-taxonomy-identification-and-fieldskills/index.htm 

Please contact Gemma Bramley (g.bramley@kew.org) or 

Tim Utteridge (t.utteridge@kew.org) for further information.

34 

Taxonomic principles and tools in botanical 

research 

Dates 

Venue 

10 – 14 March 

The Natural History Museum, London, UK, plus a one-day field excursion. 





Dr Silvia Pressel, Professor Juliet Brodie, Dr Mark Carine and Dr Fred Rumsey (Natural 

History Museum). 

The Natural History Museum, London. 

This course will deliver training on fundamental taxonomic principles and contemporary 

issues in the subject together with training in practical identification skills tailored to the 

requirements of participants. The latter is offered in vascular plants (flowering plants 

and ferns), bryophytes, lichens, marine macroalgae (red, brown and green seaweeds) and 

freshwater algae (cyanobacteria and diatoms) and will be delivered to small groups of 

maximum five students based on their choice expressed in their application. The course 

is delivered by taxonomic specialists and makes use of the Museum’s collections. Two days 

of lectures and demonstrations will be complemented by three days of hands-on practical 

sessions, including one day in the field and two days of herbarium/laboratory-based work. 

By the end of the course participants will: 

• understand key principles and techniques of taxonomy 

• know how to best access and use taxonomic resources 

• understand key features and terminology 

• work confidently with keys for identification 

• appreciate the critical role of specimens in scientific research 

• understand best practice in collecting, preparing and preserving specimens for research 

• know how to optimise herbarium-use for research 

• gain skills in fieldwork and field identification 

• gain knowledge of representative taxa through collection, preparation and preservation 

of specimens. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



This course will benefit a wide range of PhD students and early career researchers who 

wish to acquire or enhance their taxonomic expertise. 

Applications should be made using the application form downloadable from the course 

website. 


www.nhm.ac.uk/training-courses 

For further information, please contact Dr Silvia Pressel. 

Email: s.pressel@nhm.ac.uk

35 

Dates 

Venue 

Sea ice field training: deployment of sensor and 

implement technology for data collection and 

monitoring in a critical and vulnerable environment 

10 – 16 March 

Tvärminne Zoological Station on the Finnish Baltic Sea. 

(TZS http://luoto.tvarminne.helsinki.fi/english/index.htm) 





Professor Andrew Brierley (University of St Andrews), Professor David Thomas (Bangor 

University), Dr Mark Brandon (The Open University), and Dr Jeremy Wilkinson (British 

Antarctic Survey). 

University of St Andrews, Bangor University, The Open University, British Antarctic Survey, 

and the Finnish Environment Institute. 

This course will provide training in sea ice physics, chemistry and biology, and deployment 

of instrumentation to sample and monitor this hostile yet critical and changing environment. 

Sea ice is in decline, particularly in the Arctic, with direct environmental and geopolitical 

influences on northern Europe and beyond because of interconnections mediated by global 

ocean and atmospheric circulation. The course will be highly practical. Content will be based 

loosely on ‘Field Techniques for Sea Ice Research’ (Eicken & Salganek, 2010). Students will 

gain hands-on experience in the deployment of a variety of instruments, and in analysis of 

data and specimens arising. Suitably qualified students may get the opportunity for under-ice 

SCUBA diving. 

Students will work as a team, taking an active role in the design of an on-ice field 

programme, the health and safety issues arising from such a campaign, and the sampling 

logistics. 

This holistic approach will provide the students with the necessary experience to efficiently 

and safely perform fieldwork in hostile environments. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students carrying out research in environmental science, particularly in sea ice. 

By application form obtained from Andrew Brierley (asb4@st-and.ac.uk). 


http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/postgraduate/seaice/ 

Please contact Andrew Brierley for more information. 

Email: asb4@st-and.ac.uk

36 

Agri-informatics: applications of Big Data in 

delivering food security 

Dates 

Venue 

2 December: virtual lectures begin. 

11 – 12 March: two day workshop. 

The workshop will be held at Cranfield University Campus, Bedfordshire, UK. 

Number of places 15-20 




Dr Ron Corstanje, Dr Toby Waine and Dr Steve Hallett (Cranfield University). 


This training course will provide students interested in informatics driven applications for 

agricultural systems with a set of practical applications and tools for developing, managing 

and analysing ‘Big Data’, to better deliver food security. The proposed course will introduce 

and develop core skills in data acquisition, data and information management, using 

numerical and statistical modelling approaches that form the basis of information driven 

sustainable agriculture. It will incorporate ground, aerial and space borne sensing and sensor 

techniques for predictive mapping within the context of modelling agricultural ecosystems 

goods and services. 

The course will consist of a set of webinars combined with supporting, self-paced case 

studies that the students can complete in a bespoke web environment. It will be capped 

with a two-day intensive tutorial at Cranfield University. This will work through a set of case 

studies based on existing projects and datasets utilising the computing facilities on campus; 

these case studies will reflect key industry partnerships at the university. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students carrying out research in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Modelling, 

Agriculture, Food, Plant and Soil Sciences. 


Closing date: 10 March. 


Please contact Ron Corstanje for further information. 

Email: roncorstanje@cranfield.ac.uk

37 

Ecosystem based management using Ecopath 

with Ecosim 

Dates 

Venue 

11 – 13 March 







Dr Sheila JJ Heymans and Dr Karen Alexander (Scottish Association for Marine Science). 

University of Strathclyde and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. 

Ecopath with Ecosim is a free ecosystem modelling software that describes the ecological 

effects of fishing and climate change. This course will give you an understanding of the 

theory behind the Ecopath with Ecosim software, along with the confidence to construct 

and interpret basic ecosystem models. 

Ecopath uses the constraints of balancing energy and production in a food web to solve 

for unknown values and is useful for describing important interactions and knowledge gaps. 

Ecosim allows for time dynamic simulations of these fluxes driven by forcing data of either 

fishing or environmental change. Although the initial model development is straightforward, 

added capabilities allow you to address wide-ranging policy questions, from evaluating 

the relative impact of climate and fisheries and tracing effects of bioaccumulation, to 

optimisation of the placement of marine protected areas and the evaluation of social and 

economic consequences of management interactions. 

By the end of the course, participants will have: 

• a working example of an EwE model 

• the skill to develop their model for their own ecosystem applications. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students carrying out research in ecosystem based management, fisheries science and 

environmental science. 

Email Joanne Allday (samscourses@sams.ac.uk) with the following: a short CV, details of 

your PhD, funding body (in particular what proportion of your funding, if any, comes from 

NERC), a one page personal statement detailing your academic background, and why you 

wish to attend the course. 


www.sams.ac.uk/education/short-courses 

Please contact Joanne Allday for more information. 

Email: samscourses@sams.ac.uk

38 

Marine taxonomy and habitat survey 

Dates 

Venue 

11 – 14 March 

Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University, and field sites in Dorset, UK. 





Dr Roger Herbert (Bournemouth University). 

Bournemouth University 

This four day course is aimed at developing knowledge of coastal marine habitats, 

specific identification skills and habitat survey methods that support marine biodiversity 

conservation, monitoring and research. Participants will focus on the Marine Habitat 

Classification Scheme for Britain and Ireland and other related European Schemes and will 

take advantage of the varied coastal habitats of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and 

Poole Harbour. This course will be largely field-based supported by laboratory sessions and 

seminars, and will be based at Bournemouth University with field sessions leaving from this 

location. 

Activities will involve: 

• benthic sampling in Poole Harbour, and identification of soft-sediment fauna 

• survey methods for rocky shores, and identification of algae and invertebrates on rocky 

shores 

• introduction to Marine Intertidal Biotope assessment 

• identification of marine biotopes. Those taking the course will develop skills and 

knowledge to design and undertake a wide variety of marine surveys and be able to 

confidently identify a wide range of marine taxa from different habitats. 

On completing the course participants will: 

• develop skills and knowledge to design and undertake a wide variety of marine surveys 

• be able to confidently identify a wide range of marine taxa from different habitats. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Ecology students wishing to develop their survey and taxonomy knowledge. 

For further information and to book a place, please go to the course website, or contact 

Kerri Jones. Telephone: 01202 961726. Email: kerrij@bournemouth.ac.uk. 

Closing date: 28 February. 

www.bournemouth.ac.uk/applied-sciences/study-with-us/short-courses.html 

For further information please call 01202 961726 or 

email: apscishortcourses@bournemouth.ac.uk

39 

Core and advanced environmental statistics training: 

functional data analysis workshop 

Dates 

Venue 

17 – 18 March 






Dr Surajit Ray (University of Glasgow). 


This workshop will introduce methods in functional data analysis, with an emphasis on 

practical issues and data arising from environmental monitoring devices and optical or 

mechanical tracking devices. Functional data analysis is a new and very powerful statistical 

methodology, which treats time series data in new ways (the “datapoint” becomes the 

curve). 

The workshop will train students to identify scenarios where data may be considered to 

be smooth functions and construct visualization strategies and implement nonparametric 

smoothing for exploring functional data. Using several environmental data sets we will 

illustrate ways to describe the variation among a group of curves, to describe differences 

between groups of curves and to understand the effect of one set of curves on another 

by formulating and fitting several types of functional linear models. We also discuss some 

techniques that are unique to functional data: curve alignment and the analysis of rates of 

changes or derivatives. The workshop will consist of lectures, discussion and practical work 

using the statistical software R. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students in all areas of environmental sciences. 

By application form. 



Please contact Susan Christie for more information. 


40 

NCAS training for environmental sciences: 

introduction to scientific computing 

Dates 

Venue 

17 – 20 March 

University of York, UK. 





Professor Mathew Evans (University of York). 

National Centre for Atmospheric Science. 

Software carpentry (www.software-carpentry.org/)is designed to ‘make scientists and 

engineers more productive by teaching them basic software development skills, so they 

can get more done in less time, and with less pain’. The Software Sustainability Institute 

(part of University of Edinburgh’s High-Performance and Novel Computing Centre EPCC 

and funded by EPSRC) are the coordinators of Software Carpentry in the UK and we are 

partnering with them to deliver a tailored version of the Software Carpentry course as a 4 

day residential course at the University of York in February 2014. 

We would deliver on standard software carpentry topics such as the shell, basic 

introduction to python programming and data handling. Given the importance of graphical 

representation for environmental data we will also develop a bespoke sub-module on 

visualising basic data. At the end of this course students will be equipped to start using 

computers for cutting edge environmental science. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students and early-career researchers in all areas of environmental science. 


Registration closes one month before the course date. 


For further information please contact Louise Whitehouse. 


41 

CATSCI: Multidisciplinary training in soil and 

freshwater catchment sciences 

Dates 

Venue 

17 – 21 March 

The River Eden catchment, Cumbria, UK. 





Dr Ben Surridge, Professor John Quinton, Professor Phil Haygarth, Professor Keith Bevan, 

Professor Phil Barker, Dr Mike James, and Dr Nick Chappell. 

Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University. 

This course will provide specialist skills and experience across the soil and freshwater 

sciences, emphasising the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for both research and 

management across the land-water continuum. Direct experience of research techniques, 

management approaches and technologies in the soil and freshwater sciences will be 

provided through intensive field-based teaching including: 

• developing the problem scenario, based on an analysis of the Water Framework 

Directive as applied to the River Eden Catchment 

• understanding and quantifying risks to freshwater ecosystems posed by patterns of 

landuse within catchments 

• monitoring climate, soil-water, ground-water and rivers using environmental sensors 

• the relationships between landuse, flood risk management and hydromorphological 

conditions in freshwaters 

• using bioindicators to assess the condition of freshwater ecosystems. 

By the end of the course, participants will gain: 

• Specific skills related to the use of field techniques and technology. 

• Skills and experience at disciplinary interfaces. 

• Transferrable skills in problem-solving, group work and oral communication with 

academic and other stakeholder communities. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



A broad audience across the environmental, biological and geographical sciences, with a 

focus on land and freshwater systems. 

Please see details on the course website. 

www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/postgraduate/cpd--short-courses/nerc-postgraduate-andprofessional-skills-development-awards/ 

For more information please contact Dr Ben Surridge. 

Email: b.surridge@lancaster.ac.uk 

Telephone: 01524 594516

42 

Taxonomic skills and field techniques for freshwater 

ecology and quality 

Dates 

Venue 

17 – 21 March, 9.30 am - 5.30 pm. 

The Natural History Museum, London, UK (lecture rooms, laboratories & herbaria), plus 

one-day field excursion to New Forest. 





Dr Anne D. Jungblut, Steve Brooks, Dr Alan Warren, Dr Holger Thüs, Dr Eileen Cox and 

Dr David Williams (Natural History Museum). 

The Natural History Museum, London. 

This course will deliver training in taxonomic skills and field techniques for freshwater 

ecology and quality, with training in practical identification skills tailored to the requirements 

of the participants. The course is delivered by experts in freshwater biology (aquatic 

invertebrates, algae, lichens, protists ciliates) and biodiversity research. The course will entail 

two days of lectures, a one-day field excursion to New Forest and two days of extensive 

hands-on practical sessions of microscopy, lab-based and herbaria work. 

Topics to be covered include: introduction to taxonomy and identification; practical training 

in the use of keys and handbooks; diversity of freshwater habitats and sampling techniques; 

hands-on training in sampling techniques, recording protocols for species lists, community 

assessment and monitoring; overview of appropriate data analysis, quantitative methods 

and experimental field design; approaches to integrate taxonomic data and physical and 

chemical properties of freshwater habitats; preservation of different groups for voucher 

specimens and long-term storage. 

By the end of the course participants will: 

• know how to use handbooks and keys for taxonomy and microscopy 

• have acquired field skills and understand best practice in collecting, preparing and 

preserving specimens 

• know the principles of experimental design and data analysis 

• have confidence to apply the techniques to their research question. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



PhD students and early career researchers who wish to acquire or enhance their 

taxonomic skills and field techniques. 

Applications should be made using the application form downloadable from the course 

website. 


www.nhm.ac.uk/training-courses 

Please contact Dr Anne D. Jungblut (a.jungblut@nhm.ac.uk) or 

Dr David Williams (d.m.williams@nhm.ac.uk) for further information.

43 

Developing your own mathematical models in R 

Dates 

Venue 

18 –20 March 

Ross Priory, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK 

http://www.strath.ac.uk/rosspriory/ 





Dr Douglas Speirs, Dr David Greenhalgh, Professor Nigel Mottram, and Professor Michael 

Heath (University of Strathclyde). 


This course will provide a basic understanding of modelling and its uses. The course will 

‘lift the lid’ of mathematical models and teach students how to build their own ordinary 

differential equation models from the ground-up using the open-source R programming 

environment. In this course we will show students how to formulate biological, ecological, or 

physical problem in terms of ordinary differential equations, code and solve them in R. The 

course will start by examining simple food chain system and disease models, and progress 

to formulating and constructing basic ecosystem models from scratch. The course will 

assume existing familiarity with programming in R, and of basic calculus. 


• have the knowledge and skill to tackle sophisticated modelling problems from first 

principles, without being constrained by existing packages. 

Suitable for 

How to apply 



Students and early career researchers working in all aspects of environmental science. 

Email m.heath@strath.ac.uk with a short CV, details of your PhD project and funding 

sources, and a 1-page personal statement detailing your existing ability with R and why you 

wish to attend the course. 



Please contact Dr Douglas Speirs (d.c.speirs@strath.ac.uk) for further information.

44 

NCAS training for environmental sciences: modelling 

Unified Model (UM) course 

Dates 

Venue 

25 – 26 March 

University of Leeds, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Grenville Lister (NCAS and the University of Reading). 

University of Leeds and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS). 

This course introduces new users to the Unified Model systems and provides practical 

experience of setting up and running experiments. UM software management system, 

file formats, utilities, and configurations are discussed. Users will be led through a series 

of exercises designed to encourage best practice and scientific exploitation of the Earth 

System Model (ESM). 

All environmental scientists expecting to perform some modelling. 

Please apply on-line through the course website. 

Closing date: one month before the course. 




45 

NCAS training for environmental sciences: modelling 

UKCA course 

Dates 

Venue 

27 – 28 March 

University of Leeds, UK. 





Suitable for 

How to apply 



Dr Luke Abrahams (NCAS and the University of Cambridge). 

National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS). 

This course introduces new users to the UKCA systems and provides practical experience 

of setting up and running experiments. Users will be led through a series of exercises 

designed to encourage best practice and scientific exploitation of the ESM. 

All environmental scientists expecting to perform some modelling. 


Closing date: one month before the course start date.

PPSD courses brochure - NERC

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