Environmental Analytical Methods

Course aim

This course introduces students to the analysis of both aspatial and geographic (spatial) data. The rudiments of classical statistics, and spatial analysis will be explored with an environmental and social geographical outlook.

Course content

Basic principles of research and evaluation including practice with the logic, design, collection and analysis of data to solve environmental management issues. Field sampling methods. Introduction to the use of statistical procedures including: displaying and describing distributions; binomial, Poisson, Gaussian distributions; correlation; simple linear regression models; tests of significance. Introduction to computer software for statistical analysis (Minitab & SPSS). Spatial Statistics within a GIS; Centrographic Measures: mean center, median center, standard distance, standard deviational ellipse; Modified Areal Unit Problem (MAUP); quadrat analysis; nearest neighbour analysis; k-function analysis; spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I) for point and polygon data; Local and Global measures of spatial autocorrelation.

Textbook(s)

Hawkins, D. 2009, Biomeasurement, A Student's Guide to Biological Statistics, Second Edition, Oxford University Press

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Computer Practical	2 hours x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Statistics exercises, Statistics project

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 8A)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
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* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.