Multivariate statistics in R

Summary

Data required for ecosystem assessment is typically multidimensional. Multivariate statistical tools allow us to summarize and model multiple ecological parameters. This course provides a conceptual introduction and guidelines for the use of multivariate statistical tools using the R platform.

Content

Keywords

Multivariable analysis, statistics for ecological data sets, ordination, clustering

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Explore multivariate datasets
• Select appropriately the methods for multivariate data analysis
• Explain the basic principles of various tools
• Interpret obtained results
• Apply methods in exercices and in a personal project

Transversal skills

• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.

Teaching methods

Lectures and computer exercises. Personal projects.

Expected student activities

• Active participation in lectures and excercises.
• Application of methods to example and a personal dataset
• Presentation of results (oral and written)

Assessment methods

• hand-in exercises (individual) - 50%
• oral presentation (group work) - 20%
• written report (group work) - 30%

Supervision

Resources

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/ENV-513