Online courses on Distance sampling, Sept/Oct 2024

VerdantLearn is hosting three part-time Distance sampling courses: 1) Theory & applications, 2) Analysis with R and 3) Survey design. We offer discounts for students, and professionals in middle-/low-income countries, to address unequal access to training. Courses are flexible, sociable & hands-on
Online courses on Distance sampling, Sept/Oct 2024
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Distance sampling is a powerful statistical method for estimating species density and/or population size from sightings of unmarked animals on survey transects or point counts.  It takes into account that you don't always detect the species you're interested in even when they are present, and allows you to determine which ecological or human factors are affecting density across your landscape or through time

The courses are designed to help you with different stages of the monitoring and research process:

  1. Distance sampling Theory and applications - suitable if you need to learn about and/or teach the fundamentals of distance sampling, but you don't need to analyse data
  2. Distance sampling Analysis with R - suitable if you already have wildlife sightings from transects or point counts and need to gain insights fro them.  The Theory course is included as the first week
  3. Distance sampling Survey design - suitable if you're planning a project which requires you to estimate species density/population size and the factors that affect it.  The Theory course is included as the first week.  Course information will be published in a separate post

All courses are suitable for complete beginners to Distance sampling and R, or to help you strengthen your knowledge and confidence

If these courses would be of interest to your networks, please share by using the social media buttons on each course webpage.  Thank you!

~ Course ~ ~ Duration ~ ~ Dates ~ ~ Price before discount* ~
Theory and applications 1 week 16 to 20 September £36
Analysis with R 4 weeks 16 September to 11 October £144
Survey design 2 weeks 14 to 25 October £48

 If you're unsure which course is suitable for you, we suggest you register for the stand-alone Theory and applications course.  If you decide during that course that you'd like to continue with the Analysis or Survey design tracks, you can upgrade by paying the difference in price

We are also happy to give you individual advice on choosing a course - do reply to this email if you'd like our guidance

 *We offer generous discounts to students, and to conservation professionals working in low- or middle-income countries.  To find out whether you're eligible for a discount, complete our Discount enquiry form 

 All VerdantLearn online courses are:

  • Part-time (3-5 hrs/week) and flexible, so you can fit your studying into your busy week
  • Sociable, with opportunities to connect with other conservationists and discuss your work
  • Focussed on your real-life challenges - you bring your own experiences and datasets, or use the data we provide
  • Certified by VerdantLearn

 Finally, there's still time to sign up for our Explore data using R course, 2 weeks from 02 to 13 September!

Let me know if you have any questions

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Great opportunity, thanks for sharing Lucy

Go to the profile of Manuel Antonio
2 months ago

The course looks beneficial for those of us involved in conservation, but unfortunately, I cannot afford it due to financial constraints.

Go to the profile of Lucy Tallents
2 months ago

Hi Manuel, thanks for your comment.

Are you aware that as a conservation professional based in Mozambique (or any other low-income country, by the World Bank definition), you're eligible for a 80% discount on the fees for this course?

That would bring the prices down to:
- 7.20 GBP for the Theory and applications course
- 28.80 GBP for the Analysis course
- 9.60 GBP for the Survey design course

I'm aware that these prices may still not be affordable, and that international payments have their own challenges in many countries, but I hope these discounts mean that at least some of your nationals can afford the course

You can apply for a promotional code here

For context re the prices, in the UK, £7.20 buys two cups of coffee, and £28.80 is two hours of minimum wage work, and would feed a small family for two days

I always welcome feedback on VerdantLearn's course fees - is there any price that would be affordable for you?

Go to the profile of Lucy Tallents
2 months ago

Apologies - I hit Enter and published that before I meant to!  Here is the link for discount enquiries

I also wanted to fact-check minimum wage - the UK National living wage is £11.44/hour for those aged 21+