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Week 1 – PRIMER – gave attendees extensive coverage of non‐parametric methods for multivariate data using PRIMER software. Topics included data pre-treatment (transformations, normalisations), resemblance/distance measures (Euclidean, Bray-Curtis, Jaccard etc), cluster and ordination methods (hierarchical, PCA, MDS, tmMDS), non-parametric permutation tests (ANOSIM), biodiversity measures (richness, evenness, dominance), and linking biotic and abiotic datasets (RELATE, BEST, BIOENV).
Week 2 – PERMANOVA+ – tackles more advanced, semi‐parametric methods suited to high-dimensional, complex experimental or observational designs. Topics include partitioning variation for high-dimensional data via PERMANOVA, tests of centroids and dispersion (PERMDISP), complex multifactor designs (nested, crossed, repeated measures, BACI), multivariate responses to continuous predictors (DISTLM), canonical analyses (dbRDA, CAP) and predictive models.
Why the focus on large/complex datasets matters
In modern marine science and ecology, datasets increasingly involve many variables (species abundances, functional traits, environmental gradients, spatial/temporal replication) and complex sampling/experimental designs. Traditional methods often examine just one species or variable at a time, or can handle multi-species systems, but only for simple (e.g. one-factor) designs. This course instead emphasises how to handle large-scale multivariate systems, dealing with hundreds of species that simultaneously respond to multiple interacting factors. PRIMER/PERMANOVA methods and software empower researchers to achieve rigorous inference via robust permutation methods, to visualise complex patterns, and to interpret results directly for decision-making
The MBA, are proud to support this evolution in analytical capacity, empowering researchers and practitioners to unlock deeper insights from marine ecosystem data. By providing a venue and working directly with participants, they reinforce the MBA’s ambitions to lead in cutting-edge quantitative marine science.
MBA have a number of meeting rooms for hire, click here to find out more about what they offer.
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