Specific TrainingSpecific training in molecular techniques, statistical analysis, and an IGERT-specific seminar series that includes instruction on scientific ethics and scientific responsibility. IGERT students will receive the following academic training to develop skills in molecular biology and spatial/temporal modeling. These courses are taken as part of the curriculum required for the PhD in the Department of Biological Sciences or the School of Forestry . a. BIO 680 – Molecular Techniques. This is a laboratory-based course that gives students hands on experience in DNA extraction, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, primer design, gene cloning and sequencing and probing for mRNA transcripts. Other one credit seminar courses (BIO 698) on molecular data analysis and related topics are offered through the Environmental Genetics and Genomics Facility (EnGGEN) at NAU. b. Appropriate statistics and mathematics courses – IGERT students will take a one year course through the Mathematics and Statistics Department on statistical fundamentals (MATH 570 and MATH 571, each 3 credits). Students also will be encouraged to take additional courses such as Wildlife Population Modeling, Experimental Design, and Multivariate Statistical Methods. c. IGERT statistics and modeling seminar (2 credti hours). IGERT students will take this course upon completion of one year of statistics (described above). This course involves discussion of the current literature dealing with statistical and modeling approaches that tackle scaling issues and is designed as a preparatory course for a statistical workshop offered the following summer. d. IGERT summer statistics and modeling workshop. IGERT students will take a two week course offered during the summers of 2007-2009 entitled “Uncertainty and Variability in Ecological Inference, Forecasting and Decision Making: An Introduction to Modern Statistical Computation”. The course will be taught by Dr. Jim Clark of Duke University with participation from NAU faculty and a guest participant (a different guest will be selected each year). This course is modeled after Dr. Clark’s Summer Statistics Institute . This 2-week, graduate-level workshop will develop skills in modern statistical computation techniques. Ecological inference and forecasting are limited by large and diverse sources of variability that operate at a range of scales; this topic will target these challenges in a precise and comprehensive manner. Additional lectures will highlight case studies that demonstrate application of statistical principles. Students will receive reading materials before the workshop. Lecture presentations will consist of morning sessions leaving ample time for informal discussion. Working groups of ~3 students will be convened on the first Monday to develop a project based on a student data set. The objective will be to implement techniques from the course for realistic inference and prediction. Groups will select a data set for analysis, develop models, write and execute code, draw inference, and produce predictive distributions. Working groups will have daily meetings in the afternoons and evenings. A progress report at the end of week one and a final report will be used for grading assessment. e. Responsible conduct of science seminar (BIO 698, 1 credit hour, offered spring semesters). This seminar covers scientific ethics related to genes to environment themes, aspects of professional preparation, discussion of alternative careers in science, traditional ecological knowledge and data documentation and sharing. f. IGERT Research Seminar (BIO/ENV/FOR 698, 1 credit; offered every semester and required except during internship semester). This course is taken with other graduate students and provides a forum for presentation of research at all stages of development (ideas to fully prepared seminars) and collegial critique of research.
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