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           Deadline for early registration is June 30th!
                    2nd workshop nearly full!
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           RESEARCH UNIT FOR WILDLIFE POPULATION ASSESSMENT
                 INTERNATIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS 2000
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                   Introduction to Distance Sampling
                           August 28 - 30

    Advanced Techniques and Recent Developments in Distance Sampling
                       August 31 - September 2

            University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland

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            http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distanceworkshop/
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Overview
--------

Distance sampling is the most widely used method for estimating the
abundance
of wildlife populations. The aim of these workshops is to train
participants
in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys,
including line and point transects.  The workshops are taught by leading
researchers in the field, using industry-standard software.

The first workshop will run at an introductory level, and will focus on
"conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard
reference book Distance Sampling.  The workshop will be a blend of theory
and
practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance
(version
3.5).  Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and
methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys.

The second workshop will cover the latest advances in distance sampling
research and software. It is intended for those already familiar with
conventional distance sampling methods.  Participants will learn the use of
covariates for modelling the detection function, double-platform methods
for
when g(0) < 1, spatial modelling of density, automated survey design and
adaptive sampling.  Computer sessions will use a preliminary version of the
new software Distance 4.

For both workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data
sets,
and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data.

Instructors
-----------

The workshop instructors are Prof. Stephen Buckland, Dr. David Borchers and
Dr. Len Thomas.  All three are at the forefront of research into distance
sampling methods, and development of software to apply the new methods.
They
have extensive experience teaching distance sampling, including previous
highly successful workshops taught in the UK, USA, Norway, and New Zealand.

Cost
----

The course fees are 440 UK pounds for one workshop and 745 pounds for both
workshops, with a 25% discount for registered students.  For registrations
received after June 30th, a late-registration supplement of 50 pounds will
apply.  The fee covers tuition, all course materials and refreshments at
morning and afternoon breaks.  The number of places is limited to 30 on the
first workshop and 18 on the second, and will be filled on a first-come
first-served basis.

Further information
-------------------

The workshop booklet is on the world-wide web at
http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distanceworkshop/

Registration forms are available at that site.

If you would like a printed copy of this information or have any
questions about the workshops, please contact

  Rhona Rodger
  Workshop Organizer
  Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment
  Mathematical Institute
  University of St. Andrews
  St. Andrews
  Scotland KY16 9SS

  Tel:+44 1334 463228
  Fax: +44 1334 463748
  Email: [log in to unmask]

Alternative contact:
  Steve Buckland +44 1334 463787
  [log in to unmask]



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