Paleonet: 2009 Paleobiology Database summer course

[John Alroy]

2009 Paleobiology Database Summer Course in Analytical Paleobiology

Applications are invited for the 2009 edition of the annual summer  
course. The due date is 15 February.

About the course

Since 2005 the Paleobiology Database has conducted a five-week  
intensive course in analytical paleobiology at the University of  
California's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in  
Santa Barbara. In 2009 the course is scheduled to run from 30 June to  
4 August, following NAPC. It will be supported primarily by the  
Paleontological Society with additional contributions from NESCent,  
the Palaeontological Association, and the Society of Vertebrate  
Paleontology.

Topics will include community paleoecology, quantitative  
biochronology, diversity curves, speciation and extinction,  
phylogenetics, phenotypic evolution, and morphometrics. Both  
simulation modelling and data analysis methods will be employed. The  
course will combine lectures and labs. Students will be given hands- 
on instruction in programming using R and trained in other analytical  
software. In addition to the course coordinator, each week a new  
instructor will be present. The instructors are expected to be John  
Alroy, Gene Hunt, Tom Olszewski, Pete Wagner, and Mark Webster.

There is no fee for registration, and students will be housed for  
free in apartments on the UCSB campus. Students are urged to apply  
for travel funds from their home institutions. If such funds are not  
available, travel expenses may be reimbursed for up to $400 if coming  
from the United States, $600 if coming from Western Europe, or $800  
if coming from other countries. Students are responsible for meal  
expenses. There are no other charges of any kind, and no other major  
expenses are likely.

How to apply

Participating students should be in the early stages of their own  
research in any area related to paleontology. They should have a  
background in basic statistics, and preferably also programming. The  
ability to understand rapidly spoken English is essential. The course  
is open to undergraduates and advanced graduate students, but first  
or second year graduate students are particularly encouraged to  
apply. We also strongly encourage applications from women,  
minorities, and international students. Applications from  
professionals who have completed their studies will be considered,  
but strong preference will be given to students.

Applications should be submitted in PDF format to John Alroy  
(alroy at nceas.ucsb.edu). The review process will begin on 15 February  
2009, and applications received by midnight Pacific time on that day  
will receive priority. Applications should consist of a one page  
statement. Do not include separate documents such as a curriculum  
vitae. No form needs to be filled out.

The statement should include a brief description of current research  
plans, a list of degrees earned stating the year of graduation in  
each case, a brief list of relevant classes taken, and an account of  
the student's previous use of statistics and programming. Students  
who do not employ English as a primary language should describe their  
experiences learning and speaking it. Applicants are encouraged to  
explain why the topics addressed by the course are of special  
interest to them, and which of these subjects are taught at their  
home institutions.

Applications must be accompanied by a recommendation letter, also in  
PDF format, written by the student's academic advisor and e-mailed  
separately. Obtaining a recommendation from anyone who is not an  
advisor must be explained. It is important that the recommendation  
give details about the applicant's personal character and abilities,  
not just credentials and descriptions of research projects.  
Recommendation letters also must be received by the end of the due date.

John Alroy
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
735 State Street, Suite 300
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3351
phone: (805) 892-2070
FAX: (805) 892-2510
e-mail: alroy at nceas.ucsb.edu