2010 Paleobiology Database Summer Course in Analytical Paleobiology
Applications are invited to participate in the analytical paleobiology workshop's 2010 edition.

About the course

Since 2005 the Paleobiology Database has conducted a five-week intensive training workshop in analytical methods. In 2010 the workshop will be held at Macquarie University in Sydney. It will begin on 7 July, following the Third International Paleontological Congress, and continue through 10 August. It will be supported primarily by the Paleontological Society and NESCent.

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

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@nceas.ucsb.edu). The review process will begin on 15 February 2010, 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@nceas.ucsb.edu