Biodiversity Data – Collection, Management, and Analysis Dane o różnorodności biologicznej – zbieranie, zarządzanie i analiza 1400-BDMM-war
The aim of the course is to acquire skills in recording biodiversity data in the field, in the laboratory, from the literature, or from public repositories in a way that maximizes their scientific value and potential for use. Various software applications and tools for acquiring biodiversity data will be used. The course provides support in developing a Data Management Plan (DMP) required for research project funding applications. Topics include:
using relational databases according to current standards, enabling easy use of data both in individual research and sharing in accordance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles;
using IT tools for building databases and managing large datasets;
basic terminology and standards for biodiversity data, including the scope of data and metadata required to maintain high-quality datasets;
using open biodiversity data repositories and the principles of depositing and publishing data in these repositories;
the issue of sensitive data in the context of open biodiversity data and appropriate mitigation measures, for example, regarding precise information on the location of rare species;
using georeferencing methods to determine location based on verbal descriptions, such as information provided on a specimen's label;
using GIS software for data analysis and visualization (e.g., wildlife inventory, spatial structure of populations – abundance and density).
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W01 BI2, K_W04 BI2, K_W09 BI2, K_W11 BI2, K_W17 BI2, K_W18 BI2; K_W03 OS2, K_W06 OS2, K_W13 OS2, WG_03, WG_04, WK_03
Student:
understands the complexity of processes and phenomena in nature, the understanding of which requires an interdisciplinary approach based on empirical data;
understands the relationships between organisms and the environment, applying hypotheses concerning temporal and spatial determinants of biological diversity;
knows specialized bioinformatic tools necessary for solving problems in the field of biological sciences;
knows specialized methods and techniques for conducting field studies in the natural environment and ways of using them for environmental protection;
understands the principles of copyright protection and intellectual property;
recognizes the dynamic development of natural sciences and the emergence of new research disciplines, as well as identifies the most significant trends in the development of biological sciences in the field of his or her specialization;
knows modern techniques used in the assessment of the state of the environment and the methods of environmental protection;
knows the principles of research planning and modern data collection techniques;
has in-depth knowledge of copyright law;
knows and understands scientific research methodology within scientific disciplines in the field of exact and natural sciences;
knows and understands the principles for dissemination of scientific results in the field of exact and natural sciences, including the open access mode;
knows and understands the basic principles of knowledge transfer to the economic and social areas and commercialisation of the results of scientific activities within exact and natural sciences and of the know-how related to these results.
SKILLS
K_U02 BI2, K_U03 BI2, K_U04 BI2, K_U06, K_U08 BI2, KU_11 BI2; K_U01 OS2, K_U02 OS2, K_U10 OS2, UW_02, UW_03, UK_02
Student:
uses specialized methods and techniques applied in field work in the natural environment;
uses scientific and popular science texts in Polish and English proficiently and communicates in English at the B2+ level;
demonstrates the ability to critically analyze and select biological information, especially from electronic sources and media;
applies appropriate statistical methods as well as algorithms and IT techniques to describe phenomena and analyze biological data;
is able to critically develop a selected biological problem based on literature data and own research results, formulating their own opinions and conclusions;
has the ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations in Polish and English in accordance with the requirements specified for the B2+ level;
applies advanced statistical methods and tools to analyze empirical data and describe natural processes;
predicts the direction of changes in the natural environment under the influence of various factors;
is able to collect and interpret empirical data;
is able to critically analysing and evaluating the results of scientific research in the field of exact and natural sciences, expert and other creative work and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge;
is able to transferring the results of scientific activities to the economic and social areas;
is able to disseminating the results of scientific activities in the field of exact and natural sciences, also with the use of popular forms.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES:
K_K01 BI2, K_K03 BI2, K_K04 BI2, K_K06 BI2; K_K09 OS2, KK_03, KO_01
Student:
understands the need for lifelong learning, inspiring the development of this need in others;
is able to convey knowledge about the latest achievements in natural sciences to society and explain the validity of conducting basic scientific research;
is able to work in a team, carrying out their own research, and co-organizing the work of the entire team;
applies research ethics principles, resolving dilemmas related to the profession;
has a habit of using objective sources of scientific information;
is ready to recognising the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems within a specific discipline in the field of exact and natural sciences;
is ready to fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators.
Assessment criteria
Students complete an individual project presenting collected data in designated analysis and visualization blocks.
Bibliography
Zasoby edukacyjne GBIF: https://www.gbif.org/training
QGIS: https://docs.qgis.org/3.40/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/index.html
SQL: https://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_intro.asp
OpenRefine: https://openrefine.org/docs
rgbif: https://www.gbif.org/tool/81747/rgbif
Darwin Core: https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: