Natural Resources Job Board

COURSE DESCRIPTION - BAYESIAN CAUSAL NETWORKS FOR COMPLEX MULTIVARIATE SYSTEMS

This course is designed to provide the fundamental understanding and developing Bayesian Causal Network (BCN) models for integrative analyses. A BCN refers to a probabilistic graphical model, specifically a Bayesian network (also called Bayesian Belief Network), designed to represent causal relationships between multiple variables in complex systems. BCN modeling is advantageous when dealing with many interconnected variables (multivariate) where direct cause-and-effect relationships might not be readily apparent; it allows for the analysis of how changes in one variable can influence others within the system, taking into account uncertainties and dependencies between variables. The initial model can be useful to determine leverage points for interventions. Due to the stability of most complex systems, the model can also predict possible outcomes based on changes to the variables or their intensity when testing interventions. 

This course will walk you through the development of multiple stages of BCN modeling, including a decision net (which optimizes decisions) and an influence net. Additionally, simple BCN will be created in the third module and added to in the final module, resulting in a more complex aggregate model. This process will enable you to predict, monitor, and update your model indefinitely. You will become proficient in using the software Netica, and the modeling process used in Netica is applicable to most Bayesian network software currently available.

This is a 1-credit equivalent academic course (16 contact hrs + additional work) where you learn at your own pace over 3 months.
 

DATES
02 June – 24 August, 2025

COST
Early bird ends May the 4th - save $75!
Instructor support options start at $525 professional / $425 student

LEARN MORE & REGISTER
https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses/p/bayesian-causal-network-modeling 

All courses in this program are graduate level and are designed for full-time researchers, graduate students, environmental consultants, conservation specialists, and resource management practitioners. Taught by leading experts in their fields, participants will learn job-ready skills, including how to properly design field studies and controlled experiments, organize and visualize data, and become proficient in a variety of statistical analyses and modeling techniques to answer important environmental questions.

To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/applied-quantitative-ecology