Data Usage with GBIF, South Africa November 2024

The course is suitable for MSc and PhD students in biology and professionals in relevant fields of science. The applicant must have an interest in using biodiversity data to conduct scientific research. A call for candidate participants will be launched soon.

Time and place: – , Kruger National Park
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Buphagus erythrorynchus (Red-billed Oxpecker) CC-BY-NC Heinrich Human (iNaturalist 345352413)

BioDATA Advanced is an international project between Norway and South Africa that aims to support students in upper education in developing skills in biodiversity data management and publishing, in addition to the most modern molecular methods for monitoring biodiversity. The skills taught within BioDATA Advanced are important for carrying out the everyday tasks of a modern biologist, though many of these skills are not taught in higher education. 

This project also looks to strengthen the partnership between the South African Node of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (SANBI-GBIF) and the other BioDATA partners, through exchanges and enhanced collaborations on scientific projects of mutual interest.

This course will teach you how to access and use biodiversity data in your research. The course curriculum includes:

  • An introduction to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • Introduction to biodiversity in South Africa (SANBI)
  • Open and reproducible science (open and FAIR research data)
  • Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reproducible (FAIR) data principles
  • Computer programming using the GBIF API (application programming interface)
  • Datatables, databases, and data structures
  • Data standards (including Darwin Core)
  • Computer code management (including GitHub)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) supported programming
  • Using Google Colab for collaborative code development
  • Using Digital Twins for data analysis (use case on crop wild relatives)
  • Data cleaning, wrangling, and data carpentry
  • Data visualisation

Audience

  • The course is suitable for MSc and PhD students in biology and other professionals in relevant fields.

Prerequisites

  • Participants should have an affinity or professional interest in biodiversity. Participants need to have the motivation and interest in using biodiversity data to conduct scientific research. A good understanding of English is necessary to follow the course, carry out the exercises, and receive support during the teaching. Ideally, you should also be familiar with programming in R or Python.

Venue and dates

  • The course is from the 17th to the 23rd of November 2024 at the Safari Lodge, Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park.

Participants

A call for candidate participants will be announced soon.

Published Apr. 19, 2024 10:07 AM - Last modified June 6, 2024 12:44 PM
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