Analysis of Organismal Form
¦ Distance learning course ¦ 6 weeks ¦ approx. 6 hours per week ¦ Nov - Dec ¦
The unit will provide an introduction to morphometrics - the quantitative analysis of organismal size and shape. There will be a survey of the methods for data acquisition and analysis as well as applications in diverse subfields of biology and medicine. Examples will primarily be from the research in Chris Klingenberg's lab, but the course content should be broadly applicable in studies on diverse organisms (animals, humans, plants) and in the context of different research fields (basic biology as well as medical or other applications).
Syllabus
- Data acquisition: the kinds of data and the equipment used to collect them.
- Definitions of size and shape (distance measures)
- Geometric methods to measure shape from a configuration of landmark points
(Procrustes superimposition)
- Statistics of variation, scatter plots, basic multivariate statistics
- Measurement error and outliers
- Shape transformations and 'warping' -- the thin plate spline
- Analysis of outline shapes
- Distinguishing between groups (taxonomy, clinical diagnosis, etc.)
- Allometry and size correction
- Influence of external factors on shape (ecomorphology, dose-response studies)
- Symmetric forms and measurement of asymmetry.
- Morphometric inferences on developmental processes, morphological integration, modularity
- Genetics of shape: analyses of resemblance between relatives, QTL analyses.
- Phylogeny: reconstructing the evolution of shape
Qualification
Confirmation of course participation, no other official certification from the University.
Assessment
Two online tests during the course will be open to all participants. For the students at The University of Manchester, these tests will count for 10% of the course grade each. For other participants, they will provide an assessment of their understanding.
In contrast, the final exam, consisting of problem questions and counting for 80% of the course grade for local students, will not be administered to students from outside The University of Manchester.
Cost (2011/12)
Further information
See: