Hybrid course: Introduction to GAM and GAMM. NTU, Singapore. 15-19 February 2027
HYBRID COURSE: This is an onsite course, but you can also join online via Zoom
Location: Climate Transformation Programme Earth Observatory Singapore (EOS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Dates and times: 15-19 February 2027. 09:00-16:00 (Singapore time).
This course provides a practical introduction to generalised additive models (GAMs) and generalised additive mixed-effects models (GAMMs) using the mgcv package in R.
Starting with the fundamental ideas behind smoothers, it progresses to modelling non-linear relationships, incorporating random effects and analysing hierarchical data. Short theory presentations are combined with extensive hands-on exercises using real ecological, environmental, biological, aquaculture and fisheries datasets. The emphasis is on practical modelling skills, sound statistical decisions and interpretation of results, rather than mathematical derivations.
Participants will learn how to:
- fit, interpret and visualise GAMs and GAMMs;
- choose suitable basis dimensions and assess smoother complexity;
- model interactions involving smoothers;
- include random effects and nested or crossed hierarchical structures;
- implement hierarchical GAMs and GAMMs;
- analyse continuous, count, binary and proportional response variables;
- and carry out model selection and validation using DHARMa and other diagnostic tools.
The course covers Gaussian, Poisson, negative binomial, Bernoulli, binomial, beta, Gamma and Tweedie models.
The course includes a 1-hour face-to-face video chat with the instructors.
PREREQUISTES
Participants should have a working knowledge of R and a basic understanding of regression and generalised linear models. Short revisions of multiple linear regression and linear mixed-effects models are included. Participants unfamiliar with GLMs and distributions such as the Poisson, negative binomial, and Bernoulli are advised to complete our introductory course, “Data Exploration, Regression, GLM and GAM”, first.
Participants will receive access to the course website two weeks before the course starts. The website contains approximately 3 hours of preparatory material, including exercises, R scripts, and on-demand videos covering:
- Multiple linear regression
- Generalised linear models
- Model validation using DHARMa
Participants who are not familiar with these topics are encouraged to review the preparatory material before the course begins, as there will be limited time during the course to discuss these basic methods.
If you have questions while working through the preparatory material, you can use the course Discussion Board on the website to ask questions before the course starts.
1 hour face-to-face
The course includes a 1-hour face-to-face video chat with the instructors (to be used after the course). You are invited to apply the statistical techniques discussed during the course on your own data and if you encounter any problems, you can ask questions during the 1-hour face-to-face chat.
A discussion board (access for 12 months) allows for interaction on course content between instructors and participants.
Course content by day
See the flyer: Course flyer
We reserve the right to change the exercises. Pdf files of all theory material will be provided. All exercises consist of data sets and annotated R scripts. Access to the course website is for 12 months.
For terms and conditions, see: