FREE Introduction to Generalised Linear Mixed Models for Ecologists
Free online course on Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) in R. Learn to analyse grouped ecological data using mixed-effects models in one day.
Duration: 1 Day, 4 Hours per day
Next Date: 14 August, 2025
Format: Live Online Format
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Course Description
This free one-day course provides a practical, hands-on introduction to Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) in R. We start by exploring the concept of hierarchical or grouped data, and why traditional regression models may not be suitable for such structures. Participants will learn how to distinguish between fixed and random effects, and how random intercept models account for baseline differences between groups. We then extend to more complex models with random slopes, showing how relationships between predictors and outcomes can vary by site, species, or observer. The course moves on to fitting GLMMs, focusing on binomial models for presence–absence data and interpreting model coefficients in context. We conclude with guidance on model evaluation, visualisation of predictions and random effects, and clear communication of results.
No prior experience with GLMMs is required, but basic familiarity with R and linear models is recommended if you want to follow the practical session live.
All code, datasets, and presentation slides will be shared with participants prior to the course via GitHUb.
What You’ll Learn
During the course we will cover the following:
- The structure and theory of linear and generalised linear mixed models (LMMs & GLMMs) .
- How to specify, fit, and interpret mixed models in R for both continuous and binary data.
- Best practices for model selection, diagnostics, and visualisation.
- Applying mixed models to real case studies.
Course Format
Interactive Learning Format
Each day features a well-balanced combination of lectures and hands-on practical exercises, with dedicated time for discussing participants’ own data, time permitting.
Global Accessibility
All live sessions are recorded and made available on the same day, ensuring accessibility for participants across different time zones.
Comprehensive Course Materials
All code, datasets, and presentation slides used during the course will be shared with participants by the instructor.
Personalized Data Engagement
Participants are encouraged to bring their own data for discussion and practical application during the course.
Who Should Attend / Intended Audiences
This course is intended for anyone, in particular, ecologists, data analysts, postgraduate students, and early-career researchers who have a basic background in using R and RStudio, such as importing data and running simple functions. Participants are expected to have a foundational understanding of statistics, including concepts like mean, variance, correlation, and linear regression. But even if you have none of these you are still welcome attend and listen.
Equipment and Software requirements
A laptop or desktop computer with a functioning installation of R and RStudio is required. Both R and RStudio are free, open-source programs compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
A working webcam is recommended to support interactive elements of the course. We encourage participants to keep their cameras on during live Zoom sessions to foster a more engaging and collaborative environment.
While not essential, using a large monitor—or ideally a dual-monitor setup—can significantly enhance your learning experience by allowing you to view course materials and work in R simultaneously.
All necessary R packages will be introduced and installed during the workshop. A comprehensive list of required packages will also be shared with participants ahead of the course to allow for optional pre-installation.
Dr. Niamh Mimnagh
Niamh is a statistician working at the interface of ecology, epidemiology, and data science. Her research focuses on applying and developing statistical and machine learning methods to address real-world challenges such as estimating species population sizes from count and trace data and predicting livestock disease re-emergence using sparse or imbalanced datasets. She works with a wide array of statistical approaches, including Bayesian hierarchical models, N-mixture models, anomaly detection algorithms, and spatial analysis techniques.
Niamh earned her PhD in Statistics, with a focus on multispecies abundance modelling, and holds a first-class MSc in Data Science. Alongside her research, she is actively engaged in science communication and education, running a popular blog on applied statistics for non-specialists, and regularly delivering workshops and guest lectures on topics such as GLMs and machine learning with imbalanced data.
Education & Career
- PhD in Statistics (Multispecies Abundance Modelling)
- MSc in Data Science (First Class Honours)
- Instructor, consultant, and science communicator in statistical ecology and epidemiology
Research Focus
Niamh’s work centres on extracting meaningful insights from complex ecological and epidemiological data. She is particularly interested in population estimation techniques and predictive modelling for conservation and disease management, using advanced statistical tools and reproducible workflows.
Current Projects
- Development of Bayesian and ML approaches for estimating species abundance from imperfect data
- Modelling livestock disease risk using spatial and temporal predictors
- Creating accessible educational materials for teaching applied statistics in R
Professional Consultancy
Niamh provides expert statistical support to academic and applied research projects, with a focus on ecological monitoring, conservation planning, and disease modelling. She also advises on study design and data workflows for interdisciplinary teams.
Teaching & Skills
- Teaches topics including GLMs, Bayesian statistics, machine learning for imbalanced data, and spatial statistics in R
- Advocates for reproducibility, open science, and accessible statistical training
- Experienced in communicating complex methods to broad audiences
Links
An Introduction to Mixed Models for Ecologists
Session 1 – 00:50:00 – Foundations of Mixed Models
We begin by introducing the concept of hierarchical or grouped data, discussing why traditional regression models are not always appropriate. We distinguish between fixed and random effects and show how random intercept models can capture baseline differences between groups.
Session 2 – 00:50:00 – Random Slopes and Model Complexity
In this session we extend the basic random intercept model to allow slopes to vary across groups, showing how relationships between predictors and outcomes can differ by site, species, or observer.
Session 3 – 00:50:00 – From LMMs to GLMMs
We transition from continuous-response models to GLMMs. Participants will see how to specify binomial GLMMs for presence-absence data, and how to interpret model coefficients.
Session 4 – 00:50:00 – Model Evaluation and Visualisation
The final session focuses on assessing model fit, comparing models, and interpreting results in a clear and transparent way. Participants will learn how to visualise predicted values, random effects, and variance components.
Testimonials
PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.
Rolando O. Santos
PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Courses attended
SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07
Testimonials
PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.
Rolando O. Santos
PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Courses attended
SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07
Testimonials
PRStats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PRStats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.
Rolando O. Santos
PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Courses attended
SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
When will I receive instructions on how to join?
You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.
Do I need administrator rights on my computer?
I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?
I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?
I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?
I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?
Will I receive a certificate?
When will I receive instructions on how to join?
You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.
Do I need administrator rights on my computer?
I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?
I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?
I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?
I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?
Will I receive a certificate?
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