This course is designed to train scientists in
setting up assessment models, and correctly interpret the results. The focus will
be on the state-space assessment model (SAM), but different formulations will
also be presented and compared.
A series of lectures and exercises will be used
to study every single part of SAM. The exercises are constructed such that when
completed they can easily be combined to a working version of SAM.
Template Model Building (TMB) is a modern tool
for efficiently setting up highly parameterized models possibly including
random effects. TMB will be introduced and used during exercises.
Validating assessment models is equally (or
more) important than merely constructing them. The generic tools for model
validating and model comparison and those specific to state-space models will
be presented and practiced.
Who should participate?
The course is mainly aimed at assessment scientists and
assessment model developers.
Prior knowledge of TMB is not required, however basic understanding of R will be beneficial to the course (read in data, basic plotting). A familiarity with basic c++ syntax will also be helpful to following the course. Coding will be kept to a minimum.