Courses in model calibration, model uncertainty analysis, and the application of the program PEST are presented by the author of PEST, Dr. John Doherty, throughout the world.  Multi-day courses have a strong practical aspect, where participants are guided through exercises designed to illustrate important facets of model calibration, experimental design, and predictive analysis.  At these courses, participants are also encouraged to bring their own models to investigate the use of PEST.  One-day workshops are occasionally presented that serve to introduce attendees to the theory and application of inverse modeling.

Introductory and Advanced PEST Courses: Portland, Oregon  May 10-13, 2010

General    

This will be the second “Double Header” PEST course, comprising a two-day “Introduction to PEST” course and a subsequent two-day “Advanced Analysis using PEST” course.

The introductory course will be most suitable to modelers who have little to no experience with inverse methods. This course will comprise a balance of about 60:40 lectures and hands-on-exercises, with the aim of providing theoretical background on inverse methods based on least-squares, and practical experience in their implementation in conjunction with a range of environmental models. This course will include many examples from the groundwater modeling context, together with other environmental modeling applications.

In the advanced course the emphasis will turn to highly parameterized inversion in calibration of ground and surface water models, and in exploration of the uncertainty associated with the parameters and predictions associated with these models. Topics covered in detail will include the use of pilot points as a parameterization device; advanced regularization techniques; the “SVD-assist” technique for efficient inversion of highly parameterized models; linear and nonlinear analysis of uncertainty - including the recently-developed and highly expedient null-space Monte Carlo methodology that is unique to PEST; and methods for optimizing future data acquisition to reduce uncertainty. This course will comprise a balance of about 90% lectures and 10% hands-on exercises. However, there will be ample room for discussion.

Furthermore, participants in either course will be provided with a CD containing 12 hands-on exercises which they can take away with them to study at their leisure.

A detailed course outline is available for download here. 

Attendees can register for the “Introductory” course, or the “Advanced” course, or register for both courses - including 4-days of PEST - for a discount on the individual course prices.

Course Fee Structure

Introductory Course: (Principal Instructor – Matt Tonkin, SSP&A)

$725 private industry/federal employee

$650 state employee

$575 full time student

Advanced Course: (Principal Instructor – John Doherty, author of PEST)

$825 private industry/federal employee

$750 state employee

$675 full time student

Introductory and Advanced Course Double Header

$1400 private industry/federal employee

$1250 state employee

$1100 full time student

The early-bird discount period for the Double Header fees expired on February 26, 2010.

Course Venue and Accommodations

The Introductory and Advanced PEST Courses will be held at The Portland Marriott City Center, Portland (www.marriottportland.com). An Ice-Breaker Reception will be held at the hotel on the evening of Sunday, May 9th, with the first drink complementary. Each morning of the courses coffee, tea and fruit will be provided, and each afternoon coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. A group rate has of $159.00 + tax per day been secured for guest rooms for attendees of the course(s). This room block will be held until 4 weeks prior to the course(s). Please indicate “PEST Course” when booking your accommodations.

Further Information

For any further information on either or both courses, please write to:  pest@sspa.com
Our cancellation policy can be found here. 

Please note:  If you are registering for someone other than yourself, please use the "Add Special Instructions to Merchant" feature within PayPal.  This feature will allow you to submit the name, email and phone number of the party who will be attending the course.

Registration

Introductory Course: (Principal Instructor - Matt Tonkin, SSP&A)