Universität Wien
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300082 VU Introduction to ecological modelling (2024W)

(Data Analysis and modelling)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 12 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 13.01. 09:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Tuesday 14.01. 09:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Wednesday 15.01. 09:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Thursday 16.01. 09:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Friday 17.01. 09:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Monday 20.01. 09:00 - 17:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Tuesday 21.01. 09:00 - 17:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Wednesday 22.01. 09:00 - 17:00 Seminarraum 2.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 2.129, Ebene 2
  • Thursday 23.01. 09:00 - 16:00 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Friday 24.01. 09:00 - 16:00 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course will provide an introduction into ecological modelling. We will present and discuss common ecological modelling concepts, ranging from classical population dynamics models and biogeochemical models to spatially explicit and individual-based models, and the modelling of emergent system behaviour. Our focus will be how ecological theory can be translated into models, and how models can be used to get a better understanding of the behaviour and dynamics of ecological systems.

The course will be held in a blocked form between 13th and 24th January 2024. The first week will consist of a mixture of lectures in the morning and practical exercises in the afternoon (full days) to become familiar with common modelling concepts and techniques. The second week will be used for individual group work. Students will work together in small groups (2-3) to address a chosen research question using the tool box of ecological modelling, with course instructors being available for guidance and support. Results of this group work will be presented and discussed in a final seminar day.

We will use R and netlogo. We will offer a crash-course into basic programming techniques if needed.

The course will take place in person at the UBB.

Assessment and permitted materials

Participants will work on a chosen topic independently in small groups of 2-3 persons by building a model to adress a specific research question. You are required to hand in model code and documentation, write a brief report, and give an oral presentation on your results.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Basic knowledge of R is of advantage - we recommend to have taken at least one introductory R course beforehand. Programming skills would be helpful, but are not required. You need to attend at least 80% of the lectures and practical exercises. The grade will be based on active participation during the course (30%) and the group modelling project (70%).

Examination topics

Oral presentation of the group modelling project, model code, documentation and brief report. Active participation throughout the course.

Reading list

Association in the course directory

MEC-6, M-WZB, MZO W4, MNB2

Last modified: Fr 03.01.2025 11:06