Universität Wien
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300117 VU Introduction to ecological modelling (2022S)

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

The preliminary meeting for this course will take place on 4th March 2021 at 10 am and has been switched to online. A link has been sent out to all registered participants.

Please note that the course will take place at the following times (these dates extend those below which only refer to part of the course!):
30th May - 3rd June: 9-12 h (Seminar room 2.1) and 13:30 - 17:30 (Seminar room 1.8)
8th June - 14th June: 9 - 12 h and 13:30 - 17:30 (Seminar room 1.8, 1.6, 1.3)

  • Monday 30.05. 13:15 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 31.05. 13:15 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 01.06. 13:15 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Thursday 02.06. 13:15 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Friday 03.06. 13:15 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Wednesday 08.06. 08:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Thursday 09.06. 08:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1
  • Friday 10.06. 08:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.6, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.011, Ebene 1
  • Monday 13.06. 09:45 - 16:30 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 14.06. 09:45 - 16:30 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, 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 30th May and 14th June 2021 (except 6-7th June). The first five days (30th May - 3rd June) 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 five days 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 in Seminar and computer rooms in the UBB. In case there will be COVID restrictions, it will be switched to an online format.

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 (an extra optional ‘crash course’ on basic programming techniques will be included in the course on demand). You need to attend at least 80% of the lectures and practical exercises. The grade will be based on active participation during the course (20%) and the group modelling project (80%).

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 W-9, MZO W4, MNB2

Last modified: Mo 23.01.2023 14:09